The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 860 are designed for different smartphone segments. Launched in 2023, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 is an entry-level 5G chipset built on Samsung's efficient 4nm process, offering modern connectivity and improved battery life. In contrast, the Snapdragon 860, introduced in 2021, is a performance-focused 4G chipset based on TSMC's 7nm process. It combines flagship-grade CPU and GPU hardware to deliver superior gaming, multitasking, and multimedia performance.
General
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 focuses on affordable 5G smartphones with an emphasis on efficiency and everyday performance. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 860 targets performance-oriented 4G smartphones, offering higher processing power and graphics capability for demanding applications. While both processors feature a 64-bit architecture, they differ significantly in connectivity, manufacturing technology, and target audience.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 860 |
| Launch date | June 2023 | March 2021 |
| Processor generation | Snapdragon 4 series | Snapdragon 8 series |
| Target devices | Affordable and mid-range 5G smartphones | Performance-oriented 4G smartphones |
| Manufacturing process | Samsung 4nm | TSMC 7nm |
| CPU architecture | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Network support | 5G SA/NSA, 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| Model number | SM4450 | SM8150-AC |
CPU
Both chipsets feature an octa-core CPU, but they are optimised for different workloads. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 combines two Cortex-A78 performance cores with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores to deliver smooth everyday performance while keeping power consumption low. The Snapdragon 860 uses one Kryo 485 Prime core, three Kryo 485 Gold cores, and four Kryo 485 Silver cores, providing significantly higher processing power for gaming, video editing, and intensive multitasking.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 860 |
| CPU design | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| Performance cores | 2 × Cortex-A78 @ 2.2GHz | 1 × Kryo 485 Prime (Cortex-A76) @ 2.96GHz + 3 × Kryo 485 Gold (Cortex-A76) @ 2.42GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 6 × Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz | 4 × Kryo 485 Silver (Cortex-A55) @ 1.80GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.2GHz | 2.96GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8-A | ARMv8-A |
| Manufacturing process | Samsung 4nm | TSMC 7nm |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
Graphics
Graphics performance is one of the biggest differences between these processors. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 integrates the Adreno 613 GPU for smooth everyday gaming and multimedia while maintaining excellent power efficiency. The Snapdragon 860 features the flagship-class Adreno 640 GPU, delivering higher graphics throughput, support for demanding games at higher settings, and improved performance on high-refresh-rate displays.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 860 |
| GPU | Adreno 613 | Adreno 640 |
| GPU architecture | Adreno | Adreno |
| GPU frequency | Not officially disclosed | 675MHz |
| Vulkan API | Vulkan 1.1 | Vulkan 1.1 |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| OpenCL | 2.0 FP | 2.0 FP |
| DirectX | 12 | 12 |
| Display support | Full HD+ up to 120Hz | QHD+ at 60Hz or Full HD+ up to 144Hz |
| Gaming technologies | Snapdragon Elite Gaming | Snapdragon Elite Gaming |
Memory
The two processors support different memory technologies. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 uses newer LPDDR5 memory, offering faster data access and improved responsiveness for everyday tasks. The Snapdragon 860 supports LPDDR4X memory but compensates with higher memory bandwidth, making it better suited for graphics-intensive applications and sustained performance.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 860 |
| Memory technology | LPDDR5 | LPDDR4X |
| Maximum memory frequency | 3,200MHz | 2,133MHz |
| Memory interface | 2 × 16-bit | 4 × 16-bit (64-bit) |
| Maximum bandwidth | 25.6GB/s | 34.1GB/s |
| Maximum RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage support | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| eMMC support | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
Multimedia
The multimedia engines reflect the positioning of each chipset. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 supports high-resolution photography for budget 5G smartphones, while the Snapdragon 860 delivers more advanced imaging capabilities with support for larger camera sensors and 4K HDR video recording.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 860 |
| Image processor | Qualcomm Triple ISP | Qualcomm Spectra 380 ISP |
| Maximum camera resolution | 108MP | 192MP |
| Multi-camera support | Dual 16MP + 16MP | Dual 22MP + 22MP |
| Maximum video recording | 1080p at 60fps | 4K UHD at 60fps |
| Maximum display resolution | Full HD+ | 4K UHD external display |
| Maximum display refresh rate | 120Hz | Full HD+ up to 144Hz |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9 |
| Audio codecs | AAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD | AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
Connectivity and network
Connectivity is another key difference. The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 integrates the Snapdragon X61 modem with full 5G support, making it suitable for modern mobile networks. The Snapdragon 860 relies on the Snapdragon X24 LTE modem, offering fast 4G connectivity alongside Wi-Fi 6 for reliable wireless performance.
| Specification | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 860 |
| Modem | Snapdragon X61 | Snapdragon X24 LTE |
| 5G support | 5G SA/NSA | No |
| Maximum download speed | Up to 2.5Gbps | Up to 2.0Gbps (LTE) |
| Maximum upload speed | Up to 900Mbps | Up to 316Mbps |
| Dual 5G SIM | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS |