The CPU, GPU, memory, multimedia engine, and connectivity features determine how quickly a smartphone opens apps, records videos, switches between tasks, downloads files, and handles everyday activities such as video calling, online payments, and streaming content.
General
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 targets modern budget 5G smartphones with a newer 6nm manufacturing process and integrated 5G modem. Snapdragon 835 was introduced as Qualcomm's flagship chipset in 2016, combining premium CPU and GPU hardware with advanced multimedia features for flagship Android devices.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 835 |
|---|
| Brand | Qualcomm | Qualcomm |
| Model | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Announced | September 2022 | November 2016 |
| Target segment | Budget 5G smartphones | Flagship smartphones |
| Network support | 5G, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Manufacturing process | 6nm | 10nm |
CPU
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 combines Cortex-A78 performance cores with Cortex-A55 efficiency cores to reduce app loading time during multitasking, video calls, and web browsing. Snapdragon 835 uses Qualcomm Kryo 280 cores based on Cortex-A73 and Cortex-A53 designs, delivering responsive performance for older flagship smartphones and everyday productivity.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 835 |
|---|
| CPU architecture | Cortex-A78 + Cortex-A55 | Kryo 280 (Cortex-A73 + Cortex-A53) |
| Total cores | 8 | 8 |
| Performance cores | 2x Cortex-A78@2.0GHz | 4x Kryo 280 Performance@2.45GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 6x Cortex-A55@1.8GHz | 4x Kryo 280 Efficiency@1.9GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.0GHz | 2.45GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8.2-A | ARMv8-A |
| Process node | 6nm | 10nm |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
Graphics
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 uses the Adreno 619 GPU for HD gaming, video streaming, and smoother Android interface animations. Snapdragon 835 includes the Adreno 540 GPU, originally designed for flagship gaming workloads, higher graphics settings, and advanced multimedia processing on premium smartphones.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 835 |
|---|
| GPU model | Adreno 619 | Adreno 540 |
| GPU architecture | Adreno 600 series | Adreno 500 series |
| GPU frequency | 700MHz | 710MHz |
| Gaming capability | HD and FHD casual gaming | Premium gaming for its launch generation |
| Vulkan support | 1.1 | 1.0 |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| Video playback | Full HD playback | 4K video playback |
Memory
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports LPDDR4X memory running at up to 2133MHz, helping apps reload quickly while switching between messaging, web browsing, and video streaming. Snapdragon 835 also supports LPDDR4X memory but at up to 1866MHz, making it suitable for older flagship smartphones handling everyday multitasking and media playback efficiently.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 835 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR4X | LPDDR4X |
| Maximum memory frequency | 2133MHz | 1866MHz |
| Memory bus width | 2 x 16-bit | 2 x 16-bit |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 17GB/s | 29.8GB/s |
| Maximum RAM support | 8GB | 8GB |
| ECC memory support | No | No |
Multimedia (ISP)
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 includes the Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP with support for cameras up to 108MP, making it suitable for high-resolution photography and social media content creation. Snapdragon 835 features the Spectra 180 ISP with support for 32MP cameras and 4K video recording, delivering premium imaging capabilities for its generation.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 835 |
|---|
| ISP | Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP | Qualcomm Spectra 180 ISP |
| Storage support | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.1 |
| Maximum display resolution | FHD+ | 4K UHD |
| Maximum refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz (4K display support) |
| Maximum camera resolution | 108MP | 32MP single camera |
| Video capture | 1080p at 60fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Video playback | Full HD | 4K UHD |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
| Audio codecs | Qualcomm Aqstic audio | Qualcomm Aqstic audio |
Connectivity and network
Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 integrates the Snapdragon X51 modem with Sub-6GHz 5G connectivity for faster downloads, HD video streaming, and online gaming. Snapdragon 835 uses the Snapdragon X16 LTE modem for 4G networks, delivering reliable browsing, video calls, and media streaming on LTE-enabled smartphones.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 835 |
|---|
| Cellular modem | Snapdragon X51 5G | Snapdragon X16 LTE |
| Network support | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Maximum download speed | 2.5Gbps | 1Gbps |
| Maximum upload speed | 900Mbps | 150Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS |