Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Review: Benchmark Performance and Specs
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 is a mobile processor that was launched in August 2016 and announced by the device maker of several smartphone brands. This chip features Two 2.34GHz Kryo Two 1.6GHz Kryo cores. The SoC is designed in-house by Qualcomm and manufactured by Samsung using a 14 nm process technology. The Snapdragon 821 integrates the Adreno 506 GPU running at 653 MHz and supports 6GB of LPDDR4 memory. It can be configured with the company’s Snapdragon X12 modem, offering peak download speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821: Benchmark Performance
In terms of AnTuTu performance, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 scores over 176477 points. In the Geekbench test, it records 400 points in the single-core test and 899 points in the multi-core test. It also achieved a combined score of on Passmark. Additionally, it holds a solid 3DMark score, which is a benchmark designed to measure the graphics performance of smartphones and tablets. The average Snapdragon 821 score is around 891. This positions it comparably with other mobile chipsets, such as the Huawei HiSilicon Kirin 710 and the Samsung Exynos 9610, in the ranking.
| Benchmark | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Score |
|---|---|
| AnTuTu | 176477 |
| Geekbench (Multi Core) | 899 |
| Geekbench (Single Core) | 400 |
| 3DMark | 891 |
Equivalent List for Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 is equal to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 660 in benchmark scores.
Compared to the Mediatek, it is a similar value to the Helio P23 in terms of CPU performance.
| Equivalent Model to Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 | Antutu Score |
|---|---|
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 | 176599 |
| Huawei HiSilicon Kirin 710 | 176533 |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 | 176477 |
| Samsung Exynos 9610 | 174773 |
| Apple A9 | 173833 |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Gaming Performance
The gaming performance test for Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 on PUBG Mobile shows a result of 35 FPS. When handling demanding games like COD, the chip operates at frame rates of 36 FPS. Other benchmarks include popular choices among mobile gamers such as Genshin Impact, Mobile Legends, Fortnite, and War Thunder. Its Adreno 506 class graphics processor is capable of boosting up to 653 MHz, ensuring improved peak performance and highly responsive gameplay. This SoC supports a high-powered Snapdragon X12 modem for a fast gaming experience. Speeds of up to up to 150 Mbps allow for seamless streaming from the cloud, while global support enables gamers around the world to engage in battles simultaneously in real time.
| Games | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 frame rates | Graphics settings |
|---|---|---|
| PUBG: Mobile | 35 FPS | |
| PUBG: New State | 27 FPS | |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | 36 FPS | |
| Fortnite | 8 FPS | |
| Genshin Impact | 10 FPS | |
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | 38 FPS |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Specification
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Qualcomm |
| Model | Snapdragon 821 |
| Manufacturer | Samsung |
| Launch date | August 2016 |
| Architecture | ARMv8-A |
| Bit width | 64-bit support |
| Architecture | Quad-core: 2x 2.34GHz Kryo + 2x 1.6GHz Kryo |
| Number of Cores / Threads | 4 |
| Clock Speed | up to 2.34 GHz |
| Big | Two 2.34GHz Kryo |
| Mid | Two 1.6GHz Kryo |
| Level 1 Cache | 64 KB |
| Level 2 Cache | 1 MB |
| Transistor Count | 2 Million |
| Integrated GPU | Adreno 506 |
| GPU Cores | 2 |
| GPU frequency | 653 MHz |
| Shading units | 256 |
| Total shaders | 256 |
| Vulkan | 1 |
| OpenCL | 2 |
| DirectX version | 11 |
| AI processor (machine learning) | Hexagon 680 |
| Max display resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Max camera resolution | 1x 28MP, 2x 13MP |
| Video capture | 4K at 30FPS |
| Video playback | 4K at 30FPS |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9 |
| Audio codecs | AIFF, CAF, MP3, MP4, WAV |
| Max Memory | 6GB |
| RAM Type | LPDDR4 |
| Maximum bandwidth | 29.8 Gbps |
| Bus | 4x 16 Bit |
| Storage | eMMC 5.1, UFS 2.0 |
| Technology Process | 14 nm |
| Wattage (peak TDP) | 11W |
| Features | Snapdragon X12 modem up to 150 Mbps |
| 4G Modes | LTE Cat. 12 |
| 5G support | No |
| Wi-Fi version | 5 |
| Bluetooth version | 4.1 |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo |