Exynos 8890 vs Snapdragon 820: A Comprehensive Comparison for Performance and Features
When choosing a high-end smartphone, the processor is one of the most critical factors to consider. Two of the leading contenders in the market are the Exynos 8890 and the Snapdragon 820. Released around the same time, both processors boast impressive specifications and features, but they differ in architecture and performance characteristics. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison of these two processors, focusing on their architecture, performance, and features.
Architecture and Process Technology
Both the Exynos 8890 and the Snapdragon 820 are built using 14nm FinFET process technology, a standard at the time of their release in 2016. However, this similarity is where their parallels end.
Cores
Exynos 8890 uses a unique 8-core architecture, with four high-performance Mongoose cores and four efficient Cortex-A53 cores. This design is aimed at offering strong multi-core performance for multitasking scenarios.
In contrast, the Snapdragon 820 features a quad-core setup with two Kryo 280 performance cores and two Kryo 280 efficiency cores. This architecture is designed to deliver excellent single-core performance, which is particularly beneficial for applications that rely on single-threaded performance.
Graphics
The Exynos 8890 is equipped with a Mali-T880 GPU, while the Snapdragon 820 comes with an Adreno 530 GPU. The Adreno 530 is known for its superior gaming performance, whereas the Mali-T880 offers strong graphical capabilities in fewer power-intensive operations.
Performance Comparison
The Snapdragon 820 generally outperforms the Exynos 8890 in single-threaded tasks due to its optimized single-core performance. However, the Exynos 8890 may hold a slight advantage in multi-threaded scenarios, thanks to its unique core configuration. This makes it more suitable for applications that require efficient multi-threaded processing.
Gaming Performance
The superior Adreno 530 in the Snapdragon 820 is often credited with better gaming performance. This is because the Adreno 530 is optimized for high-performance gaming environments and can handle more demanding games with higher frame rates and better power efficiency.
Power Efficiency
Both processors are energy-efficient, but real-world performance and efficiency can vary depending on the specific device and its software optimization. The Exynos 8890 tends to be more power-efficient overall, making it a preferable choice for devices focused on battery life.
Conclusion
If you prioritize single-threaded performance and gaming, the Snapdragon 820 may be the better choice. However, if you need robust multi-core performance for multitasking or other demanding scenarios, the Exynos 8890 could be advantageous. It's important to note that the overall performance of these processors can be influenced by the specific device and its implementation of the hardware.
Moreover, since their initial release in 2016, newer processors such as the Snapdragon 835 and Exynos 9810 have outperformed both. Therefore, when making a decision, it's crucial to consider the latest developments in mobile processor technology.