Snapdragon 865 Soc is the best Android chipset currently, so, everyone wants to own phones with Snapdragon 865. The Snapdragon 865 SoC was first announced at Qualcomm’s annual summit in Maui, Hawaii. This exclusive 5G chipset is the successor to Snapdragon 855 and 855+ and is now available in several powerful flagship phones from 2020 in India and abroad (the best Snapdragon 865 phones you can buy).
The 5G modem is discrete, and Qualcomm will sell both the chipset and the second generation X55 Modem-RF as a package. This also makes the Snapdragon 865 phones much more expensive than last year’s Snapdragon 855 phones.
Snapdragon 865 Features and Attractions
Here are some reasons why you should be happy with the Snapdragon 865?
Pros of SnapDragon 865:
- Snapdragon 865 upgrades raw and the performance cores to the new Cortex-A77-based architecture and promises a 25% performance improvement along with a 25% energy efficiency improvement.
- The nutritional cores remain the same. The L3 cache has been doubled for improved performance and better energy efficiency (while processing light tasks).
- Qualcomm claims improvements in memory subsystems. The SD 865 also has support for LPDDR5 RAM, which will be released on flagship phones next year.
- Snapdragon 865 will also receive support for Dolby Vision and HGL format.
- The new chipset supports a screen refresh rate of up to 144Hz.
- SD 865 shows a remarkable improvement in camera capabilities. There is now support for sensors up to 200MP, 8K230fps, and the time limit for 720 @ 960fps slow-motion recording has been removed (so it would be easier to record slow-motion footage).
- AI capabilities will be significantly increased from 7 TOPs to 15 TOPs.
- Adreno 650 GPU sees a 25% improvement in graphics performance over the Adreno 640. Energy efficiency improves by 35%
- Snapdragon 865 is also one of the first chipsets to support the Google IdentityCredential API, which will be part of Android 11’s future.
- According to AndroidPolice, the SD865 supports the Google Mainline project, which means driver updates reach the device through the Play Store rather than Over-the-Air.
Cons of SnapDragon 865:
- Qualcomm is not modifying ARM’s core architecture because it has generated an insufficient return on investment.
- Qualcomm uses TSMC’s 7NP process to create Snapdragon 855, which is not as advanced as the new EUV (7+) process used on the Kirin 990 5G and Exynos 990.
- The SD 865 does not have a built-in 5G modem, but Qualcomm still supports better energy efficiency when using 4G networks compared to the SD 855.
The Best 14 Phones with Snapdragon 865 Phones in 2020
These are the Snapdragon 865 chipset phones launching or launching:
1. Black Shark 3, Black Shark 3 Pro
Xiaomi Black Shark 3 is a beast of a gaming phone with a two-sided cooling system or “coolant sandwich.” In addition to premium gaming hardware, the phone offers enhancements such as game triggers, Black Shark GameEngine, and the intelligent SolarCore game acceleration engine to enhance game performance.
The phone supports the latest connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, and has a fast-charging of 65W.
Features Black Shark 3
- Screen: 6.67-inch (90 Hz) FHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 64 MP + 5 MP + 13 MP
- Front camera: 20 MP
- Weight: 222 grams
- Dimensions: 168.7 x 77.3 x 10.4 mm
- Battery: 4720 mAh
Features Black Shark 3 Pro
- Screen: 7.1-inch FHD + AMOLED (90 Hz)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 512 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 64 MP + 5 MP + 13 MP
- Front camera: 20 MP
- Weight: 253 grams
- Dimensions: 177.8 x 83.3 x 10.1 mm
- Battery: 5000 mAh
2. Motorola Moto Edge +
After a long hiatus, Motorola returns to the flagship with Edge +. As the name suggests, it has a curved edge. It is not only here for aesthetic reasons, but also functionally. You’ll get edge lighting for notifications, a battery charge counter, and drag edges to switch between apps.
When you go in, you get the Snapdragon 865 chip paired with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. On the front of the camera, you get a 108MP LED triplet on the back and a 25MP front camera. You also get Android 10, 6K video recording, USB-C, 3.5mm jack, WiFi 6, 5G, Bluetooth 5.1, and an in-display fingerprint scanner, among other things. The device is powered by a 5000 mAh battery backed by an 18W fast charger.
Moto Edge + Specifications
- Screen: 6.7-inch FHD + AMOLED (90 Hz)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: 12 GB
- Storage space: 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 108 MP + 16 MP + 8 MP
- Front camera: 25 MP
- Weight: 203 grams
- Dimensions: 161.07 x 71.38 x 9.6 mm
- Battery: 5000 mAh with 18 W fast charger.
3. OnePlus 8 Pro and OnePlus 8
OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro are powered by the octa-core Snapdragon 865 chipset paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.0 storage. OnePlus has further optimized its Oxygen OS software and displays a high refresh rate for better motion uniformity.
The Pro variant has a better display, better camera, IP68 water resistance, and wireless charging support. However, OnePlus has tried to cover all the essentials on both phones.
In India, the OnePlus 8 and the OnePlus 8 Pro are significantly cheaper than in Western markets.
Specifications OnePlus 8 Pro
- Screen: 6.78-inch (120 Hz) QHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: OS Oxygen – Android 10
- Rear camera: 48 MP + 48 MP + 8 MP + 5 MP
- Front camera: 16 MP
- Weight: 199 grams
- Dimensions: 165.3 x 74.4 x 8.5 mm
- Battery: 4510 mAh
OnePlus 8 specifications
- Screen: 6.55 inch (90 Hz) FHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: OS Oxygen – Android 10
- Rear camera: 48 MP + 16 MP + 2 MP
- Front camera: 16 MP
- Weight: 180 grams
- Dimensions: 160.2 x 72.9 x 8 mm
- Battery: 4300 mAh
4. Xiaomi Mi 10 5G and Mi 10 Pro 5G
Almost after the S20 series, Xiaomiintroduced the Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro, both added to the Snapdragon 865 list; both phones support dual-mode 5G support (no, it’s not the same with dual SIM), LPDDR5 RAM, Wi-Fi -Fi 6 and records 8K images.
Both Xiaomi phones have a comparable 6.67-inch, 90Hz AMOLED display with a maximum brightness of 1,200 nits. Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 have different rear cameras and have 4780 mAh and 4500 mAh batteries. Check (Complete Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro review here)
Features of Mi 10 Pro
- Screen: 6.67 inch (90 Hz) FHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 512 GB
- Software: MIUI 11 – Android 10
- Rear camera: 108 MP + 8 MP + 12 MP + 20 MP
- Front camera: 20 MP
- Weight: 208 grams
- Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 9 mm
- Battery: 4500 mAh
5. Samsung Galaxy S20 5G / S20 + 5G / S20 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S20 series phones are the first to debut with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 chipset. Yes, the Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 +, and S20 Ultra are powered by the Snapdragon 865 chipset, at least in the US. You can check more about Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra here.
These 5G phones pack some really impressive hardware under the hood. All three take advantage of LPDDR5 and UFS 3.0 RAM, as well as some serious power in the camera. In India and several other markets, the S20 series will be powered by Exynos 990.
Specifications Galaxy S20 Ultra
- Screen: 6.9 inch (120 Hz) QHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 16 GB
- Storage: up to 512 GB
- Software: One UI 2.0 – Android 10
- Rear camera: 108 MP + 48 MP + 12 MP + 0.3 MP
- Front camera: 40 MP
- Weight: 222 grams
- Dimensions: 165.3 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm
- Battery: 5000 mAh
6. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Samsung recently announced the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, which is available in both the 4G and 5G version. While India is getting an LTE version, a Snapdragon 865 based 5G version will be offered in Western markets.
The Galaxy S20 FE sports a 6.5-inch Adaptive AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It has Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and has IP68 water resistance. It comes with a triple rear camera with a 12MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide sensor, and an 8MP telephoto lens.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Specifications
- Screen: 6.5 inch FHD + adaptive AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: 6 GB
- Storage: up to 128 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 12 MP + 12 MP + 8 MP
- Front camera: 32 MP
- Weight: 213 grams
- Dimensions: 159.8 x 74.5 x 8.4 mm
- Battery: 4500 mAh with QC 4.0 fast charger, support wireless charging
7. Realme X50 Pro
The Realme X50 Pro was launched on February 24th. In addition to running the Snapdragon 865 indoors, the phone has a lot going for it. It was the first 5G phone to be launched. Admiral Realme includes a top-spec sheet, including a 90Hz AMOLED display, a two-hole display, a 4200 mAh battery with a 65W fast VOOC charge, and a 64MP rear camera.
Specifications of Realme X50 Pro
- Screen: 6.44-inch FHD + AMOLED (90 Hz)
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 64 MP + 12 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP
- Front camera: 32 MP
- Weight: 205 grams
- Dimensions: 159 x 74.2 x 8.9 mm
- Battery: 4200 mAh
8. iQOO 3 5G
iQOO 3 debuted on February 25. The brand emerged from Vivo as a separate independent brand. It consists of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 chipset, along with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.
The iQOO crown jewel is decorated with a panel with a hole in the front. On the back, it has a 48MP camera setup. You also get 5G support, iQOO UI based on Android 10, and game-focused features.
IQOO specifications 3
- Screen: 6.44 inch FHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 48 MP + 13 MP + 13 MP + 2 MP
- Front camera: 16 MP
- Weight: 208 grams
- Dimensions: 158.5 x 74.9 x 9.2 mm
- Battery: 4400 mAh
9. Redmi K30 Pro
The Redmi K30 Pro is the cheapest Snapdragon 865 phone available today. This iconic killer covers all the basics, but it lacks the iconic flowers, such as wireless charging and a screen with a high refresh rate. The phone has an uninterrupted AMOLED panel (thanks to a pop-up camera) and a massive 4,700 mAh battery.
The primary rear camera has a 64 MP sensor. And there is also basic IP53 water resistance. The Redmi K30 Pro uses good quality LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage and supports fast charging of 33W. You can check (Complete Redmi K30 Pro Review and Price here).
Features of Redmi K30 Pro
- Screen: 6.67-inch FHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 512 GB Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 64 MP + 5 MP + 13 MP + 2 MP
- Front camera: 20 MP
- Weight: 218 grams
- Dimensions: 163.3 x 75.4 x 8.9 mm
- Battery: 4700 mAh
10. Vivo Nex 3S 5G
The Vivo Nex 3 initially debuted with an SD 855+ phone but was later upgraded to an “S” variant with an octa-core Snapdragon 865 chipset and a few other minor upgrades for display and connectivity options.
The Nex 3s has a pop-up camera and an AMOLED HDR10 + compatible waterfall display. It is available in Europe at a starting price of 630 euros.
Features of Vivo Nex 3S 5G
- Screen: 6.89-inch FHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 512 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 64 MP + 13 MP + 13 MP
- Front camera: 16 MP
- Weight: 218 grams
- Dimensions: 167.4 x 76.1 x 9.4 mm
- Battery: 4500 mAh
11. Sony Xperia 1 II
This year, Sony’s flagship offers premium and fashionable eccentricities such as 5G, Snapdragon 865 chip, 4K HDR BT2020 OLED screen, and 4000 mAh power supply. But the remarkable aspect of the Xperia 1 II (One Mark Two) is the camera-centric hardware and software. It is the first phone with up to 20 fps and 60 times per second AF / AE burst tracking for continuous autofocus. Also, there is real-time AF for the eyes of humans and animals.
Specifications Sony Xperia 1 II
- Screen: 4K 6.5-inch (90 Hz) OLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 8 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP + 0.3 MP
- Front camera: 8 MP
- Weight: 181.4 grams
- Dimensions: 165.1 x 71.1 x 7.6 mm
- Battery: 4000 mAh
12. Oppo Find X2 and Find X2 Pro
Both Oppo Find X2 Pro and Find X2 have cascading curved AMOLED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate powered by octa-core Snapdragon 865 chipsets. The main difference between the two is the periscope-style telephoto lens assembly on the Pro model.
Both phones have similar performance configurations, run the same Color OS software, and support 65W fast charging.
Specifications Oppo Find X2 Pro
- Screen: 6.7-inch (120 Hz) QHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 512 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 48 MP + 13 MP + 48 MP
- Front camera: 32 MP
- Weight: 217 grams
- Dimensions: 165.2 x 74.4 x 8.8 mm
- Battery: 4260 mAh
Specifications Oppo Find X2
- Screen: 6.7-inch (120 Hz) QHD + AMOLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 12 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 48 MP + 13 MP + 48 MP
- Front camera: 32 MP
- Weight: 217 grams
- Dimensions: 165.2 x 74.4 x 8.8 mm
- Battery: 4200 mAh
13. Nubia Red Magic 5G
Nubia Red Magic 5G is a top-quality gaming phone powered by Snapdragon 865. From its name, you know it’s a 5G capable device. This year’s Red Magic embellishes a 6.65-inch AMOLED display with FHD + resolution and a 144Hz refresh panel.
It comes with the usual gaming phone eccentricities such as a flashy design, touch-sensitive shoulder buttons, accessories, and a great active fan inside for washing away heat.
Nubia Red Magic 5G Specifications
- Screen: 6.65 inches; AMOLED screen; FHD + resolution; 144Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: up to 16 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 64 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP
- Front camera: 8 MP
- Weight: 218 grams
- Dimensions: 168.6 x 78 x 9.8 mm
- Battery: 4500 mAh with 55 W fast charger.
14. LG V60 ThinQ 5G
This is one of the rear phones in this category, with a Snapdragon 865SoC at heart and a 3.5mm headphone jack on edge. That’s right; LG is one of the few smartphone brands that still offers a headphone jack in their flagship phone.
The highlight of LG V60 includes an OLD screen, Quad DAC for audio with stereo speakers, 5000 mAh battery. Where this phone falls short is the optics, mainly due to the lack of a versatile setup. It is water and dust resistant by MIL-STD-810G and IP68.
LG V60 ThinQ 5G Specifications
- Screen: 6.8-inch FHD + P-OLED
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 octa-core CPU
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: up to 256 GB
- Software: Android 10
- Rear camera: 64 MP + 13 MP + 0.3 MP
- Front camera: 10 MP
- Weight: 213 grams
- Dimensions: 169.3 x 77.6 x 8.9 mm
- Battery: 5000 mAh with QC 4.0 fast charger
Conclusion – List of the best Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 phones in 2020
These are some of the best phones with the Snapdragon 865 processor. Most SD 865 phones are 5G ready and are also bigger and bulkier. This makes sense because the modem is discrete and because 5G requires thicker antennas and a larger battery capacity. You can check the list of Xiaomi with 5G Here.
