Exynos 1380 vs Snapdragon 870: Ultimate Comparison Guide

Are you trying to decide between the Exynos 1380 and the Snapdragon 870 for your next smartphone? In short, Snapdragon 870 often edges out in raw performance, especially for gaming, while Exynos 1380 can bring better efficiency and modern node advantages. However, the real answer depends on how you use your phone—gaming, camera, battery life, or AI tasks. Let’s take a deep dive into both chipsets to see which one truly meets your needs.

Why Compare Exynos 1380 and Snapdragon 870?

Both Exynos 1380 (a Samsung chipset) and Snapdragon 870 (a Qualcomm chipset) are designed for the upper-mid-range to high-mid-range smartphone market. They promise competitive performance without reaching the premium flagship price point. Understanding their differences helps users, manufacturers, and tech enthusiasts decide which platform suits their usage—be it mobile gaming, media consumption, productivity tasks, or all of the above.

Qualcomm vs Samsung: A Quick Brand Overview

• Qualcomm (Snapdragon): Well-known for its robust Adreno GPU, broad OEM adoption, and consistent driver updates. Qualcomm chips historically excel in performance and have strong brand recognition, especially in Western markets.
• Samsung (Exynos): Used primarily in Samsung devices for certain regions (e.g., Europe, Asia). Exynos chips often emphasize efficiency and integration with Samsung’s in-house components. Recent generations (like Exynos 1380) are built on smaller process nodes, aiming to reduce power consumption.

The Rise of Mid-to-High-Range SoCs

The push for mid-range to high-mid-range chipsets like the Exynos 1380 and Snapdragon 870 stems from consumer demand: many want near-flagship performance without the flagship price. These SoCs typically offer 5G support, powerful AI engines, and strong GPU performance—enough to handle everyday tasks, heavy gaming, and advanced camera features.

Target Audience and Typical Use Cases

• Casual Users: Enjoy stable performance for browsing, streaming, and light photography.
• Gamers: Need consistent frame rates, strong GPU, minimal thermal throttling.
• Content Creators: Look for advanced camera ISP features, improved AI for editing, and battery longevity.
• Budget Flagship Seekers: Prefer a balanced phone that handles high-end tasks but at a lower cost.

Key Specifications Overview

Below is a comparison table illustrating the main technical specs of Exynos 1380 vs. Snapdragon 870, including CPU layout, GPU type, node process, and more. (Data approximations are provided; exact specs can vary by device implementation.)

Feature	Exynos 1380	Snapdragon 870
CPU Architecture	4x Cortex-A78 + 4x Cortex-A55 (approx. 2.4 GHz)	1x Kryo 585 Prime (~3.2 GHz) + 3x Kryo 585 Gold + 4x Kryo 585 Silver
Manufacturing Node	5nm or 6nm (Samsung Foundry)	7nm (TSMC)
GPU	Mali-G68 (e.g., MP5 variant)	Adreno 650
AI/ML Engine	Integrated NPU	Hexagon DSP/AI Engine
5G Modem	Sub-6 GHz (depending on region)	Sub-6 GHz & mmWave support (in certain variants)
ISP (Camera)	Supports high-resolution multi-camera setups	Supports up to 200MP (theoretical), advanced HDR
Release Timeline	2023 (~recent mid-range release)	2021 (~proven upper-mid-range performer)

Note: For exact CPU/GPU frequencies or maximum camera resolutions, consult official manufacturer datasheets or device-specific tear-downs.

Performance Benchmarks

Synthetic Benchmark Scores (Geekbench, AnTuTu, GFXBench)

• Geekbench:
  • Exynos 1380: Often scores competitively in multi-core tests due to its newer architecture, though single-core might be slightly behind higher-clocked Snapdragon cores.
  • Snapdragon 870: Typically sees higher single-core performance. The prime core can clock around 3.2 GHz, offering a tangible bump in CPU-intensive tasks.
• AnTuTu:
  • Exynos 1380: Scores can hover in the upper mid-range bracket, reflecting a balanced CPU/GPU synergy.
  • Snapdragon 870: Still strong, frequently beating many 7-series chips, and stands close to early flagship SoCs in GPU performance.
• GFXBench (GPU-Focused):
  • Exynos 1380: Mali-G68 is more efficient than older Mali designs, handling moderate gaming well.
  • Snapdragon 870: Adreno 650 is known for robust performance and consistent driver updates, often yielding smoother frame rates in high-end games.

Real-World Performance (App Load Times, Multi-Tasking)

Both SoCs handle everyday tasks—social media, streaming, browser tabs—without noticeable lag.

• Exynos 1380: Multitasking is snappy, thanks to a modern core arrangement.
• Snapdragon 870: Single-core advantage can translate to slightly faster app launch times and high-intensity tasks like video editing or gaming.

Gaming and Thermal Performance

Frame Rate Stability and Heat Dissipation

• Exynos 1380:
  • Maintains decent frame rates for popular titles like PUBG or COD Mobile.
  • Generally cooler due to a smaller node, but performance can vary by OEM cooling solutions.
• Snapdragon 870:
  • Sustains higher peak performance in intense games.
  • May run warmer during prolonged 3D gaming sessions, but typically handles thermal management better than older Snapdragons.

Performance in Gaming Emulators

This aspect is crucial for users who enjoy retro or console gaming on mobile:

• Mali-G68 in Exynos 1380:
  • Offers good Vulkan and OpenGL ES support. Most popular Android emulators (e.g., PPSSPP, Dolphin) should run smoothly at moderate settings.
• Adreno 650 in Snapdragon 870:
  • Known for excellent emulator compatibility, often achieving higher frame rates and better performance in GPU-intensive emulation tasks.

GPU Driver Updates & Game Optimization

• Exynos 1380 (Mali GPU):
  • Samsung can deliver driver updates, but frequency may lag behind Adreno drivers.
• Snapdragon 870 (Adreno GPU):
  • Qualcomm’s Adreno driver updates are more frequent, which can lead to better long-term game optimization, especially for newly released titles.

Power Efficiency & Battery Life

Manufacturing Node Impact

• Exynos 1380: Built on 5nm/6nm technology, it generally consumes less power at idle and moderate loads compared to older generation 7nm SoCs.
• Snapdragon 870: Uses a 7nm node, which is still efficient but not as cutting-edge as 5nm. Under heavy workloads, it may draw more power.

Real-World Endurance Tests

• Screen-On Time: Users report ~1–2 extra hours of screen-on time for similarly equipped Exynos 1380 phones versus older chipsets, although final mileage varies by battery capacity, device optimization, and usage patterns.
• Standby Drain: Both SoCs offer excellent standby efficiency, though the Exynos might edge ahead thanks to the smaller node and potential software optimizations in Samsung devices.

Camera & ISP Capabilities

Photo & Video Features

• Exynos 1380:
  • High-resolution camera support (e.g., up to 108MP in some configurations).
  • Advanced multi-frame noise reduction (depends on OEM camera app integration).
• Snapdragon 870:
  • Theoretical support for up to 200MP sensors (ISP-limited but often not used in real devices at that extreme).
  • Great dynamic range due to advanced HDR pipeline.

AI-Driven Camera Enhancements

• Scene Recognition & Post-Processing:
  • Exynos 1380 uses the integrated NPU for better object detection, scene optimization.
  • Snapdragon 870 uses Hexagon DSP to enhance real-time HDR, low-light enhancements, and portrait depth mapping.

In practice, final camera quality depends heavily on OEM tuning, lens selection, and sensor choice. Both SoCs are more than capable of delivering sharp photos and stable 4K video.

AI & Machine Learning Use Cases

Benchmarks and On-Device AI

• On-Device AI tasks like voice assistants, face recognition, and AR filters rely on the NPU (Neural Processing Unit) or DSP:
  • Exynos 1380: Has a dedicated NPU that focuses on efficient AI computations.
  • Snapdragon 870: Qualcomm’s Hexagon DSP is known for consistent performance across various AI tasks.

Voice Assistants, AR, & Other ML Tasks

• Virtual Assistants (Google Assistant, Bixby, Alexa): Both chipsets handle always-on listening with minimal battery drain.
• AR Applications (filters, games): The GPU plus AI synergy in both SoCs can manage AR content well, though Adreno’s stability in certain AR apps might be slightly better.
• Machine Translation, Real-Time Text Recognition: Both SoCs can leverage on-device AI for faster offline translation (OEM and app support dependent).

Connectivity, 5G, and Regional Availability

5G Bands, Wi-Fi Versions, and Bluetooth

• Exynos 1380:
  • Typically supports Sub-6 GHz 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2 (device-specific).
• Snapdragon 870:
  • Offers Sub-6 GHz 5G universally; some variants also support mmWave.
  • Wi-Fi 6 or 6E and Bluetooth 5.x are common in phones using this chip.

Compatibility with Android Versions

Both chipsets are designed to support Android 12 and above. Depending on the smartphone manufacturer, you might see updates up to Android 14 or 15. Historically, Qualcomm-based devices sometimes enjoy faster custom ROM support from third-party developers, while Samsung focuses on in-house Exynos optimizations and official update cycles.

OEM Adoption and Regional Variants

• Exynos 1380 is primarily found in certain Samsung Galaxy A series or M series devices, targeted at specific regions like Europe or parts of Asia.
• Snapdragon 870 is widely adopted by multiple OEMs (Xiaomi, OnePlus, Motorola, etc.), offering a broader range of phone choices globally.

Real-Life Use Cases & Device Examples

Known Devices for Each Chipset

• Exynos 1380: Often seen in Samsung’s Galaxy A54 (hypothetical example) or similar mid-range devices.
• Snapdragon 870: Powers phones like Poco F4, Motorola Edge S, Xiaomi Mi 10S, and some OnePlus models (e.g., OnePlus 9R in certain markets).

Pricing & Availability

• Exynos 1380 Devices: Typically priced in the upper-mid range bracket (e.g., $350–$500), often showcased in Samsung’s mid-tier lineups. Availability may be limited in North American markets but more common in Europe and Asia.
• Snapdragon 870 Devices: Range from mid to higher-mid range phones (e.g., $300–$500), widely available globally, though exact pricing depends on brand and regional distribution.

Choosing Based on Your Priorities

• Gaming First? Snapdragon 870 is often recommended for intensive 3D gaming, due to its higher-clocked CPU and robust Adreno GPU.
• Long Battery Life? Exynos 1380’s smaller node might offer a slight advantage in efficiency, benefiting users who prioritize battery endurance.
• Camera Enthusiasts? Both are powerful enough for advanced camera setups. Actual results depend on how each OEM implements image processing.
• Wider Device Ecosystem? Snapdragon 870 is found in a variety of devices from multiple manufacturers, giving you more phone choices.

Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

Pros and Cons of Exynos 1380

Pros

• Built on a smaller node (5nm/6nm), potentially better power efficiency.
• Integrated NPU that often excels in AI-based tasks (scene recognition, face unlock).
• Offers stable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.

Cons

• Less variety in OEM adoption, mostly tied to Samsung devices.
• GPU driver updates can be sporadic compared to Adreno.
• Overall CPU performance can trail Snapdragon 870 in single-core tasks.

Pros and Cons of Snapdragon 870

Pros

• Strong single-core performance due to a high-clocked prime core (~3.2 GHz).
• Adreno 650 GPU with excellent gaming and emulator support.
• Widely adopted by multiple OEMs, offering more handset options.

Cons

• 7nm node, while efficient, is older tech and can draw more power under heavy load.
• May run hotter in prolonged intensive tasks like 4K gaming or continuous camera usage.
• Some variants may lack mmWave support, depending on region/phone model.

Final Recommendation

Ultimately, Snapdragon 870 is still one of the best upper-mid-range processors, especially for performance-oriented or gaming-centric uses. Exynos 1380, however, can appeal to those who want a newer node with a focus on efficiency and are drawn to Samsung’s ecosystem or region-specific models.

If you:

• Game heavily and want maximum developer support → Snapdragon 870.
• Need better battery life and prefer Samsung devices → Exynos 1380.
• Want more device variety → Snapdragon 870.
• Live in a region where Exynos-based devices are cheaper → Exynos 1380 might be the budget-friendly choice.

FAQs

1. Which is better for gaming: Exynos 1380 or Snapdragon 870?
   • Generally, the Snapdragon 870 performs better in GPU-intensive tasks and offers more stable frame rates during prolonged gaming.
2. Is Exynos 1380 more power-efficient than Snapdragon 870?
   • Yes, typically. Its 5nm/6nm node often means slightly lower power consumption, although final results depend on OEM optimizations.
3. How do their benchmark scores compare in Geekbench or AnTuTu?
   • Snapdragon 870 usually scores higher in single-core tests, while Exynos 1380 can be competitive in multi-core. AnTuTu scores might be close, but 870 often wins in GPU segments.
4. Which chipset supports better camera features for photography and video?
   • Both handle high-resolution sensors. Actual photo/video quality depends more on the specific phone’s camera hardware and software tuning.
5. Does Exynos 1380 overheat less than Snapdragon 870 during heavy use?
   • The smaller node can help keep temps in check on Exynos 1380, but thermal performance also depends heavily on the device’s cooling system.
6. Which phones currently use Exynos 1380 or Snapdragon 870?
   • Exynos 1380 often appears in Samsung Galaxy A or M series. Snapdragon 870 powers phones from Xiaomi, Motorola, OnePlus, and more.
7. How do these SoCs fare for AI-based tasks like AR or voice recognition?
   • Both perform well. Exynos 1380 has a capable NPU, while Snapdragon 870 uses the Hexagon DSP. Day-to-day differences are minimal.
8. Do both support mmWave 5G or just sub-6GHz?
   • Snapdragon 870 supports sub-6 GHz globally and can support mmWave if the manufacturer includes the right modem. Exynos 1380 typically focuses on sub-6 GHz, with mmWave being less common.
9. Is Snapdragon 870 still future-proof despite being older?
   • Yes. It has robust performance, consistent updates, and remains relevant for most tasks. Many devices with Snapdragon 870 still get OS upgrades.
10. Why does Samsung opt for Exynos in certain regions instead of Snapdragon?

• Samsung often uses Exynos SoCs to reduce reliance on external suppliers and optimize devices for local markets. It can also be cost-effective for Samsung’s supply chain.

Final Words

Choosing between Exynos 1380 and Snapdragon 870 depends on your specific needs—whether it’s gaming, battery life, camera performance, or simply device availability in your region. Snapdragon 870 remains a performance champion, especially for graphics-intensive tasks, while Exynos 1380 stands out with power efficiency and integration within Samsung’s ecosystem. Whichever you pick, you’ll get a solid balance of performance, 5G connectivity, and feature sets for an upper-mid-range smartphone experience.