Snapdragon 215 unveiled: faster 64-bit CPU, dual camera support, still 28nm

Qualcomm introduced a new chipset for entry-level smartphones – the Snapdragon 215. It’s a tangible upgrade over the Snapdragon 212 with a 64-bit CPU, a faster GPU and support for dual cameras. However, the chip is still built on the old 28nm node.

The new CPU features four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.3GHz, which ARM claims are 50% faster than the four A7 cores inside the old chipset. Being 64-bit is the bigger upgrade, however, as it should massively improve compatibility with new versions of Android – the Nokia 2, for example, is stick on Oreo.

Anyway, the GPU is an Adreno 308, which delivers a smaller 28% boost. This is the same GPU as the S425 had.

A dual ISP (a first for the 200-series) significantly improves camera support. The Snapdragon 215 can handle one 13MP camera or two 8MP modules, so phones can have a tele cam or a depth sensor. Another upgrade is 1080p video recording. For comparison, the 212 topped out at single 8MP and 720p.

The maximum supported display resolution is still in the 720p class, though now makers can use tall aspect ratio screens, up to 19:9 (the old chipset was strictly 16:9).

Connectivity sees a small improvement too, with the addition of Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2. Android Pay is supported thanks to upgraded NFC. This chip supports dual VoLTE and EVS Voice calls (“Ultra HD Voice Calls”), another first for the 200-series.

A few things haven’t changed. The chipset still packs the X5 LTE modem (150/50Mbps). Memory support is the same, LPDDR3 RAM, eMMC 4.5 built-in storage and UHS-I microSD cards.

This could be a mistake in the specs, but the chipset only offers Quick Charge 1.0 while the older model had QC2.0 (that’s 10W max, down from 18W). Based on Qualcomm tests performed on reference devices with a 3,000mAh battery, the chipset can power 10+ hours of video playback, 20+ hours of voice calls or days of music playback.

All in all, the Snapdragon 215 is a slightly cut down version of the 425. It should lead to much better sub-$100 phones as it's much better suited for modern design trends.

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