Huawei Kirin 980 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 855: A Comprehensive Comparison
The ongoing debate over which Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and Huawei Kirin 980 is superior in the world of smartphone processors has not only intrigued tech enthusiasts but is also crucial for users who demand the best performance from their devices. Read on to explore the technical aspects, performance, and features of these two powerful processors.
Technical Specifications and Performance
CPU Performance
When it comes to the Central Processing Unit (CPU), both Huawei Kirin 980 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 provide impressive performance. The Kirin 980 features two ARM Cortex-A76 cores capable of running at up to 2.60GHz, two more ARM Cortex-A76 cores running at up to 1.92GHz, and four ARM Cortex-A55 cores running at up to 1.80GHz. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 855 boasts one Kryo 485 'Prime' ARM Cortex-A76-based core running at up to 2.84GHz, three Kryo 485 ARM Cortex-A76-based cores at up to 2.42GHz, and four Kryo 385 ARM Cortex-A55-based cores at up to 1.8GHz.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon 855's Kryo 485 cores can sometimes edge out the Kirin 980's Cortex-A76 cores, as both processors are nearly equally matched in terms of CPU performance. However, the Kirin 980's Cortex-A76 cores tend to offer a slight edge in certain scenarios.
GPU Performance
The graphically intense portions of these processors come into play, and here, the Snapdragon 855’s Adreno 640 GPU occasionally outperforms the Mali-G76 GPU found in the Kirin 980. Still, both GPUs are capable of delivering excellent performance, especially when it comes to gaming. The Mali-G76 is designed for smooth gaming, making it a strong competitor to the Adreno 640. However, benchmark tests show a slight edge for the Snapdragon 855 in GPU performance.
The Kirin 980’s Mali-G76 GPU is optimized for efficiency, providing a balance between power consumption and performance. This means that it offers a stable, lags-free experience when playing games like Fortnite and PUBG. Similarly, the Adreno 640 from Qualcomm is highly efficient and delivers a similar gaming experience.
Transistors and Microprocessor Power
The number of transistors in a microprocessor is crucial as it directly affects the speed and efficiency of the device. The Kirin 980 contains 6.9 billion transistors, while the Snapdragon 855 has 6.7 billion transistors. This indicates that the Kirin 980 can perform more complex calculations more efficiently, leading to better performance in heavy computational tasks.
The addition of more transistors in a smaller space allows for the creation of a more powerful processor. This squeezed design technique means that more functions can be integrated into a single chip, reducing the need for additional chips. Consequently, devices with the Kirin 980 tend to perform more efficiently, especially in tasks that require significant computational power.
Benchmark Results
According to benchmark tests, the Snapdragon 855 often slightly edges out the Kirin 980 in performance. However, the Kirin 980 is still a highly capable processor that can handle demanding tasks effectively. The Kirin 980’s design, particularly its transistors, makes it an excellent choice for users who rely on devices with high computational demands.
Moreover, while both processors perform similarly in most scenarios, there is a notable differentiation with Snapdragon 855’s support for 5G, which is a significant advantage for users seeking the latest in wireless technology. However, this does not necessarily mean that the Kirin 980 is inferior; it simply means that it is well-suited to existing 4G networks.
Conclusion
The choice between the Huawei Kirin 980 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user. The Snapdragon 855, with its 5G support, offers a future-proof solution, while the Kirin 980 provides exceptional performance and efficiency, especially in heavy computational tasks.
For users who require 5G capabilities, the Snapdragon 855 is the ideal choice. On the other hand, for those who prioritize efficiency and performance, the Kirin 980 is a solid option. Both processors represent significant advancements in smartphone technology and cater to different user preferences and demands.