The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 820 are designed for different smartphone generations and usage requirements. While the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 focuses on modern connectivity, improved power efficiency, and balanced everyday performance, the Snapdragon 820 was developed as a flagship processor with powerful CPU and GPU capabilities. Comparing their specifications across CPU, graphics, memory, multimedia, and connectivity highlights how these processors differ in real-world performance and features.
General
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 820 belong to different Qualcomm processor families and were introduced several years apart. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is a modern entry-level 5G chipset built for efficient everyday performance, whereas the Snapdragon 820 was launched as a flagship processor with a focus on premium performance. Their launch period, target segment, and hardware design reflect these different priorities.
| Feature | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 820 |
| Announced Date | 6 September 2022 | 10 November 2015 |
| Class | Mid-range | High-end |
| Model number | SM4375 | MSM8996 |
| Brand | Qualcomm | Qualcomm |
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 benefits from newer manufacturing technology and modern smartphone features, while the Snapdragon 820 remains recognised for delivering flagship-level performance during its launch period. Their specifications highlight the evolution of Qualcomm's mobile platforms over time.
CPU
The CPU architecture determines how efficiently a processor handles multitasking, application performance, and demanding workloads. Although both processors use 64-bit architecture, they feature different core designs and manufacturing processes, resulting in different levels of processing power and energy efficiency.
| Feature | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 820 |
| Architecture | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Cores | Octa-core | Quad-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo, 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Frequency | Up to 2.0 GHz | Up to 2.2 GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8-A | ARMv8-A |
| Process | 6nm | 14nm |
| TDP (Sustained power limit) | 5W | 7.5W |
| Manufacturing | TSMC | Samsung |
The Snapdragon 820 delivers stronger peak CPU performance through its custom Kryo architecture, while the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 provides better power efficiency and balanced performance for everyday smartphone tasks with its newer 6nm design.
Graphics
Graphics performance influences gaming, multimedia playback, and the responsiveness of visually demanding applications. GPU architecture, graphics APIs, and manufacturing technology all contribute to the overall graphics experience offered by each processor.
| Feature | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 820 |
| SoC | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 820 |
| GPU name | Adreno 619 | Adreno 530 |
| GPU frequency | 950 MHz | 624 MHz |
| FLOPS | 800 GFLOPS | 536 GFLOPS |
| Vulkan Version | 1.1 | 1.0 |
| OpenCL Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| DirectX Version | 12 | 12 |
The Snapdragon 820 continues to offer strong graphics capabilities through its flagship Adreno 530 GPU, while the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 provides efficient graphics performance with support for newer graphics technologies and improved power efficiency.
Memory
Memory specifications play an important role in multitasking, application loading, and overall system responsiveness. The supported memory type, bandwidth, and maximum capacity determine how efficiently a processor manages everyday and demanding workloads.
| Feature | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 820 |
| Memory type | LPDDR4x | LPDDR4 |
| Memory frequency | 2133 MHz | 1866 MHz |
| Bus | 2 x 16-bit | 2 x 32-bit |
| Max bandwidth | 17 GB/s | 29.8 GB/s |
| Max size | 8GB | 6GB |
The Snapdragon 820 offers higher memory bandwidth for performance-focused applications, whereas the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports newer LPDDR4X memory, improving power efficiency and overall responsiveness for modern smartphones.
Multimedia (ISP)
The multimedia engine and image signal processor determine camera capabilities, display support, and video recording performance. Improvements in these areas enable smartphones to capture higher-quality images, support advanced displays, and deliver a better entertainment experience.
| Feature | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 820 |
| Storage type | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.0 |
| Max Display Resolution | 2520 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Max Camera Resolution | 64 MP | 25 MP |
| Video capture | 1080p @ 60fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| Video Playback | 1080p | 4K |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265 |
| Audio codecs | AAC, MP3, aptX | AAC, MP3, aptX |
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports newer camera technologies and storage standards, while the Snapdragon 820 offers higher display resolution and 4K video capabilities, reflecting its flagship multimedia focus.
Connectivity and network
Connectivity features influence network performance, wireless communication, and the overall smartphone experience. Support for faster mobile networks, newer Wi-Fi standards, and updated Bluetooth versions helps improve connectivity across a wide range of everyday tasks.
| Feature | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 820 |
| Modem | Snapdragon X51 | Snapdragon X12 |
| 4G support | Yes | Yes |
| 5G support | Yes | No |
| Download Speed | Up to 2.5 Gbps | Up to 600 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | Up to 1.2 Gbps | Up to 150 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.2 |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou |
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 delivers a more modern connectivity experience with integrated 5G support and updated wireless technologies. The Snapdragon 820 remains a capable platform for 4G connectivity, offering reliable wireless performance for devices that do not require 5G.
