Snapdragon 695 vs 4s Gen 2: Which Chipset Wins?

The Snapdragon 695 and Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 are both budget-tier 5G chipsets from Qualcomm, but the 695 comes out ahead in raw CPU and GPU performance, while the 4s Gen 2 offers a more modern, power-efficient design for entry-level phones. If you prioritize gaming and multitasking, choose the 695; if you want longer battery life in a basic daily driver, the 4s Gen 2 is a solid pick.

Background and Positioning

The Snapdragon 695 (released early 2022) was designed as a mid-range upgrade over the 690, bringing faster Cortex-A78 cores and an Adreno 619 GPU. It quickly became a staple in phones around $200–$300, powering devices like the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G and various Samsung Galaxy A series models.

The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 (announced mid-2023) is a newer, budget-focused chipset aimed at sub-$150 phones. It uses a more efficient 4nm process (compared to the 695’s 6nm) and features two Cortex-A78 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, but the performance cores are clocked lower than the 695’s. The 4s Gen 2 also integrates a simpler Adreno GPU and supports only 2.5Gbps peak download speeds (vs. the 695’s 3.7Gbps).

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• CPU: 695 has 2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.7GHz; 4s Gen 2 has 2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.0GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz
• GPU: 695 uses Adreno 619; 4s Gen 2 uses Adreno 613 (roughly 20–30% slower)
• Process: 695 uses 6nm; 4s Gen 2 uses 4nm (more power-efficient)
• Memory: Both support LPDDR4X, but 695 supports up to 12GB; 4s Gen 2 up to 8GB
• Display: 695 supports up to 120Hz FHD+; 4s Gen 2 supports up to 90Hz FHD+
• 5G: Both have 5G, but 695 supports mmWave (in some variants) and faster sub-6 speeds

Performance: CPU and GPU

In real-world usage, the Snapdragon 695 scores roughly 30–40% higher in multi-core benchmarks like Geekbench 6 compared to the 4s Gen 2. That translates to noticeably faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better performance in heavy apps like photo editing or navigation.

Gaming is where the gap widens. The Adreno 619 in the 695 can handle popular titles like PUBG Mobile at “Balanced” 60fps or Genshin Impact at low settings with playable frame rates. The Adreno 613 in the 4s Gen 2 struggles to maintain 30fps in the same games, often requiring reduced resolution. For casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, both are fine.

Power Efficiency and Battery Life

The 4s Gen 2’s 4nm process gives it a clear advantage in efficiency. In everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and messaging, the 4s Gen 2 can outlast the 695 by 10–20% on the same battery capacity. This makes it a better choice for users who prioritize all-day battery over performance.

However, when both chipsets are pushed to their limits (e.g., gaming or video recording), the 695’s higher performance cores draw more power, but they also finish tasks quicker, which can sometimes offset the efficiency gap. In practice, the 4s Gen 2 is the better pick for a “set and forget” phone, while the 695 is for those who need a bit more oomph.

Connectivity and Other Features

Both chipsets include 5G, but the 695 supports faster sub-6GHz speeds (up to 3.7Gbps) and, in some variants, mmWave (extremely high-frequency 5G). The 4s Gen 2 tops out at 2.5Gbps and lacks mmWave, which is only relevant in a few countries with mmWave networks. For most users, the difference won’t be noticeable.

In terms of Wi-Fi, both support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1. The 695 also supports Quick Charge 4+ while the 4s Gen 2 supports Quick Charge 4 (slightly slower). Neither supports Wi-Fi 6, so that’s not a differentiator.

How to Choose Between Them

Your choice should depend on your budget and what you value most:

• Pick the Snapdragon 695 if: You want to play games, multitask heavily, or plan to keep the phone for 2–3 years. The extra CPU/GPU headroom ensures smoother performance over time.
• Pick the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 if: You only use your phone for calls, messaging, social media, and light web browsing, and you want the best battery life possible. It’s also a good choice for a budget phone where every dollar counts.

Also consider the phone’s other specs: a 695 paired with 4GB RAM will still lag behind a 4s Gen 2 with 8GB RAM in multitasking, so look at the whole package, not just the chipset.

Common Misconceptions

One common myth is that the 4s Gen 2 is a direct successor to the 695, but it’s actually a tier below. The 4s Gen 2 is more comparable to the older Snapdragon 480 Plus. Another misconception is that “newer is always better”—the 4s Gen 2’s newer process doesn’t compensate for its weaker GPU and lower clock speeds in performance tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 good for gaming?

It can handle light and casual games well, but for demanding titles like Genshin Impact or Fortnite, you’ll need to lower settings significantly. The Adreno 613 is about 30% slower than the Adreno 619, so expect frame rates around 25–30fps on low settings in heavy games.

Which chipset has better battery life?

The Snapdragon 4s Gen 2, thanks to its 4nm process and lower peak performance, typically offers 10–20% better battery life in everyday use. However, the difference shrinks under heavy load because the 695 finishes tasks faster.

Can the Snapdragon 695 support 120Hz displays?

Yes, the 695 supports FHD+ displays up to 120Hz. In contrast, the 4s Gen 2 is limited to 90Hz, which is still smooth but not as fluid for scrolling and animations.

Is the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 a downgrade from the 695?

In terms of raw performance, yes—the 695 is faster. But the 4s Gen 2 is not a replacement; it’s a lower-tier chipset for more affordable phones. If you see a phone with a 4s Gen 2, it’s likely cheaper than one with a 695.

Which chipset is better for 5G speeds?

The Snapdragon 695 supports faster sub-6GHz 5G (up to 3.7Gbps) and optional mmWave, while the 4s Gen 2 caps at 2.5Gbps without mmWave. In real-world use, you’ll rarely notice the difference unless you’re on a very fast mmWave network.

Should I buy a phone with the 695 or the 4s Gen 2 in 2025?

If you can find a phone with the 695 at a similar price to one with the 4s Gen 2, go for the 695—it offers better performance and will age better. But if the 4s Gen 2 phone is significantly cheaper (e.g., $50 less), it’s a good value for basic use.

Related

• Razer Barracuda X Chroma: Features and Compatibility
• Math 3D Print Costs: Why They Can Surprise You
• Keep AI-Generated Documentation Accurate as Code Changes