Interview QA » Qualcomm Snapdragon Series: 200 vs. 400 vs. 600 vs. 800

Qualcomm Snapdragon Series: 200 vs. 400 vs. 600 vs. 800

qualcomm snapdragon mobile processor soc mobile device performance

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series is a well-known family of system-on-chip (SoC) products specifically designed for mobile devices. These SoCs cater to a broad spectrum of users, with different series targeting different market segments. The Snapdragon 200, 400, 600, and 800 series each serve distinct purposes, ranging from entry-level devices all the way up to flagship powerhouses. Let’s dive into the differences between these series.

Key Differences Between Snapdragon Series

The Snapdragon series is designed to meet the diverse needs of the mobile market. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:

FeaturesSnapdragon 200 SeriesSnapdragon 400 SeriesSnapdragon 600 SeriesSnapdragon 800 Series
Target MarketEntry-levelMid-rangeUpper mid-rangeFlagship
PerformanceBasic, sufficient for everyday tasksModerate, better multitaskingHigh, suitable for demanding appsTop-tier, exceptional multitasking
Process TechnologyTypically 28nm or older28nm to 14nm14nm to 11nm (or newer)7nm, 5nm
CPU ConfigurationQuad-core ARM Cortex-A7 or A53Quad-core or octa-core ARM Cortex-A53Octa-core, mix of Cortex-A73/A53 or newerOcta-core, mix of Cortex-A76/A77 or newer
GPUAdreno 3xxAdreno 5xxAdreno 5xx to 6xxAdreno 6xx to 7xx
Memory SupportLPDDR2, LPDDR3LPDDR3, LPDDR4LPDDR4/4XLPDDR4X, LPDDR5
Camera SupportBasic, single camera supportImproved, dual camera supportAdvanced, high-res dual/triple camerasAdvanced, high-res multi-camera setups
Multimedia CapabilitiesStandard-definition videoHD videoFull HD or higher4K video, advanced graphics
Connectivity3G or basic 4G LTEAdvanced 4G LTEHigh-speed 4G LTE, some with 5GHigh-speed 5G, Wi-Fi 6, advanced Bluetooth
AI and Machine LearningBasic or noneBasic AI capabilitiesImproved AI processingAdvanced AI engine
Battery EfficiencyOptimized for low power consumptionBetter efficiency, longer battery lifeEfficient power managementAdvanced power management
Security FeaturesBasicImproved securityAdvanced security featuresBest-in-class security
Typical Use CasesBasic smartphones, feature phonesMainstream smartphones, tabletsPremium mid-range devices, gamingFlagship smartphones, high-end tablets

In-Depth Look at Each Series

Let’s break down each series to understand their specific strengths and target devices:

Snapdragon 200 Series

The Snapdragon 200 series is designed for entry-level devices. It focuses on providing basic performance for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. These SoCs prioritize power efficiency to maximize battery life.

Snapdragon 400 Series

Stepping up from the 200 series, the Snapdragon 400 series targets mid-range devices. It offers a noticeable improvement in performance, allowing for smoother multitasking and a better overall user experience. This series strikes a good balance between performance and battery life, making it suitable for mainstream smartphones and tablets.

Snapdragon 600 Series

The Snapdragon 600 series is aimed at upper mid-range devices. It delivers a significant performance boost, making it capable of handling demanding applications and games. Devices with this series often feature advanced camera capabilities and improved AI processing.

Snapdragon 800 Series

At the top of the Snapdragon hierarchy is the 800 series, designed for flagship devices. This series provides top-tier performance, cutting-edge features, and the latest connectivity options, including 5G and Wi-Fi 6. Snapdragon 800 series SoCs are found in high-end smartphones and tablets, offering the best possible user experience.

Conclusion

The Qualcomm Snapdragon series offers a diverse range of SoCs tailored to meet the needs of different market segments. From the entry-level Snapdragon 200 series to the flagship Snapdragon 800 series, each series is designed to balance performance, efficiency, and cost. This versatility makes Snapdragon SoCs a popular choice for a wide variety of mobile devices.

Qualcomm Snapdragon Processor Architecture