Let’s talk about the ultimate midrange System on Chip (SoC), the King of the Midrange. No, I’m not talking about Triple H, the wrestler. I’m talking about the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, the true king among midrange SoCs.

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 is a midrange SoC from Qualcomm. It was announced in March 2023 and made quite a huge splash. However, I didn’t pay much attention initially, thinking manufacturers might not adopt it right away. But soon, the buzz became too loud to ignore. So, I decided to take a closer look.

Key specifications of the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2

Here are the specs:

  • CPU Cores:
  • Prime core: 1 Cortex X2 (2.9GHz)
  • Big cores: 3 Cortex A710 (2.49GHz)
  • Small cores: 4 Cortex A510 (1.8GHz)
  • GPU: Adreno 725
  • ISA: ARMv9
  • Manufacturing: 4nm TSMC
  • RAM: LPDDR5 (3200MHz)
  • Storage: UFS 3.1
  • Image Signal Processor (ISP): Spectra
  • AI Processor: Hexagon
  • Camera Support: Up to 200MP
  • Video: 4K @60fps
  • Display: QHD (1440p) @120Hz with HDR10+
  • Modem: Snapdragon X62 5G, 4G (Cat. 22), Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 6

When I assess an SoC, I consider several criteria: performance, gaming, media, camera + video, connectivity, and battery life. These aspects provide a comprehensive view of its capabilities.

Performance of the 7+ Gen 2

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2’s performance is outstanding. With a setup that includes a Cortex X2 at 2.9GHz, three Cortex A710 cores at 2.49GHz, and four Cortex A510 cores at 1.8GHz, it’s practically flagship quality.

Interestingly, this setup resembles the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from the previous year, demonstrating remarkable power. This SoC isn’t just midrange—it’s a flagship killer! It can handle everything Android-related, from gaming and video editing to multitasking and emulation. Its AnTuTu score is around 950k, and it scores over 4k on Geekbench 5.

Gaming

The Adreno 725 GPU ensures exceptional gaming performance. While it’s slightly slower than the Adreno 730, it can handle any Android game smoothly, from native titles to emulated ones.

RAM and Storage

The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 excels in RAM and storage as well. With LPDDR5 at 3200MHz and UFS 3.1 storage, its speed contributes to a seamless experience. This fast combination maximizes the potential of its CPU cores, making the entire device feel even faster.

Camera and video

Regarding camera and video, it’s worth noting that this SoC supports up to 200MP cameras, records 4K video at 60fps, and is compatible with various audio and video formats. While it lacks 8K video capabilities, its other features are robust.

Network connectivity

Connectivity is impressive with the Snapdragon X62 5G modem supporting Sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, as well as 4G. It’s accompanied by Bluetooth 5.3 and WiFi 6, ensuring smooth communication.

Battery life

On the battery front, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2’s efficiency benefits from TSMC’s 4nm manufacturing process. It ensures better power management, which is a boon for longer battery life.

Practical use

In real life, I discovered that only Xiaomi (and Realme) have embraced the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2. It’s found in devices like the Redmi Note 12 Turbo, Poco F5, and Realme GT Neo 5 SE.

As someone considering an upgrade due to my aging phone, the performance and value of the Poco F5 caught my attention. While it might be a while until I can get one, I’m willing to wait, save, and maybe even explore crowdfunding options.

Initially drawn to the SD870, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 completely changed my perspective. It’s a game-changer, and my eyes are now wide open.

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