Qualcomm has come forward with a new entry-level 200 series Snapdragon processor, that is the Snapdragon 215 which is a bit of an improvement from the Snapdragon 212. So, how much of an upgrade does the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 bring to the table? Well, let’s find out!
Snapdragon 215 vs Snapdragon 212
The major improvement in terms of architecture is that the 215 is built on 64-bit architecture. On top of it, we have a faster GPU and support for dual-camera setup as compared to a single camera setup support of the Snapdragon 212.
CPU
As we take a look at the cores, we have four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.3 GHz. ARM says that the new A53 cores are 50% faster than the A7 cores found in the Snapdragon 212. On the plus side for Android users, we see a 64-bit here in the Snapdragon 215, so future android updates are now a reality for even cheap devices unlike the Nokia 2 which cannot go past Oreo now.
Camera
The dual camera on the rear side of new devices are now pretty mainstream and the 212 was somewhat lacking behind in this spectrum. It was only capable of a single 8MP sensor whose maximum video recording resolution tops out at 720p. But with the new Snapdragon 215, we can have two 8MP sensors or a more capable 13MP single sensor. Of course with a single sensor you lose out on the upside of having an extra telephoto lens, or an extra depth-sensing lens but there is an upside of getting more clarity into the pictures with that single 13MP lens. So it all depends on what the smartphone manufacturer has in the vision for a new low priced device. Again with the Snapdragon 215, you have the ability to record videos at 1080p resolution, which is a great plus in terms of camera.
Display
In terms of resolution on the display though we are still stuck at 720p, which is kind of expected as Qualcomm had to cut some corners. What Qualcomm did not cut any corner though is in the improvements of connectivity. We see the much-needed Wifi 5 (802.11ac) addition along with support for Bluetooth 4.2. Payment through mobile devices are getting more and more dominant through these times and NFC plays a really big part in it. Qualcomm has realized it and we see an upgraded NFC finally with support for Android Pay. But that’s not all, as we also see a dual VoLTE and EVS support for the first time in a 200-series Snapdragon processor.
GPU
Again in terms of power in the GPU we see a 28% power boost as compared to the Snapdragon 212 with the Adreno 308, which is the same we see on the Snapdragon 425.
Similarities Between The Two
Now as we move on to the similarities between the two, we see the same memory support, LPDDR3 RAM, eMMC 4.5 built-in storage as well as the same UHS-I microSD type support for expansion. As for modem too, it packs in the same X5 LTE modem found on the 212. Following on as a 200 series processor, the Snapdragon 215 maintains its 28nm node size.
Specifications That Matter
Here are the differences between Snapdragon 215 and Snapdragon 212.
| SoC | Snapdragon 215 | Snapdragon 212 |
| CPU | 4x Cortex-A53 (64-bit, 50% faster) | 4x Cortex-A7 (32-bit) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 (28% faster) | Adreno 304 |
| Process | 28nm | 28nm |
| Memory | LPDDR3 Single-channel 672 MHz 3 GB | LPDDR2/3 Single-channel 533 MHz |
| Display | 1560x720px | 1280x720px |
| Camera | 13MP or dual 8MP, 1080p video | 8MP, 720p video |
| Modem | X5 LTE | X5 LTE |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC | Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Charging | Quick Charge 1 | Quick Charge 2 |
Verdict
Qualcomm tested this processor on a 3,000 mAh battery device and got a 10+ hours video playback, 20+ hours of voice calls and days of music playback. So overall the Snapdragon 215 feels like a processor just below the Snapdragon 425, which is great for customers looking for really cheap phones as their daily drivers for basic use.
