QHuawei has updated its portfolio of processors for the low-mid range with the launch of three powerful chipsets: Snapdragon 720G, Snapdragon 662 and Snapdragon 460. These platforms incorporate notable technological innovations, equipping affordable mobile devices with advanced features in artificial intelligence, graphics performance, photography, and connectivity, bringing features from higher-end ranges to a much wider audience.
What new features does the Snapdragon 460 offer compared to its predecessors?
The Snapdragon 460 marks a significant leap in quality within the 400 series., Qualcomm's long-standing affordable smartphone lineup. This is the first time a model in this series integrates high-performance cores, an 11-nanometer architecture, and a third-generation AI engine, opening the door to much smoother, smarter, and more efficient experiences.
One of the most unique features of the new family is the Support for the Indian navigation system Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), the result of Qualcomm's direct collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). This reinforces the manufacturer's global focus and compatibility with cutting-edge regional technologies.
Snapdragon 460: specs and architecture
El Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 (codename SM4250-AA) is built under an 11 nm manufacturing process, which entails greater energy efficiency and lower heat generation compared to previous generations manufactured in 14 nm. It is composed of a Octa-core CPU with eight Kryo 240 cores distributed in two clusters:
- 4 Kryo 240 cores at 1.8 GHz (high performance)
- 4 Kryo 240 cores at 1.6 GHz (high efficiency)
This configuration based on Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP), an evolution of the big.LITTLE architecture, allows all cores can be activated simultaneously on demand for demanding tasks, or only the low-power cores for simple processes, thus balancing power and autonomy.
As for memory, it is compatible with LPDDR3 and LPDDR4X modules, supporting Dual-channel RAM up to 1866 MHzThis ensures efficient multitasking and responsiveness even with heavy applications.
La Integrated GPU is the Adreno 610 (600 MHz), the same one that equips superior processors such as the Snapdragon 665, thus allowing a good experience in games and graphic applications.
Snapdragon 460 real-world performance and benchmarks
The performance jump is one of the most notable aspects of this SoC. According to official data from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 460 offers a 70% improvement in CPU and 60% in GPU compared to the Snapdragon 450. These advances translate into greater fluidity for navigation, multitasking, photography, and above all in Better frame rates in popular mobile games.
Benchmark results on independent testing platforms reflect these improvements:
- Antutu Benchmark: It achieves an average score of approximately 157.844 points, placing it ahead of processors such as the UNISOC T603 and close to the performance of a Snapdragon 820.
- Geekbench: It achieves scores around 1466/325 points, surpassing the UNISOC Tiger T7510 and approaching the MediaTek MT8788.
- 3DMark: The Adreno 610 graphics card achieves around 245 points, improving the performance of alternatives such as the Kirin 950 and placing it slightly below the Kirin 955.
The Users perceive better response when opening and switching between apps, less waiting for menus to load, and a more consistent photography and video experience. Its energy efficiency also allows it to maintain sustained workloads without overheating.
Gaming Performance: How Does the Snapdragon 460 Perform?
Processor Snapdragon 460 is an ideal choice for the budget range geared towards casual gaming. Its Adreno 610 GPU is capable of running popular titles with good levels of fluidity, as demonstrated by independent tests in demanding games:
| Game | Medium FPS |
|---|---|
| PUBG:Mobile | 33 fps |
| PUBG: New State | 27 fps |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | 38 fps |
| Fortnite | 16 fps |
| Genshin Impact | 17 fps |
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | 34 fps |
In titles like PUBG or Call of Duty: Mobile, values above 30 fps are obtained. sustained, which is remarkable for a mid-to-low-range processor. In more demanding games like Fortnite or Genshin Impact, the frame rate drops, but they're still playable at low graphics settings.
Artificial Intelligence and Photo ISP Capabilities
One of the great new features of the Snapdragon 460 is the integration of the Third-generation Qualcomm AI Engine and the Hexagon 683 DSP. This engine enables AI functionalities previously only present in higher ranges: from intelligent real-time image processing, scene recognition and optimization of photographic settings, to faster and more natural voice assistants.
In photography, the Qualcomm Spectra 340 ISP It allows single cameras of up to 48 MP or dual cameras of 16+16 MP, with advanced features such as noise reduction, capture in low-light conditions, zero shutter lag (virtually instant photos) and FullHD video recording at 60 fps.
Connectivity and advanced features
El Snapdragon 460 features the Snapdragon X11 LTE modem, compatible with 4G LTE Cat13 which allows download speeds of up to 390 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps. In addition, it supports WiFi 6-ready (true WiFi 5), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC chips, facial, voice and fingerprint recognition, and fast UFS 2.1 storage. All this translates into modern and secure connectivity even in affordable terminals.
- Compatible with Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging (up to 18W).
- Supports FullHD+ displays at 60Hz.
- Advanced sensor management and audio transactions using Qualcomm Sensing Hub.
- High-quality audio thanks to Qualcomm Aqstic and aptX for Bluetooth.
Compatibility, devices and usage scenarios
The Snapdragon 460 is present in several models focused on the economic and mid-range segment, being chosen by brands such as Xiaomi (Poco X3 Lite), Lenovo (Lemon K12) and other manufacturers that traditionally take advantage of the 400 series to offer a great balance between price and performanceSome examples of smartphones that use this processor in their most common versions are:
- Redmi 8A
- Huawei Y series
- Moto G6
- Realme C1
- redmi 8
- Poco X3 Lite
- Lenovo Lemon K12
This presence ensures that a wide audience can enjoy Premium features like advanced AI, enhanced photography, and smooth gamingTo learn how these advanced technologies can enhance your mobile experience, check out our analysis on the Realme X50 with Snapdragon 765G.
Differences compared to other mid-range Snapdragon processors
To put the Snapdragon 460 into context, it's worth comparing it to other Qualcomm processors in similar segments:
- Compared to the Snapdragon 450, the difference in CPU and GPU is significantly greater, as is support for AI and higher-quality photography.
- Compared to the Snapdragon 662, the CPU and GPU performance is slightly lower, but it shares many key features such as the Adreno 610 GPU and support for 48MP sensors.
- Compared to the Snapdragon 720G, the latter is in a league of its own in terms of graphics power and gaming performance, aimed at the mid-to-premium range.
Other notable technical features
The Snapdragon 460 also integrates advanced details that make the difference in affordable mobile phones:
- 64-bit ARMv8-A architecture, ensuring compatibility with the latest versions of Android.
- Advanced cache management (L2 and L3) to optimize processing and reduce latency when running tasks and games.
- Dual-channel memory system for increased bandwidth and efficient data access.
- Supports triple simultaneous cameras, ideal for phones with ultra-wide-angle and macro sensors.
- Very low energy consumption (approximate TDP of 3W), ideal for maintaining autonomy in small batteries.
How does AI influence the Snapdragon 460 user experience?
Artificial intelligence in the Snapdragon 460 not only improves photography or performanceIt also enables voice assistants to respond more naturally, accelerates real-time translation, intelligently manages battery usage, and optimizes apps that learn from the user. This is especially valuable on affordable devices, where every optimization can make a difference.
