Snapdragon 820 vs Kirin 659: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis
The choice between the Snapdragon 820 and Kirin 659 processors often poses a significant challenge for consumers, as both offer unique characteristics and cater to different user needs. This article aims to provide a detailed comparison of these two processors, including their performance architecture, efficiency, and specific features.
Performance: A Comparative Insight
Performance
Snapdragon 820
Launched in 2015, the Snapdragon 820 features a quad-core Kryo 280 CPU with 2 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores. Built on a 14nm process, it generally outperforms the Kirin 659 in both single-core and multi-core tasks.Kirin 659
Released in 2017, the Kirin 659 uses an octa-core architecture with 4 Cortex-A73 performance cores and 4 Cortex-A53 efficiency cores. Built on a 16nm process, it reaches for mid-range performance, but typically trails behind the Snapdragon 820 in raw performance.Graphics: A Visual Benchmark
Graphics
Snapdragon 820
The Snapdragon 820 is equipped with the Adreno 530 GPU, offering superior graphics performance, making it ideal for gaming and graphics-intensive applications.Kirin 659
The Mali-T830 MP2 GPU of the Kirin 659 is suitable for everyday tasks but lags behind the Adreno 530 in power and performance.Efficiency: A Battery Life Analysis
Efficiency
Snapdragon 820
The 14nm architecture of the Snapdragon 820 allows for better power efficiency, contributing to longer battery life in devices.Kirin 659
Despite the 16nm process being efficient, it generally does not match the efficiency of the Snapdragon 820, leading to potential shorter battery life.Conclusion: The Verdict
Overall, the Snapdragon 820 offers superior performance, particularly in gaming and multitasking, compared to the Kirin 659. If you need the best performance and graphics capabilities, the Snapdragon 820 is the better choice. However, the Kirin 659 is still capable for mid-range applications and everyday use.
Detailed Comparison
Clock Speed
The Snapdragon 820 features a 2.2GHz clock speed, while the Kirin 659 has a 2.1GHz clock speed, which is about 1.91 percent less than the Snapdragon.
Core Architecture
Snapdragon 820: Quad-core Kryo 280 with 2 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores. Kirin 659: Octa-core with 4 Cortex-A73 performance cores and 4 Cortex-A53 efficiency cores.GPU Technology
Snapdragon 820: Adreno 530 GPU with advanced features for enhanced graphics performance. Kirin 659: Mali-T830 MP2 GPU, suitable for basic tasks but less powerful.Efficiency and Semiconductor Size
Snapdragon 820: 14nm semiconductor size, providing better power efficiency. Kirin 659: 28nm semiconductor size, generally less efficient than the Snapdragon 820.Both processors support NX technology for enhanced security and dynamic frequency scaling for power conservation. While the Snapdragon 820 has an edge in clock speed, GPU technology, and semiconductor size, the Kirin 659 still offers good performance for everyday use.
My Pick: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is the clearer choice for superior performance and graphics capabilities, but the Kirin 659 is still adequate for mid-range applications.
Conclusion: If you prioritize performance and graphics, Snapdragon 820 is the better choice. Otherwise, Kirin 659 offers good performance for mid-range devices.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you found this analysis helpful.