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Samsung Galaxy S7: Snapdragon vs Exynos

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 edge 1
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There are two variants of the Samsung Galaxy S7: a US version with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core processor and the International version with the Exynos 8890 octa-core processor. But which one is better? Let's take a look. 

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Which Galaxy S7 variant is better? / © ANDROIDPIT

The differences in the processors of the two versions of the Galaxy S7.

Samsung Galaxy S7 processors

  US Variant International Variant
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
Quad-Core, 14 nm
2 x 1.59 GHz, 2 x 2.15 GHz
Samsung Exynos 8890
Octa-Core, 14 nm
2 x 2.6 GHz oder 4 x 2.3 GHz + 4 x 1.5 GHz
Graphics Card Adreno 530, 624 MHz Mali T880MP12, 650 MHz
Memory Dual-Channel LPDDR4 1,866 MHz Dual-Channel LPDDR4 1,794 MHz

Exynos vs Snapdragon: performance

Since we have not been given the US model, we need to use the readings from PhoneArena. These state that, in browser and multicore benchmarks, the two chips traded scores. This is not surprising. The two chips are almost indiscernible in the processing power they provide, but once we have the two devices in the office, we can conduct a more thorough side-by-side evaluation.

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 REVIEW 1
The Snapdragon version outperforms the Exynos in benchmarking. / © ANDROIDPIT

Exynos vs Snapdragon: efficiency 

If the Exynos processor has twice as many cores as the Snapdragon 820 then it theoretically should also consume more power. Since we do not yet have any measurement, we cannot draw a definitive conclusion. We'll discuss battery life below. 

Exynos vs Snapdragon: modifiability 

Another important question in the processor differences between the two versions of the Samsung Galaxy S7 is whether you can install third-party software. Also crucial is the question of how complicated root access is. In these measurements, the international version initially had a clear advantage but now the US version seems to be ahead.

Previously, CF-Autoroot S7 and S7 Edge Custom Recoveries were made available only to the International version. Then, after March 18, the bootloader lock was lifted from US versions and the tide changed. 

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 edge 9
The international version initially outperformed the US version in modifiability. / © ANDROIDPIT

Once this was completed, the Snapdragon model had some clear advantages. Samsung shares Qualcomm's processor documentation with developers, allowing the creation of third-party firmware. In the long term, it is plausible that CyanogenMod comes out for US Galaxy devices. The Exynos variant, however, is not expected to authorize modifications beyond root access. 

The comparison is a little idle

It might not be that surprising that Samsung decided to release two different versions of its Galaxy S7. It could be used to allow the company to track differences in performance and satisfaction for the device with different variables. While it does seem that the US processor does have some clear advantages, international version purchasers should not be dismayed. The Exynos version is still a great device and will perform just as well as its US peer will. 

What do you think about this difference in processors? Let us know in the comments. 

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Go to comment (14)
Eric Ferrari-Herrmann

Eric Ferrari-Herrmann
Senior Editor

Eric has been with AndroidPIT since 2014. He’s writing articles and reviews for the German website. Topics are mostly privacy and new technology but there's also the occasional piece on environmental sustainability.

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14 comments
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  • Jon Cowden 1
    Jon Cowden Dec 6, 2016 Link to comment

    And this article is TOTALLY BASS ACKWARDS when it speaks about the bootloaders... The US version is still VERY MUCH LOCKED DOWN... In fact, it is the Exynos that is bootloader unlocked and Autorooted.. The crappy US version is just like everything else in the US... LOCKED DOWN YET MADE OUT TO BE AMAZING! It is the worst let-down... Not to mention the US version is ONLY rootable with a leaked aka STOLEN Engineer's bootloader that is old as shit as it is.... AND the fu$&ing cores are LOCKED at 1.5ghz... ALL OF THEM... So lame! LAME LAME LAME KOREANS!


  • 1
    David Jun 17, 2016 Link to comment

    I just ordered the octa core s7 and I'm in the UK. Anyone know if it'll work with a UK sim card?


  • 1
    Mark Hobnobber Apr 15, 2016 Link to comment

    The Note 4 was the first phone ever to introduce the TUI (Trusted User Interface) in addition to the TEE (Trusted Execution Environment). However it was only supported on Exynos. All S6 and Note 5 phones are Exynos so TUI is on all of them. But now we are back to S7 having split again and only the Exynos supports the TUI.

    If you do not know what a TUI is then please do your research. Software is just now starting to come out using it and once you know its power you will never go back.

    Security is EVERYTHING these days.

    I will never buy Qualcomm until they catch up and add the TUI support.


    • Jon Cowden 1
      Jon Cowden Dec 6, 2016 Link to comment

      Security is only for those whom op in to use it.. I want a secure phone, as well as one I can use as a computer, streamer, pen testing device, and bottle opener... Why should we be FORCED to use it? We should have the option to dual-boot sec/insec or just root/unroot how we want... That is freedom... After all.. We paid for the bitches...


  • 3
    Romina Stanganelli Apr 10, 2016 Link to comment

    I believe that the Exynos is better than snapdragon ... for me ... it sounds better than the snapdragon qualcomm.lo hate'm qualcomm snapdragon, already named it sounds bad name by hatred that still put'm qualcomm snapdragon processor chip, maybe not I understand ..

    Deactivated Account


  • 1
    cynnomore Apr 1, 2016 Link to comment

    This "article" was completely wasteless.


  • 18
    Deactivated Account Mar 28, 2016 Link to comment

    Samsung will manufacture both processors. Both are enough capable to deliver smooth performance.


  • hotspring21 12
    hotspring21 Mar 28, 2016 Link to comment

    Go to Youtube and search for "Galaxy S7 (Snapdragon) vs. Galaxy S7 (Exynos) Speed Test"

    The video shows that in a app launch speed test, and memory management test, exynos version blows snapdragon version out of water!! Sadly, snapdragon is still inferior to exynos processor.

    Romina Stanganelli


  • 24
    Deactivated Account Mar 27, 2016 Link to comment

    Samsung Exynos 8890
    Octa-Core, 14 nm
    2 x 2.6 GHz oder 4 x 2.3 GHz + 4 x 1.5 GHz

    What I don't understand is that it says "2 x 2.6 GHz oder 4 x 2.3 GHz"? Oder meaning OR in Deutsch. So what I understand is that it's either a 6 Core processor if it has 2x 2.26GHz processors or 8 Core when it has 4x 2.3 Ghz processors. It's a bit confusing.

    Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
    Quad-Core, 14 nm
    2 x 1.59 GHz, 2 x 2.15 GHz

    Do you really want to tell me that a Quad core processor is faster than a Octa Core? If it has the 4x 2.6 Ghz and 4x1.5 Ghz processors it will still be faster having 4 more processors than the Snapdragon. Yes maybe normal use the snapdragon might be faster, but will have to be tested. But I can't think that when using all cores when playing games etc. that the Snapdragon will be faster than the Exynos. Battery life will be better on the Snapdragon as it has 4 cores less than the Exynos thus using less battery power to power the 4 processors the Exynos have more. To say the Snapdragon will be faster is like saying a intel i3 is faster than a i5/i7. Nein mein Herr ich begreifen dass nicht. (Tut mir leid mein Deutsch ist nicht sehr gut).

    Romina Stanganelli


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    All I get out of this article is we really don't know anything yet so lets speculate.


    • Diptangshu M. 15
      Diptangshu M. Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

      My thoughts precisely.


  • 2
    alex Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Why does it say locked bootloaders were lifted lol

    cozinezz


    • 2
      Samuel Odaniels Mar 26, 2016 Link to comment

      This is a useless post
      You don't even have the two versions for a comparism.
      You should just chill till you get it and stop posting trash


  • Soft WarX 1
    Soft WarX Mar 25, 2016 Link to comment

    can u do me a pup of my channel plzz

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