Snapdragon 845 Phones: Full List & Buying Guide

Snapdragon 845 phones are Android devices powered by Qualcomm’s 2018 flagship processor, found in models like the Samsung Galaxy S9, OnePlus 6, and Google Pixel 3. This article explains what the Snapdragon 845 offers, lists the most notable phones that use it, and helps you decide if buying one in 2025 makes sense.

What Is the Snapdragon 845?

The Snapdragon 845 is a mobile system-on-chip (SoC) announced in December 2017 and first shipped in early 2018. It was Qualcomm’s top-tier processor for that year, powering most flagship Android phones. Built on a 10nm process, it features an octa-core Kryo 385 CPU (four performance cores up to 2.8 GHz and four efficiency cores up to 1.8 GHz) and an Adreno 630 GPU. It also includes the X20 LTE modem for gigabit-class download speeds, support for 4K HDR video recording, and AI processing via the Hexagon 685 DSP.

Compared to the previous Snapdragon 835, the 845 delivered roughly 30% faster CPU performance and 30% better graphics, while improving power efficiency. It was the first Snapdragon chip to support multi-frame noise reduction for photography and to feature a dedicated security processing unit for biometric data.

Why This Chip Still Matters

Even though the 845 is several generations old, it remains relevant for budget-conscious buyers and tinkerers. Many 845 phones can be found used for under $100, offering performance that still handles everyday apps, social media, and light gaming. The chip supports Android 12 or 13 on most devices, and custom ROMs (like LineageOS) can extend software support further. For users who want a cheap, hackable device with decent performance and good camera hardware, a used 845 phone is a compelling option.

However, it lacks 5G support (the X20 modem is 4G LTE only), and its GPU is now outclassed by mid-range chips like the Snapdragon 695. Heavy gaming or demanding multitasking will show its age.

Complete List of Notable Snapdragon 845 Phones

Here are the most well-known phones that use the Snapdragon 845, grouped by brand:

• Samsung: Galaxy S9, S9+, Note 9
• OnePlus: OnePlus 6, OnePlus 6T
• Google: Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL
• LG: G7 ThinQ, V40 ThinQ
• Sony: Xperia XZ2, XZ2 Compact, XZ2 Premium, XZ3
• Xiaomi: Mi 8, Mi Mix 2S, Mi Mix 3, Black Shark (gaming phone)
• ASUS: ZenFone 5Z, ROG Phone (first generation)
• Motorola: Moto Z3, Moto Z3 Play (though the Z3 Play uses a Snapdragon 636 in some regions, the Z3 uses the 845)
• HTC: U12+
• Nokia: Nokia 9 PureView (released later, but still 845)
• Essential: Essential Phone (PH-1) – actually uses the 835, so it’s not on this list, but the 845 was in the Essential Phone’s unreleased successor.

This list is not exhaustive; many other regional models and gaming phones (like the Razer Phone 2) also used the 845.

How to Choose a Snapdragon 845 Phone in 2025

When buying a used 845 phone today, consider these factors:

1. Battery health: All 845 phones are at least 5 years old; battery capacity has likely degraded. Look for a phone with a replaceable battery or budget for a replacement.
2. Software support: Most have stopped receiving official updates. Check if the phone has an official LineageOS build or a custom ROM community.
3. Display and camera: The 845 supports up to 4K HDR, but the actual camera quality depends on the phone. The Pixel 3 still has a highly regarded camera, while the Galaxy S9 has a variable aperture.
4. Storage and RAM: The 845 supports up to 8GB RAM (some gaming phones have this) and UFS 2.1 storage. 6GB/64GB is common, but more is better for longevity.
5. Price: You should not pay more than $100–150 for a used 845 phone, unless it’s a collector’s item or in mint condition.

Common Problems and Limitations

Owners of Snapdragon 845 phones report several recurring issues:

• Battery drain: The 10nm process is less efficient than newer chips, and old batteries exacerbate this. Expect to charge daily with moderate use.
• Heat: The Adreno 630 can get warm during extended gaming, leading to thermal throttling.
• No 5G: If your carrier is shutting down 3G or if you want 5G, this chip won’t support it. You’ll be limited to 4G LTE.
• Software updates: Most phones are stuck on Android 10 or 11. Security patches are no longer provided, so avoid storing sensitive data on these devices without a custom ROM.
• Camera app lag: The ISP is old, and some camera apps may feel slow compared to modern phones.

Snapdragon 845 vs. Modern Mid-Range Chips

How does the 845 compare to a 2024 budget chip like the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 or 6 Gen 1? In raw CPU performance, the 845 is still competitive—its Kryo 385 cores score around 2,400 in Geekbench 5 single-core, which is similar to the Snapdragon 695. However, the newer chips have more efficient cores, better modems (with 5G), and stronger AI engines. The 845’s Adreno 630 GPU is roughly on par with the Adreno 619 in the 695, but it lacks support for newer graphics APIs like Vulkan 1.3 (it supports 1.1). For everyday use, a 845 phone will feel similar to a budget 2024 phone, but you’ll miss out on 5G and longer battery life.

Is It Worth Buying a Snapdragon 845 Phone Today?

It depends on your needs:

• Yes, if: You’re on a tight budget, want a phone for basic tasks, or enjoy tinkering with custom ROMs. The Pixel 3’s camera is still excellent, and the OnePlus 6T has a vibrant community.
• No, if: You need 5G, want long battery life, or plan to keep the phone for more than a year without replacing the battery. You also shouldn’t buy one if you play heavy games like Genshin Impact—the 845 will struggle with high settings.

For most people, a modern budget phone (like a Moto G or Samsung A-series) offers a better overall experience. But for the price, a used 845 phone can be a fun secondary device or a project phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Snapdragon 845 still good in 2025?

For basic use (calls, messaging, browsing, YouTube), yes. It can handle most apps, but it will lag with heavy multitasking or demanding games. Battery life is the biggest weak point due to age.

Does Snapdragon 845 support 5G?

No. The X20 modem is 4G LTE only. You’ll need a newer phone for 5G connectivity.

Can I update a Snapdragon 845 phone to Android 13 or 14?

Officially, no. Most 845 phones stopped at Android 10 or 11. However, custom ROMs like LineageOS offer Android 13 or 14 builds for many 845 devices, but they require unlocking the bootloader and may have bugs.

Which Snapdragon 845 phone has the best camera?

The Google Pixel 3 is widely regarded as the best camera phone with this chip, thanks to Google’s computational photography. The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Note 9 also have excellent cameras with variable aperture.

Is the Snapdragon 845 good for gaming?

It can handle most games at medium settings, but it will heat up and throttle during extended sessions. It’s not suitable for high-refresh-rate gaming or the latest heavy titles.

How long will a Snapdragon 845 phone last?

With a new battery, it can last another 2–3 years for light use. But without security updates, it’s not recommended for banking or sensitive data. Hardware failure (like a dying battery or worn USB port) is more likely than software issues.

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