Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 vs Snapdragon 660: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets are renowned for their exceptional performance and advanced features. With the two prominent models, Snapdragon 820 and Snapdragon 660, consumers often find themselves questioning which one to opt for. This article delves into the detailed comparison between these two models, exploring their hardware specifications, features, and practical applications.

Technical Specifications

Both Snapdragon 820 and Snapdragon 660 belong to the same family of Qualcomm's mobile processors, each with its unique set of features and specifications. Let's unpack the details.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820

Core Count and Architecture: Snapdragon 820 features a quad-core CPU with 64-bit architecture. It includes Kryo CPUs and is manufactured on a 14nm die size. Compared to Snapdragon 660, it boasts a higher density of cores and is more optimized for power efficiency. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Equipped with the powerful Adreno 530 GPU, Snapdragon 820 excels in graphical performance. It supports various APIs including Open GL, Open CL, and Vulkan, ensuring a smooth and fluid user interface experience. This makes it ideal for high-end gaming and visually demanding applications. Memory: The Snapdragon 820 supports LPDDR4 with a 1866MHz frequency and dual-channel support, ensuring swift data transfer rates. It also comes with Quick Charge 3.0 technology, allowing for faster charging. Storage: One of the most significant advantages of Snapdragon 820 is its support for UFS 2.0 storage, which offers faster read and write speeds compared to other standards. This is crucial for those who frequently use on-device storage for apps and multimedia content. Power Connectivity: Snapdragon 820 supports fast charging technologies such as Quick Charge 3.0 and wireless charging capabilities. In terms of internet speeds, it supports LTE connections and 600 Mbps download speeds, alongside Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless peripherals. Camera and Video: The Snapdragon 820 supports 4K video capture, and both codecs for decoding and encoding video in H.264 and H.265. It also handles high-resolution camera resolutions up to 24MP, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 660

Core Count and Architecture: Snapdragon 660 features an octa-core CPU with 64-bit architecture and operates on a 14nm die size. It has more cores than Snapdragon 820, making it more versatile and capable of handling more concurrent tasks with ease. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Powered by Adreno 512, Snapdragon 660 offers excellent graphical performance and smooth graphics rendering. While it excels in gaming and high-definition video playback, it may not match the performance of Adreno 530 found in Snapdragon 820. Memory: It supports LPDDR4 with a 1866MHz frequency and dual-channel support, similar to Snapdragon 820, ensuring rapid data processing. However, it does not have Quick Charge 4.0 but supports Quick Charge 3.0 and wireless charging as well. Storage: One of the unique features of Snapdragon 660 is its ability to share WiFi and LTE antennas, reducing space requirements in device design. Also, it supports Bluetooth 5.0, a further enhancement over Snapdragon 820's 4.1 version. However, as Bluetooth 5.0 is yet to become a standard, its practical application is currently limited. Power Connectivity: Snapdragon 660 supports LTE connections and 600 Mbps download speeds. It also handles high-resolution camera resolutions up to 24MP and supports 4K video capture, though the codecs might differ slightly from those on Snapdragon 820.

Performance and Use Cases

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820:
For users who demand high-end performance, Snapdragon 820 is the go-to choice. It is particularly well-suited for devices that need to handle multiple tasks simultaneously or offer premium features like ultra-fast charging and advanced security options. Its robust hardware and superior graphics capabilities make it an excellent fit for high-end gaming, content creation, and professional applications.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 660:
On the other hand, Snapdragon 660 excels in versatility and efficiency. It is an ideal choice for mid-range devices that require a balance of performance and power consumption. Its octa-core CPU and more than enough cores for most tasks make it capable of handling a wide range of applications without compromising on efficiency. Additionally, its ability to share WiFi and LTE antennas and support Bluetooth 5.0 offer practical benefits for device manufacturers and users alike.

Conclusion

Choosing between Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 and Snapdragon 660 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you require top-tier performance, advanced features, and premium user experience, Snapdragon 820 is the superior choice. For a more versatile, efficient, and cost-effective option, Snapdragon 660 is a compelling alternative.

This comprehensive comparison should help you make an informed decision based on your requirements, ensuring you choose the right chipset for your device.