What is the difference between Snapdragon 821 and Snapdragon 820?

By Deepak Singh • Updated On 1 Sept 2016

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Qualcomm did acknowledge the existence of a new high-end Snapdragon 821 SoC a few weeks back but didn’t detail what’s inside. Details are still sparse, but Qualcomm has surely opened up a bit more. So here are the improvements in Snapdragon 821 SoC compared to last year’s Snapdragon 820.

Snapdragon 821 key features

Features	Snapdragon 820	Snapdragon 821
Performance Core cluster	2x Kryo 2.15 GHz	2x Kryo 2.34 GHz
Power Core Cluster	2x Kryo 1.59 GHz	2x Kryo 2.19 GHz
GPU	Adreno 530 624 MHz	Adreno 530 653 MHz
Modem	600 Mbps X12 LTE modem	600 Mbps X12 LTE modem
Fast charging standard	Quick Charge 3.0	Quick Charge 3.0

Key Improvements in Snapdragon 821

Snapdragon 821 will be 5 percent more power efficient compared to 820
Smartphones powered by Snapdragon 821 would be compatible with Google’s Day Dream VR standard
Includes support for Dual Phase Detection Autofocus system that will help with better focusing speeds compared to conventional PDAF.
Image signal processor supports extended ranges for Laser Autofocus
Qualcomm also claims smoother scrolling and improved web browsing experience owing to some Board Support Package changes.
10% faster boot speed
10% faster app loading

Asus Zenfone 3 Delux is the first smartphone to ship with the new Snapdragon 821 SoC. Upcoming HTC Nexus phones are also expected to include the new SoC. The point being, we will know if these marketing bullet points hold water soon enough.

Also Read: Qualcomm Is Counting Big On Snapdragon 820

Deepak Singh

Deepak Singh is a technology journalist and editor with over 13 years of experience covering consumer electronics. A computer engineering graduate, he has developed deep expertise in chipsets, displays, and hardware performance.

Over the past decade, Deepak has reviewed more than 700 products, including smartphones, laptops, TVs, and audio gear. He currently leads the editorial team at Smartprix, focusing on accurate, useful, and hands-on tech reporting.

When he’s not testing new devices, Deepak enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

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