The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 625 differ across CPU architecture, graphics capabilities, memory technology, multimedia support, camera processing, display compatibility, storage support, and network connectivity. These specifications directly influence gaming performance, application responsiveness, photography, multitasking, battery efficiency, and overall smartphone experience.
General
The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 and Snapdragon 625 represent two different generations of Qualcomm mobile platforms designed for mid-range smartphones. Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, launched in September 2022, is a 5G platform built on a 4nm process with Qualcomm Kryo CPU architecture, Adreno 710 GPU, Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP, and Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System. Snapdragon 625, launched in February 2016, is a 4G LTE platform built on a 14nm process with an octa-core Cortex-A53 CPU, Adreno 506 GPU, Spectra 160 ISP, and Snapdragon X9 LTE modem.
| Specification | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| Brand | Qualcomm | Qualcomm |
| Launch date | September 2022 | February 2016 |
| Model number | SM6450 | MSM8953 |
| Target segment | Mid-range smartphones | Mid-range smartphones |
| Mobile network | 5G | 4G LTE |
| Manufacturing process | 4nm | 14nm FinFET |
CPU
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 uses Qualcomm Kryo CPU architecture with eight cores designed to deliver faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved efficiency. Snapdragon 625 features eight Cortex-A53 cores focused on reliable everyday performance, including calling, browsing, social media, and video streaming.
| Specification | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| CPU architecture | Qualcomm Kryo CPU | Cortex-A53 |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Performance cores | 4x cores @2.2GHz | 8x Cortex-A53 @2.0GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.2GHz | 2.0GHz |
| Instruction set | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Process node | 4nm | 14nm |
Graphics
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 integrates the Adreno 710 GPU, supporting improved graphics rendering, modern APIs, and smoother gaming experiences. Snapdragon 625 uses the Adreno 506 GPU, designed for casual gaming, HD video playback, and standard graphical workloads.
| Specification | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| GPU model | Adreno 710 | Adreno 506 |
| GPU series | Adreno 700 Series | Adreno 500 Series |
| Gaming capability | FHD+ gaming with supported titles | HD to FHD casual gaming |
| Vulkan | Vulkan 1.1 | Vulkan 1.0 |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| Hardware video acceleration | Yes | Yes |
Memory
Memory technology impacts multitasking, application loading, and overall responsiveness. Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 supports LPDDR5 memory for faster data transfer, while Snapdragon 625 uses LPDDR3 memory designed for smartphones of its generation.
| Specification | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR5 | LPDDR3 |
| Maximum memory frequency | 3200MHz | 933MHz |
| Memory bus width | 2x16-bit | 2x16-bit |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 22GB/s | 14.9GB/s |
Multimedia (ISP)
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 features the Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP for advanced camera processing, HDR imaging, and high-resolution photography. Snapdragon 625 includes the Spectra 160 ISP, supporting standard photography, video recording, and multimedia playback.
| Specification | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| ISP | Qualcomm Spectra Triple ISP | Qualcomm Spectra 160 ISP |
| Storage support | Device dependent | eMMC 5.1 |
| Maximum display resolution | FHD+ | 1920x1200 pixel |
| Maximum display refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 60Hz |
| Maximum camera resolution | 200MP | 24MP |
| Multi-camera support | Supported | Supported |
| Video capture | 4K HDR | 4K |
| Video playback | 4K HDR | 4K |
| HEVC | Yes | Yes |
| H.264 | Yes | Yes |
| VP9 | Yes | Yes |
Connectivity and network
Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 includes the Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System with support for modern 5G networks. Snapdragon 625 uses the Snapdragon X9 LTE modem for 4G connectivity and reliable mobile communication.
| Specification | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 625 |
|---|
| Modem | Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System | Snapdragon X9 LTE modem |
| Mobile network | 5G NR | 4G LTE |
| 5G support | SA and NSA | Not supported |
| Peak download speed | 2.9Gbps | 300Mbps |
| Peak upload speed | 1.6Gbps | 150Mbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou |