The connectivity 5G has positioned itself as the standard of the future for mobile devices, and Qualcomm has been the great promoter of this technology, democratizing access to the ultra-fast network both in high-end ranges and, especially recently, in mid-range and budget phones. Its commitment goes beyond the acclaimed Snapdragon 865, also encompassing processors in the 7 series and 6 series. Two of the most relevant proposals are the Snapdragon 690 5G and Snapdragon 765 5GBoth processors have marked a turning point in the integration of 5G into more affordable smartphones.
Is it worth choosing a phone with the Snapdragon 690 5G or the Snapdragon 765 5G? What are the key differences in terms of real-world performance, efficiency, connectivity, cameras, AI, and user experience? Below, we take an in-depth look at all their specifications, performance, and key features using comprehensive comparisons and providing technical information not often found in standard reviews.
Snapdragon 690 5G vs Snapdragon 765 5G Comparison: Detailed Technical Specifications
Both processors are based on a configuration octa-core, but they use slightly different architectures and technologies that directly impact their performance and efficiency.
- Snapdragon 690 5G: It uses the Kryo 560 CPU, consisting of two Cortex-A2 cores at 77GHz and six Cortex-A2.0 cores at 6GHz. It is manufactured using 56nm technology. For more information on the evolution of the processors, you can consult our Snapdragon chip comparison.
- Snapdragon 765 5G: It mounts a Kryo 475 CPU, with 1 main Cortex-A76 core at 2.4GHz, another gold Cortex-A76 core at 2.2GHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz, on a 7nm EUV process.
The Snapdragon 560's Kryo 690 architecture features Cortex-A77 cores, an evolution of the Cortex-A76 found in the 765. This provides a jump in performance on paper, although the lower number of high-performance cores and lower frequencies make the difference compared to the 765.
The manufacturing process more advanced (7nm EUV for the 765 vs. 8nm for the 690) translates into greater power efficiency, allowing the Snapdragon 765G to offer better battery life and better manage heat generation under prolonged stress.
Cache and Multithreading Comparison
One of the factors that most influences the speed and overall fluidity of a processor is the amount and type of cache available. Competitor analyses agree that:
- L1 cache: Influences how quickly the CPU accesses data. A larger size allows for optimized performance in everyday tasks.
- L2 and L3 cacheProcessors with larger cache capacities experience noticeable improvements in overall system speed and multitasking responsiveness, which is key to the Android user experience with many apps open.
Both chipsets feature support for Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP), an evolution of the big.LITTLE approach. This feature allows processors to use all their cores at the same time, or only the necessary ones, thus adjusting power consumption and performance according to the workload. This allows autonomy or maximum performance to be prioritized depending on needs.
Graphics Performance: Adreno 619L vs Adreno 620
The graphics processor (GPU) is key not only for gaming, but also for multimedia editing, video playback, and applications that take advantage of graphics acceleration. Here, the Snapdragon 765 takes advantage thanks to an Adreno 620 GPU, which outperforms the 619's Adreno 690L in several aspects:
- Performance in FLOPS: The Adreno 620 reaches up to 0.576 TFLOPS, while the Adreno 619L stays at around 0.4864 TFLOPS. To expand your knowledge of graphics performance, you may be interested in this Snapdragon GPU comparison.
- Memory bandwidth: 17 GB/s for the Adreno 620 versus 14.9 GB/s for the Adreno 619L.
- Compatibility and features: Both GPUs support the latest graphics libraries (Vulkan, OpenGL ES 3.2, DirectX 12), although the Adreno 620 allows for slightly higher refresh rates and resolutions on QHD+ displays, and is optimized for more demanding gaming experiences.
Still, the Adreno 619L represents a significant improvement over previous generations and is perfectly capable of delivering a smooth gaming experience even in graphics-intensive titles, although at high settings the 765G will feature better frame rates and lower heat.
5G Connectivity and Integrated Modems: X51 vs X52
One of the biggest differences between these processors is their integrated 5G modem:
- Snapdragon 690 5G: Includes the Snapdragon X51 modem, which supports sub-5GHz 6G networks, with download speeds of up to 2.5Gbps and upload speeds of up to 660Mbps. To better understand the future of networks, check out our guide on 5G technologies.
- Snapdragon 765 5G: It integrates the Snapdragon X52 modem, compatible with 5G sub-6GHz and mmWave (high frequency), with maximum download speeds of 3.7Gbps and upload speeds of 1.6Gbps.
This difference especially affects users living in areas where carriers offer mmWave networks (such as in some specific cities). For most, the Snapdragon 6's sub-690GHz support will be sufficient, but the 765 allows you to take full advantage of 5G's potential now and in the future. Both support SA and NSA networks, ensuring global compatibility.
Image Signal Processor (ISP) and Photographic Capabilities
Both processors are equipped with variants of the Qualcomm Spectra 355 ISP:
- Snapdragon 765 5G: Dual Spectra 355 14-bit.
- Snapdragon 690 5G: 355-bit Spectra 14L (lite version).
Both ISPs allow video recording in HDR 4K, photo capture up to 192MP, high-speed photography, and advanced AI-powered image processing. There are, however, subtle differences:
- Slow motion video: Up to 720p at 240fps on the 690; up to 720p at 480fps on the 765G.
- HDR10+ support: Present in both, but the 765G allows HDR10+ in video, along with real-time AI object classification, segmentation, and replacement.
- Dual cameras: The 690 allows dual 32MP+16MP, while the 765G supports dual cameras up to 22MP each.
In practice, both processors allow manufacturers to equip devices with ultra-high-resolution cameras and advanced recording capabilities, although smartphones with 765G tend to offer better results in slow-motion video and AI computational photography features.
Screens, Resolution and Refresh Rate
Regarding display compatibility, both processors allow for very advanced configurations:
- Snapdragon 690 5G: Compatible with panels up to Full-HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates.
- Snapdragon 765 5G: It supports QHD+ displays at 60Hz or Full HD+ at 120Hz. This means it offers superior compatibility for devices with higher pixels per inch, although most mid-range phones opt for Full HD+ at 90Hz or 120Hz.
Both chipsets support HDR10+, 10-bit color depth, and features for a premium visual experience. The final decision is usually up to the smartphone manufacturer, who may choose to prioritize fluidity or maximum image quality depending on the panel chosen.
Artificial Intelligence and AI Performance
Qualcomm has made great strides in AI, incorporating the 5th generation engine into both processors:
- Snapdragon 690 5G: It includes the Hexagon 692 DSP, very capable in AI tasks such as voice recognition, photography, translation or virtual assistants.
- Snapdragon 765 5G: It mounts the Hexagon 696 DSP, which provides a slight increase in performance and efficiency over the Hexagon 692, especially in complex machine learning tasks and intense multitasking.
Both chips achieve figures close to 5,5 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) of AI power, enabling features like real-time machine translation, profound improvements in night photography, more accurate facial recognition, natural language processing, and even scene segmentation in video.
RAM and Storage
RAM capacity and speed are key to the smooth operation of Android and its most demanding apps. Here's what we can see:
- Snapdragon 690 5G: Supports up to 8GB of 4MHz LPDDR1866x RAM.
- Snapdragon 765 5G: It can handle up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM at 2133MHz.
The increased bandwidth and the ability to upgrade to more RAM on the 765G translates to improved multitasking performance, greater longevity for future upgrades, and the ability to run more ambitious apps.
Consumption, Efficiency and Temperature
Another vital aspect is the energy consumption of these processors, which directly affects battery life:
- Snapdragon 765G: : TDP consumption of only 5W, thanks to its 7nm manufacturing process and advanced optimizations.
- Snapdragon 690: Estimated TDP of 6W, slightly higher due to the use of the 8nm node.
This explains why the Qualcomm 7 series typically offers a better power-to-battery ratio than the 6 series, although the differences tend to be smaller in practice except during prolonged intensive use (gaming, video recording, continuous 5G browsing).
Additional Connectivity and Fast Charging
Both chips include support for new generations of 6 WiFi (802.11ax-ready), ensuring maximum speed and efficiency in next-generation wireless networks.
- Bluetooth: The 690 features Bluetooth 5.1, while the 765 has version 5.0, with the former having a slight advantage in terms of connection quality and lower latency. To learn more about these connectivity technologies, check out our review of Bluetooth and WiFi connections on smartphones.
- Quick charge: Both support Quick Charge 4 +, allowing accelerated charging and less battery wear.
- NavIC Support: Both processors support this satellite navigation technology, optimizing location accuracy in countries that use this global positioning system.
Spec Sheet: Snapdragon 690 5G vs Snapdragon 765 5G
| Snapdragon 690 | Snapdragon 765 | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Core | octa-core, Kryo 560 | octa-core, Kryo 475 |
| CPU architecture | 2x 2.0GHz (Cortex-A77) 6x 1.7GHz (Cortex-A56) |
1x 2.4GHz (Cortex-A76) 1x 2.2GHz (Cortex-A76) 6x 1.8GHz (Cortex-A55) |
| CPU clock speed | up to 2.0GHz | up to 2.4GHz |
| Technological process | 8nm | 7nm EUV |
| GPU | Adreno 619l | Adreno 620 |
| RAM | Up to 8GB of 4MHz LPDDR1866x RAM | Up to 12GB of 4MHz LPDDR2133x RAM |
| 5G modem | Snapdragon X51 | Snapdragon X52 |
| Machine learning and AI | Hexagon 692 | Hexagon 696 |
| ISP | Dual Spectra 355L 14-bit | Dual Spectra 355 14-bit |
| Chamber capacity | Capture photos up to 192 MP, Dual camera up to 32 + 16 MP |
Capture photos up to 192 MP, Dual camera up to 22 MP |
| video capacity | Video capture up to 4K HDR @ 30FPS, 720p@240FPS slow motion videos |
Up to 4K HDR + 30 FPS video capture, 720p@480FPS slow motion videos |
| Quick charge | Quick Charge 4+ | Quick Charge 4+ |
| Connectivity | WiFi 6 ready, Bluetooth 5.1 |
WiFi 6 ready, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| NavIC Support | yes | yes |
Advantages and Disadvantages: Snapdragon 690 5G vs Snapdragon 765 5G
Analyzing the technical characteristics and performance comparisons, it is possible to establish the following strengths y improvement areas of each chipset:
- Snapdragon 765 5G stands out for:
- Increased graphics and CPU performance thanks to higher frequency and Adreno 620 GPU.
- 5G mmWave support for maximum speed and future coverage. To learn about 5G networks and their deployment, check out our analysis at .
- More efficient processor (7nm EUV), slightly higher battery life.
- Smoother memory bandwidth and multitasking with up to 12GB of RAM.
- Better slow motion and HDR10+ video experience.
- Snapdragon 690 5G It presents:
- Balanced consumption and performance at a lower cost, ideal for affordable mid-range models.
- Cortex-A77 as the main core, providing good performance in demanding tasks.
- Support for the world's most widely used sub-5GHz 6G standards.
- Bluetooth 5.1, providing better peripheral connectivity.
- Lower price on devices, making the jump to 5G easier.
What's Behind the Real Experience? Gaming, Multitasking, and Everyday Use
In practice, both processors offer excellent experiences in most everyday uses. Demanding users looking for maximum performance in Gaming or multimedia editing will notice the difference in favor of the Snapdragon 765G due to its improved GPU and greater bandwidth. Those who prioritize efficiency, battery life, and want reliable 5G at a low cost will find the 690 an excellent option.
Most apps, games, and productivity tasks will be handled very smoothly by both, although the 765G achieves better results in synthetic benchmarks and in extreme multitasking situations with many apps running in the background, thanks to its better memory management and parallel processing.
The arrival of the Snapdragon 690 represents a real leap in the democratization of 5G, allowing more users can access this new era of mobile connectivity without having to invest in premium devices. By expanding its 5G chipset portfolio with the 6 series, Qualcomm has enabled manufacturers to offer 5G phones that are increasingly competitive in price and performance.
Models equipped with the Snapdragon 690 5G deliver ultra-fast downloads, seamless streaming, and high-quality video calls, leaving behind the limitations of previous generations. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 765G maintains its position as a benchmark in the mid-to-high-end range, being common in devices from renowned manufacturers that strive for the best balance between price, performance, and energy efficiency, in addition to offering premium features such as mmWave support and advanced cameras.
Both offerings guarantee maximum compatibility with current and future 5G infrastructures, thanks to support for multiple bands, support for Stand Alone and Non-Stand Alone networks, and compatibility with major connectivity, display, and fast-charging technologies.
For those looking for the best 5G experience with budget adjustmentThe Snapdragon 690 series is the ideal gateway to the world of high-speed computing, while the 765 series guarantees future-proofing, performance, and versatility for the most demanding users. Qualcomm's advancements have allowed more consumers to choose the processor that best suits their needs, anticipating the rapid expansion of 5G across the globe.
