Snapdragon 625 vs 435 Full Comparison and Review

You’re probably here because you’re looking for a comparison between Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 and 435 devices such as the Redmi Note 4X and Redmi 4. Both Snapdragon 625 and 435 are quite capable processors in their respective price range.  Some of the most popular Snapdragon 625 devices include Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X, Samsung Galaxy C7, and Moto G5+. But the Xiaomi Redmi 4 (Redmi 4X Indian variant) uses the Snapdragon 435 Mobile Platform. Before we begin the comparison of Snapdragon 625 vs 435, let me remind you that these processors belong to a different processor lineup. Snapdragon 435 belongs to budget Snapdragon 400 series while Snapdragon 625 is a part of the midrange Snapdragon 600 series.

If you’re also looking for a comparison of Snapdragon 625 and 430 Mobile Platform, then do check it out. First of all, let’s have a look at the specifications of both the CPUs, and then we will review and compare the processors.

    Snapdragon 625 Specification

  • Octa-Core CPU (8 x A53 @ 2.0 GHz)
  • 14nm FinFET Manufacturing Process
  • Quickcharge 3.0 support
  • Qualcomm X9 LTE Modem
  • Adreno 506 GPU
  • Hexagon 546 DSP
  • LPDDR3 RAM (Single Channel)

Snapdragon 625 became available in Q2 2016 and currently, it powers some of the most popular mid-range Android Smartphones. The most notable feature is the 14nm FinFET Fabrication technique which we have seen for the first time in Qualcomm’s mid-range processors. Following the success of Snapdragon 625, Qualcomm announced Snapdragon 660 and Snapdragon 630 which uses the same manufacturing process.

It has an Octa-Core CPU configuration with eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. It uses the new Adreno 506 GPU which delivers excellent gaming performance. Unfortunately, it only supports Single Channel DDR3 Memory. Coming to the Modem, it has the Qualcomm X9 LTE Modem which is same as the one in Snapdragon 435. So, you can expect similar internet connectivity and speeds in both. It has the Hexagon 546 Digital Signal Processor.

    Snapdragon 435 Specification

  • Octa-Core CPU (8 x A53 @ 1.4 GHz)
  • 28nm Manufacturing Process
  • Quickcharge 3.0 support
  • Qualcomm X9 LTE Modem
  • Adreno 505 GPU
  • Hexagon 536 DSP
  • LPDDR3 RAM (Single Channel)

If you would compare these specs with that of Snapdragon 625, you’ll find that both have a similar configuration. The only notable differences are the manufacturing process, processor clock rate, and the Graphics Processor. Snapdragon 435 too has 8 ARM Cortex-A53 cores, but their maximum clock speed is just 1.4 GHz. There’s both positive and disadvantageous impact of the low clock speed. The negative part is that Snapdragon 435’s performance won’t be as good as Snapdragon 625. And the good thing is because it is built using 28nm Manufacturing Process, high clock rate could make it prone to heating and cause throttling. The low clock speed makes it perform well in a long run as it eliminates the throttling issues.

Snapdragon 435 has the new Adreno 505 GPU that gives decent gaming performance at 720p resolution. It has the same Qualcomm X9 LTE Modem as the Snapdragon 625 and memory configuration is same as well. It uses the Hexagon 536 Digital Signal Process. As of now, it is the best processor in the Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 series.

    Snapdragon 625 vs 435 Comparison

For the comparison, we will first check out the GeekBench and Antutu scores of these two Processors. Then, we will rate them on the basis of General Performance, Gaming Experience, Battery/Power efficiency, Modem and Price-to-Performance ratio.

Benchmark Scores

Let us first have a look at the Geekbench 4 Benchmarks of Snapdragon 625 vs 435. We are comparing the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (Redmi Note 4 Indian or Snapdragon variant) with the Redmi 4X (Redmi 4 Indian variant). So, let’s begin Redmi Note 4 vs Redmi 4 comparison.

Snapdragon 625 vs 435 Geekbench 4 Benchmark

Now let’s move onto the Antutu Benchmark.

Redmi Note 4X (Snapdragon 625) and Redmi 4X (Snapdragon 435) Antutu Benchmark

By comparing the benchmark, it seems pretty clear that Snapdragon 625 does significantly better in both Single-Core and Multi-Core performance. Also, it outperforms Snapdragon 435 in Antutu Benchmark. But, how that exactly translates into real-world performance? Let’s find out in the comparison of Snapdragon 625 vs 435.

General Performance

Both the processors do fairly well in daily life performance. Both Snapdragon 625 and 435 have eight ARM Cortex-A53 cores but Snapdragon 625’s cores can go up to a higher clock frequency and that gives it an edge. You will not observe any lags or issues in switching between different steps and in doing other everyday stuff. The only slight difference in the performance can only be observed when you do a side by side speed test. Also as we have seen above, Snapdragon 625 ranks higher into Antutu and Geekbench 4 Benchmark. The main reason behind this is greater clock speeds and better technology used in 625.

Snapdragon 625: 9/10

Snapdragon 435: 8/10

Gaming Performance

Most of the Snapdragon 625 devices will give similar gaming performance at 1080p as Snapdragon 435 devices at 729p. So if you’re wondering whether Redmi Note 4 does better in gaming or the Redmi 4, the answer is both perform well as they have different resolution. However, a device with a 1080p display and Snapdragon 625 will easily outperform a Snapdragon 435 device with a 1080p display. Both the Adreno 506 and Adreno 505 GPU can handle every Android game at a decent frame rate. However, Adreno 506 Graphics Processor has a slight edge over the other.

Snapdragon 625: 9/10

Snapdragon 435: 8.5/10

Power Efficiency

As the Snapdragon 625 is manufactured using the 14nm FinFET Process, it consumes less power and delivers better performance. Also, it heats less as compared to 435. You can certainly expect far better battery life with Snapdragon 625. Again, the low clock rate in Snapdragon 435 ensures that it doesn’t throttle. So, Snapdragon 435 devices shouldn’t heat either but still, it cannot be compared with better fabrication process in 625.

Snapdragon 625: 10/10

Snapdragon 435:  8/10

Modem

Both Snapdragon 625 and 435 use the Qualcomm X9 LTE Modem which can deliver speeds up to 300 Mbps. You should expect a relatively good Internet experience with these processors.

Snapdragon 625: 9/10

Snapdragon 435: 9/10

Price to Performance Ratio

Now, let’s talk about the price. Snapdragon 625 is mostly used in midrange phones while Snapdragon 435 is dedicated for the low budget devices. For their price range, they do fairly well and are currently the best processors that smartphones OEMs can use in their upcoming phones. The Snapdragon 435 offers a lot at almost 2/3rd the price of Snapdragon 625 devices, and this makes it get an extra half point in this round.

Snapdragon 625: 9/10

Snapdragon 435: 9.5/10

Total

By taking the average of all the scores, we finally arrive at these final scores of our Snapdragon 625 vs 435 comparisons.

Snapdragon 625: 9.2/10

Snapdragon 435: 8.6/10

    Final Words

After going through everything, we can conclude that Snapdragon 625 is, in fact, better than the Snapdragon 435. However, that would not mean that Snapdragon 435 is bad. The only real difference which you might observe will be regarding battery performance. As mentioned before, the 14nm manufacturing process in Snapdragon 625 even makes it better than Snapdragon 650 and 652 regarding power efficiency and stable performance. Even if you’re willing to buy a Snapdragon 435 device, trust me, you won’t be disappointed either. Given below is a list of Snapdragon 625 and 435 devices. Hope the comparison of Snapdragon 625 vs 435 was helpful. I hope this article helps you in selecting the right smartphone. You might also like to check out the difference between Snapdragon 820 and 625.

List of Snapdragon 625 Devices:

  • Motorola Moto G5+
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X (or Redmi Note 4 in India)
  • Xiaomi Mi A1
  • Asus Zenfone 3
  • Xiaomi Mi Max 2
  • Lenovo P2
  • Samsung Galaxy On7 (2016)
  • Samsung Galaxy C7
  • Vivo V5 Plus

List of Snapdragon 435 Devices:

  • Xiaomi Redmi 4X (or Redmi 4 in India)
  • Oppo A57
  • LG Q6

Suggested Article: Snapdragon 435 vs 425 Comparison.




25 thoughts on “Snapdragon 625 vs 435 Full Comparison and Review”

  1. i hesitate on buying SD625/ SD 435 device ……… now im totally clear about it…….. thanks for this article 🙂

    Reply
  2. Hey. This is a really impressive article.
    Usually I never read indian articles but this is an excellent, in depth article.

    Reply
  3. “The most notable feature is the 14nm FinFET Fabrication technique which we have seen for the first time in mid-range processors.” I think you didn’t hear about the KIRIN processors by Huawei, those are the first processors in this kind

    Reply
    • Hi,
      In this statement, I was talking about Qualcomm’s mid-ranged Processors (Snapdragon 600 series). Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll update this sentence.

      Reply
  4. What is the idle-power-consumption of the Redmi 4 vs the Redmi 4x?
    I.e. if you leave both phones idle, which one runs longer?

    Reply
    • Are you talking about the Snapdragon 625 variant of Redmi 4X? If yes, then it will last longer than Redmi 4. However, the Snapdragon 435 variant of Redmi 4X will have similar power consumption as Redmi 4 (Snapdragon 430).

      Reply
    • Both the devices seem great. With Moto G5+, you’ll get a better camera and Processor but with LG Q6 you’ll get a great display and design. Choose the one which suits your needs. If I had to choose one, I’ll go with Moto G5+.

      Reply
  5. Which processor is better if I wanted to use phone in long run say 2 3 years sd 430 or sd 625 basically I wanted to buy one of either nokia 6 or moto g5+ . I am not into gaming even a little but I use many apps for utilities.

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Snapdragon 625 will be a better Processor in the long run. I’ll recommend Moto G5+ over Nokia 6. You can also have a look at the LG Q6.

      Reply
  6. Hi ,Thanks for the informative article,I am planning to buy a phone under 15K,I am considering below options please suggest me ,
    LG Q6-Snapdragon 435-as mentioned in your article the processor suits for 720p display ,but as LG is 1080p will it be cause overheating and low performance
    Lenovo K8 Note-Mediatek X23 processor – does it have overheating issues
    Redmi note 4 – sd 625
    Lenovo P2 – 3GB variant ,sd 625

    Please help

    Reply
    • At this budget, my first preference will be Honor 6X and Redmi Note 4. If you can slightly increase the budget, Moto G5+ will be the perfect option.
      For Lenovo K8 Note, wait for some reviews to get a better idea of its performance.

      Reply
  7. Please tell me,
    1. What is the best power consumption on snapdragon series so far?

    2. I have nubia z11 Mini S with sd625 and i plan to change my phone with nubia m2 or nubia z17 or LG Q6, which one is better in battery life? Because im too lazy to bring my charger when i left my home.

    Thankyou..

    Reply
    • 1) Snapdragon 835. It is manufactured using 10nm Process.
      2) Nubia M2 should give the best battery backup among the phones you’ve mentioned. If you need an even better Battery life then you can also consider Redmi Note 4x.

      Reply
      • Thankyou very much.. You are the best 😀

        Last question, which you prefer Redmi note 4x or Lenovo P2 ? (According to battery life and performance)

        Reply
    • Both the devices are equally good in terms of battery efficiency. Redmi Note 4X has the advantage of 14nm Technology while Redmi 4X has a smaller display with lower resolution.

      Reply
  8. Great article, Kashish. What would you buy for THE SAME price? Redmi Note 4X with 3 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM or Redmi 4X with 3GB RAM and 32 GB ROM? Would you wait for the Redmi 5X / Note 5X? I am afraid the new Redmis will loose battery size and, of course, gain price. Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • My first pick will be to wait for Redmi Note 5/5x. It may launch within a few months.
      Otherwise I’ll go with Redmi Note 4X because of the better Processor, Screen size, and display resolution . I’ll also use an external microSD card with RN4X due to the low internal memory.

      Reply
  9. thank you Kashish for that deep insight article! I was looking at Xiaomi Redmi 4 vs note4, because of the price difference of about 70 USD, I focus on battery life with taking photos videos not gaming when I go hiking many days in the mountains of Taiwan. Do you know why Redmi 5 is announced with Snapdragon 435? This is not an improvement, strange from Xiaomi policy, don’t you think?
    P.s. I love the comparisons xxx vs yyy on your website. Great job !

    Reply

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