In the dynamic landscape of mobile processors, the battle between mid-range chipsets often sparks intense debate among tech enthusiasts. Samsung’s Exynos 1380, unveiled in February 2023, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 778G 5G, announced in May 2021, represent two formidable contenders in this segment. Despite the three-year gap between their releases, the Snapdragon 778G 5G remains a popular choice for mid-tier smartphones, raising questions about how Samsung’s newer offering stacks up. This analysis delves into their architectures, performance metrics, and real-world capabilities to determine which chipset holds the edge.
Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 778G 5G:
Overview and Manufacturing Process
The Exynos 1380 is fabricated using Samsung’s 5nm process node, a technological advancement that promises improved power efficiency and thermal management compared to older nodes. In contrast, the Snapdragon 778G 5G utilizes TSMC’s 6nm process. While TSMC’s 6nm technology is mature and reliable, Samsung’s 5nm node theoretically offers better transistor density, which can translate to enhanced performance per watt. However, real-world efficiency also depends on software optimization and workload distribution, areas where Qualcomm has historically excelled.
| Feature | Exynos 1380 | Snapdragon 778G 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Feb 2023 | May 2021 |
| Process Node | 5nm Samsung | 6nm TSMC |
| CPU | 4x Cortex-A78 @ 2.4 GHz | |
| 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz | 1x Kryo 670 Prime (Cortex-A78) @ 2.4 GHz | |
| 3x Kryo 670 Gold (Cortex-A78) @ 2.4 GHz | ||
| 4x Kryo 670 Silver (Cortex-A55) @ 1.8 GHz | ||
| GPU | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 642 |
| NPU | 4.9 TOPS | Hexagon 770, 12 TOPS |
| Memory | Up to 8GB LPDDR5 RAM @ 3200 MHz | Up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM @ 3200 MHz |
| Storage | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Camera | 200MP single camera | |
| 64MP (ZSL) single camera | ||
| 16+16+16 MP triple cameras | 200MP single camera | |
| 64MP (ZSL) single camera | ||
| 36+22 MP (ZSL) dual cameras | ||
| 22+22+22 MP (ZSL) triple cameras | ||
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30 fps | 4K @ 30 fps |
| 720p slow-mo @ 240 fps | ||
| Display | FHD+ @ 144Hz | FHD+ @ 144Hz |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Benchmarks (Geekbench 6) | Single-core: 979 | |
| Multi-core: 2771 | Single-core: 939 | |
| Multi-core: 2811 | ||
| Benchmarks (AnTuTu V10) | Total Score: 582,629 | Total Score: 587,976 |
CPU Architecture and Performance
Both chipsets employ octa-core CPU configurations but differ in core clustering and clock speeds:
- Exynos 1380: Features a uniform setup with four Cortex-A78 performance cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0 GHz. This balanced approach aims to handle multitasking and sustained workloads efficiently.
- Snapdragon 778G 5G: Adopts a “1+3+4” configuration: one high-performance Kryo 670 Prime (Cortex-A78) core at 2.4 GHz, three additional Kryo 670 Gold (Cortex-A78) cores also at 2.4 GHz, and four Kryo 670 Silver (Cortex-A55) efficiency cores at 1.8 GHz. This tiered design prioritizes single-threaded performance while maintaining flexibility for lighter tasks.
Benchmark Insights:
- Geekbench 6: The Exynos 1380 edges out in single-core performance (979 vs. 939), while the Snapdragon leads marginally in multi-core scores (2,811 vs. 2,771). These results highlight the Snapdragon’s advantage in parallel tasks, likely due to its triple mid-tier A78 cores.
- AnTuTu V10: The Snapdragon 778G 5G secures a narrow overall victory (587,976 vs. 582,629), driven by superior GPU and memory performance.
While both chips deliver comparable CPU power, the Snapdragon’s architecture demonstrates slight advantages in multi-threaded scenarios, which are common in apps leveraging background processes or split-screen multitasking.
GPU and Gaming Capabilities
Graphics performance is pivotal for gaming and multimedia experiences:
- Exynos 1380: Equips the Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, a mid-tier solution optimized for energy efficiency. It handles casual gaming smoothly but may struggle with demanding titles at high settings.
- Snapdragon 778G 5G: Features the Adreno 642 GPU, known for its robust driver support and consistent performance. In benchmarks like 3DMark WildLife Extreme, the Adreno 642 outperforms the Mali-G68, offering higher frame rates and better texture rendering.
While both GPUs support FHD+ displays at 144Hz, the Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU provides a more seamless experience for graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile. Gamers prioritizing visual fidelity and frame stability may lean toward Snapdragon-powered devices.
AI and Machine Learning
The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is critical for AI-driven tasks such as image processing, voice recognition, and augmented reality:
- Exynos 1380: Boasts a dedicated NPU with 4.9 TOPS (trillion operations per second), sufficient for basic AI enhancements like scene detection in photography.
- Snapdragon 778G 5G: Integrates the Hexagon 770 AI engine, capable of 12 TOPS—over double the Exynos’s capacity. This enables advanced features like real-time language translation, sophisticated background blur in videos, and faster image segmentation.
Qualcomm’s superior AI throughput makes the Snapdragon 778G 5G more future-proof for applications increasingly reliant on machine learning.
Camera and Imaging Capabilities
Both chips support advanced imaging setups but differ in versatility:
- Maximum Resolutions: They accommodate up to 200MP single cameras and 64MP sensors with zero shutter lag (ZSL).
- Multi-Camera Support: The Snapdragon 778G 5G excels with ZSL support for triple 22MP cameras or dual 36MP+22MP configurations, ideal for devices emphasizing photography versatility. The Exynos 1380 supports triple 16MP cameras, which may limit flexibility for high-resolution multi-lens setups.
- Video Features: Both enable 4K recording at 30fps, but the Snapdragon adds 720p slow-motion capture at 240fps, beneficial for dynamic content creators.
While Samsung’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) remains unnamed, Qualcomm’s Spectra 570L ISP is well-regarded for its color accuracy and low-light processing, giving Snapdragon devices an edge in photography.
Connectivity and Modem Performance
- 5G Modems: The Exynos 1380 integrates a 5G modem with 3.79 Gbps download and 1.28 Gbps upload speeds, slightly edging out the Snapdragon X53 modem’s 3.7 Gbps downlink and 1.6 Gbps uplink. Real-world differences are negligible, as both support sub-6GHz 5G networks.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The Exynos supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved latency and power efficiency over Snapdragon’s Bluetooth 5.2. Wi-Fi 6 is standard on both, ensuring fast wireless connectivity.
While Exynos’s newer Bluetooth standard is a plus, Qualcomm’s modem benefits from extensive field testing and carrier optimizations, ensuring reliable connectivity across regions.
Memory, Storage, and Display Support
- RAM and Storage: The Snapdragon 778G 5G supports up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, double the Exynos 1380’s 8GB limit—a significant advantage for power users and heavy multitaskers. Both chips utilize UFS 3.1 storage for rapid app launches and file transfers.
- Display: They drive FHD+ screens at up to 144Hz, catering to smooth scrolling and responsive gaming. Neither supports QHD+ resolutions, a deliberate limitation to maintain mid-range positioning.
Power Efficiency and Thermal Performance
Samsung’s 5nm process should, in theory, grant the Exynos 1380 better energy efficiency than the 6nm Snapdragon. However, Qualcomm’s longstanding expertise in thermal throttling management often results in more consistent performance under sustained loads. Real-world battery life will depend on OEM implementation, but the Exynos may offer marginal gains in lighter usage scenarios.
Verdict: Which Chipset Reigns Supreme?
The Snapdragon 778G 5G and Exynos 1380 cater to overlapping audiences but excel in different areas:
- Snapdragon 778G 5G: Ideal for gamers and users prioritizing AI features, thanks to its Adreno GPU and Hexagon NPU. Its higher RAM support and proven connectivity further solidify its appeal.
- Exynos 1380: Appeals to those valuing power efficiency and newer Bluetooth standards. It’s a competent all-rounder but lags slightly in GPU and AI performance.
Ultimately, the Snapdragon 778G 5G’s maturity and balanced performance make it the safer choice, though the Exynos 1380 remains a viable option for Samsung-centric ecosystems. As mid-range competition intensifies, both chips exemplify the strides made in bringing flagship-like features to affordable devices.
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