The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 835 are built for different generations of smartphones. Introduced in 2023 and 2017, respectively, they reflect Qualcomm's evolution in mobile processing. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is designed for affordable 5G smartphones, offering better power efficiency and modern connectivity. In contrast, the Snapdragon 835 was Qualcomm's flagship chipset, delivering premium CPU, GPU, and multimedia performance for high-end smartphones of its time.
General
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 835 target different smartphone segments. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is manufactured on Samsung's efficient 4nm process and includes an integrated 5G modem. The Snapdragon 835 is built on Samsung's 10nm FinFET process and was designed to deliver flagship-level performance with advanced graphics and multimedia capabilities for premium smartphones.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Launch date | June 2023 | January 2017 |
| Processor generation | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Target devices | Affordable 5G smartphones | Premium flagship smartphones |
| Manufacturing process | Samsung 4nm | Samsung 10nm FinFET |
| CPU architecture | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Network support | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Model number | SM4450 | MSM8998 |
CPU
Both processors feature an octa-core CPU, but they use different core architectures and are designed for different workloads. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 combines Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores to deliver efficient everyday performance and low power consumption. The Snapdragon 835 features Qualcomm's Kryo 280 CPU, providing stronger processing performance for gaming, multimedia, and multitasking on flagship smartphones.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 835 |
| CPU design | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| Performance cores | 2 × Cortex-A78 at 2.2GHz | 4 × Kryo 280 at 2.45GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 6 × Cortex-A55 at 2.0GHz | 4 × Kryo 280 at 1.9GHz |
| Highest clock speed | 2.2GHz | 2.45GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8-A | ARMv8-A |
| Manufacturing node | Samsung 4nm | Samsung 10nm FinFET |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
Graphics
Graphics performance determines gaming quality, multimedia capabilities, and display performance. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 features the Adreno 613 GPU, delivering smooth graphics for everyday gaming and video playback. The Snapdragon 835 integrates the more powerful Adreno 540 GPU, which was built for flagship gaming, VR experiences, and demanding graphics workloads.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 835 |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Adreno 540 |
| GPU architecture | Adreno | Adreno |
| GPU implementation | Qualcomm architecture | Qualcomm architecture |
| Maximum frequency | 955MHz | 710MHz |
| Vulkan API | Vulkan 1.1 | Vulkan 1.0 |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| OpenCL | 2.0 FP | 2.0 |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 |
| Display capability | Full HD+ | 4K UHD |
| Gaming optimisation | Snapdragon Elite Gaming features | Qualcomm gaming optimisations |
Memory
Memory specifications influence multitasking, application loading, and overall responsiveness. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 supports faster LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage for improved efficiency in modern smartphones. The Snapdragon 835 supports LPDDR4X memory and UFS 2.1 storage, providing strong performance for flagship devices released during its generation.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Memory technology | LPDDR5 | LPDDR4X |
| Maximum frequency | 3,200MHz | 1,866MHz |
| Memory interface | 2 × 16-bit | 2 × 16-bit |
| Maximum bandwidth | 25.6GB/s | 29.8GB/s |
| Maximum RAM | 16GB | 8GB |
| Storage support | UFS 3.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| eMMC support | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
Multimedia
The multimedia engine controls camera performance, video recording, and display capabilities. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 supports cameras up to 108MP and Full HD video recording, making it suitable for modern budget smartphones. The Snapdragon 835 features the Spectra 180 ISP, supporting 4K video recording and advanced imaging capabilities that were considered flagship features during its launch period.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 835 |
| Image processor | Qualcomm Spectra ISP | Qualcomm Spectra 180 ISP |
| Maximum camera | 108MP | 32MP |
| Multi-camera support | Dual 16MP | Dual 16MP |
| Maximum video recording | 1080p at 60fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Maximum display resolution | Full HD+ | 4K UHD |
| Maximum refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
| Audio codecs | aptX Adaptive, AAC, LDAC | aptX HD, AAC |
Connectivity and network
Connectivity is one of the biggest differences between these processors. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 supports modern 5G networks through the Snapdragon X61 modem, along with Bluetooth 5.1 and comprehensive satellite navigation support. The Snapdragon 835 features the Snapdragon X16 LTE modem, offering Gigabit-class 4G LTE connectivity for flagship smartphones launched before the widespread adoption of 5G.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 835 |
| 5G modem | Snapdragon X61 | Not supported |
| 5G compatibility | 5G SA/NSA | No |
| Maximum download speed | 2.5Gbps | Up to 1Gbps (LTE) |
| Maximum upload speed | 900Mbps | 150Mbps |
| Dual 5G SIM | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, NavIC, BeiDou, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS |