A processor's real-world performance depends on CPU architecture, GPU capability, memory handling, multimedia support, and connectivity features. Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 625 differ across core design, manufacturing process, camera support, and network technology, affecting tasks such as app switching, video streaming, photography, and mobile gaming.
General
The Snapdragon 625 launched in February 2016 for mid-range 4G smartphones, while the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 launched in June 2023 for budget 5G smartphones. The two processors use different manufacturing approaches, with Snapdragon 625 built on 14nm technology and Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 using a 4nm Samsung process.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| Brand | Qualcomm | Qualcomm |
| Model | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 625 |
| Announced | June 2023 | February 2016 |
| Target segment | Budget 5G smartphones | Mid-range 4G smartphones |
| Network support | 5G, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Manufacturing process | 4nm | 14nm |
CPU
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 uses a hybrid Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 architecture with 2 performance cores at 2.2GHz and 6 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz. The Snapdragon 625 uses 8x Cortex-A53 cores at 2.0GHz, designed for everyday tasks such as messaging, browsing, and video playback on 4G smartphones.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| CPU architecture | Cortex-A78 + Cortex-A55 | Cortex-A53 |
| CPU cores | 8-core | 8-core |
| Performance cores | 2x Cortex-A78@2.2GHz | 8x Cortex-A53@2.0GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 6x Cortex-A55@2.0GHz | Not separate |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.2GHz | 2.0GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8.2-A | ARMv8-A |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Process node | 4nm | 14nm |
Graphics
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 uses the Adreno 613 GPU with Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2 support for casual gaming, HD/FHD content, and displays supporting up to 120Hz. The Snapdragon 625 uses the Adreno 506 GPU, supporting HD gaming, video playback, and everyday graphical tasks on older 4G devices.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| GPU model | Adreno 613 | Adreno 506 |
| GPU generation | Adreno 6 Series | Adreno 5 Series |
| Gaming capability | Casual gaming, HD and FHD titles, up to 120fps supported displays | Casual gaming and HD titles |
| Vulkan support | Vulkan 1.1 | Vulkan 1.0 |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.1 |
| Video playback | HD and FHD streaming | HD and Full HD streaming |
| AI graphics support | Supported through Qualcomm AI optimisations | Supported through Qualcomm technologies |
Memory
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 supports LPDDR5 and LPDDR4X memory with up to 6,400Mbps memory frequency and 25.6GB/s bandwidth. The Snapdragon 625 supports LPDDR3 memory, designed for smartphones running basic apps such as WhatsApp, web browsers, and video streaming services.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR5, LPDDR4X | LPDDR3 |
| Maximum memory frequency | 6,400Mbps (LPDDR5), 4,266Mbps (LPDDR4X) | 933MHz |
| Memory bus width | 2 × 16-bit | 32-bit |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 25.6GB/s | ~7.5GB/s |
| Maximum RAM support | 16GB | 4GB |
| ECC memory support | No | No |
Multimedia (ISP)
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 includes the Qualcomm Spectra ISP with support for up to a 108MP single camera, FHD+ displays at up to 120Hz, and 1080p60 video recording. The Snapdragon 625 uses an older dual ISP design supporting up to 24MP cameras, Full HD displays, and everyday photography for social media sharing.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| ISP | Qualcomm Spectra ISP | Qualcomm Spectra ISP |
| Storage support | UFS 3.1, UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Maximum display resolution | FHD+ | Full HD |
| Maximum refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 60Hz |
| Maximum camera resolution | 108MP (single camera) | 24MP |
| Multi-camera support | Yes | Yes |
| Video recording | 1080p at 60fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Video playback | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265 |
| Audio codecs | Qualcomm Aqstic audio support | Qualcomm Aqstic audio support |
Connectivity and network
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 integrates the Snapdragon X61 5G modem with 5G SA/NSA support, 2.5Gbps download speed, and 900Mbps upload speed. The Snapdragon 625 uses the Snapdragon X9 LTE modem for 4G connectivity with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1 support for daily wireless usage.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| Cellular modem | Snapdragon X61 5G | Snapdragon X9 LTE |
| Network support | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Maximum download speed | 2.5Gbps | 300Mbps |
| Maximum upload speed | 900Mbps | 150Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 4.1 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo |