Compared to the past when Texas Instruments (TI), Nvidia, and Intel were still in the mobile processor market, the current landscape is dominated by a few major chip manufacturers. When we think of mainstream smartphone processors today, names like Snapdragon 820, Exynos 8890, and Apple A9 come to mind first. Upon further reflection, we might also recall Helio X25/X20, Kirin 955/950, and Snapdragon 652/650, but for most consumers, that’s about it. Industry insiders might also know about Helio P10, Kirin 650, and Snapdragon 617, as some popular models have recently adopted these processors, such as the nubia Z11 mini and Huawei G9 Youth Edition. However, processors that are more niche and the smartphones that use them may not be familiar to the general public. Today, let’s take a look at these relatively obscure processors and models.

MT6750 + Ultra Clear Quality

　　The Helio P10 found in the Gionee S8 and OPPO R9 is well-known, but the MT6750 processor might be a bit more obscure. In previous review articles, we have introduced the differences between Helio P10 (MT6755) and MT6750, and it’s evident from the naming that MT6750 should be quite similar to Helio P10. The main difference lies in the fact that Helio P10 has a higher clock speed of up to 2GHz, while MT6750 runs at 1.5GHz. The MT6750 still adopts an 8-core design, with 8 Cortex-A53 cores divided into two clusters, each consisting of 4 cores. The high-frequency core cluster can reach a maximum frequency of 1.5GHz, while the low-frequency core cluster operates at 1GHz. Helio P10 is essentially an upgraded version of MT6752/6753, so in terms of GPU, there’s a notable improvement over its predecessors, utilizing ARM’s Mali-T860, which is also used in MT6750.

MT6750 and 2GB RAM provide a smooth gaming experience

　　MT6750 inherits the full network communication attributes of MT6753 and supports dual-SIM blind insertion without distinguishing between primary and secondary cards. It’s important to note that smartphones equipped with MT6750 do not support inserting two telecom cards simultaneously, as seen with the OPPO A37. As a new product in the A series that emphasizes trendy design and practical experience, the OPPO A37 continues the high aesthetic characteristics with a 2.5D curved screen combined with a micro-arc middle frame and rounded corners, providing an excellent feel. The touch and grip enhancements are also aided by the use of a 5-inch screen that is more suitable for single-handed operation, along with a delicate textured back cover available in two colors.

OPPO A37 also supports ultra-clear quality

　　The OPPO A37 features the MT6750, 2GB RAM, and 16GB ROM, supporting a maximum of 128GB expandable storage. The 5-megapixel front camera and 8-megapixel main camera both support 1080P video recording. The main camera introduces ultra-clear quality and professional modes, features that were once exclusive to flagship devices, allowing for the synthesis of 32-megapixel photos that capture minute details. Mainstream features like NFC, VoLTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.1 are all included. The OPPO A37 has also been upgraded to the latest ColorOS 3.0, with simple interaction logic and a comprehensive system module that enhances the overall system experience.

OPPO A37[Reference Price] 1299 yuan

Intel Atom Z3580 + 3x Optical Zoom

　　Recently, news has surfaced that Intel will no longer update its mobile processor product line. Following this, ASUS, which has collaborated with Intel since the first generation of the ZenFone, has revealed that the next generation of ZenFone smartphones will completely abandon Intel processors, leaving many fans of both ASUS and Intel feeling regretful. After all, the ASUS ZenFone 2 was the world’s first smartphone to feature 4GB of RAM. Returning to the Intel Atom Z3580 processor, it uses a 22nm process and a 4-core design, with a maximum clock speed of 2.3GHz and a 64-bit architecture. Unlike PC processors, it does not utilize Intel’s own HD Graphics GPU but instead uses Imagination Technologies’ PowerVR G6430 GPU. It’s important to note that this generation of processors has significant differences from the previous Intel Atom Z2xxx series. Firstly, it has switched from sequential execution to out-of-order execution, maximizing hardware resource utilization and improving efficiency. Secondly, it has removed the hyper-threading feature, with 4 cores providing only 4 threads. However, with the introduction of the IDI bus, Turbo smart acceleration, and power management, the energy efficiency of this processor has been significantly enhanced.

ASUS ZenFone Zoom front and back

　　In previous years, Intel processors faced compatibility issues with applications and large game data packages, but the Intel Atom Z3580 has clearly improved on this issue, as seen with the ASUS ZenFone Zoom. Coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of ROM, it ensures system fluidity and allows for the installation of more large games. The 4GB of RAM finally allows us to use Weibo or have a dozen applications running in the background without worrying about lag. In terms of battery life, it is equipped with a 3000mAh battery, and with ASUS BoostMaster fast charging technology, the 18w (9V/2A) original adapter can charge the phone to 60% in just 39 minutes.

3x optical zoom

　　The ASUS ZenFone Zoom, which focuses on photography, features a 3x optical zoom lens. Unlike the bulky Samsung Zoom series, the ASUS ZenFone Zoom incorporates a periscope lens array, which does not expose itself in a crowd during optical zoom. Since hand tremors can easily blur photos during optical zoom, the ASUS ZenFone Zoom additionally features optical image stabilization and laser focus technology, speeding up focus while compensating for blurriness caused by hand shaking. The introduction of a dual-color temperature flash and a physical shutter button enhances user experience. In addition to being able to zoom in using the screen zoom slider, we can also quickly zoom using the physical volume buttons on the device, achieving a maximum zoom of 12x with 3x optical zoom plus digital zoom.

ASUS ZenFone Zoom[Reference Price] 3299 yuan (Intel Atom Z3580 version)

Snapdragon 430 + 4cm Minimum Focusing Distance

　　At the ivvi i3 launch event, we saw the debut of Snapdragon 430. Many consumers are relatively unfamiliar with this processor, and most readers might think that the Snapdragon 430 is just an upgrade from Snapdragon 410, similar to how Snapdragon 410 improved upon Snapdragon 400. Not quite! The Snapdragon 430 features 8 cores with a maximum frequency of 1.4GHz, built on a 28nm LP process and using Cortex-A53 architecture. Comparing parameters on Qualcomm’s official website, we can see that the Snapdragon 430 is essentially a variant of Snapdragon 615. Besides a slightly lower maximum frequency, its other parameters show a remarkable improvement, just like how Snapdragon 652 inherited and surpassed Snapdragon 810. Snapdragon 615 did not integrate dual ISP until its successor, Snapdragon 617, officially introduced this feature. Now, with Snapdragon 430, we see the inclusion of dual ISP specifications, supporting cameras up to 21MP.

4GB RAM and 64GB ROM

　　The ivvi i3 not only features the Snapdragon 430 but also includes 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM. With the new FAST operating mode introduced in ivvi UI, it can freeze infrequently used applications, close all background processes, and prevent unauthorized third-party apps from restarting and consuming system resources. Inheriting the features of ivvi smartphones, it adopts third-generation nano-ice pad cooling technology, which, in addition to ordinary graphite cooling, introduces capillary cooling pipes to enhance CPU heat dissipation by 58%. To achieve a thickness of just 4.2mm, the ivvi i3 utilizes a 2450mAh battery, which may seem insufficient, but thanks to the low-power DSP integrated in Snapdragon 430, it can automatically recognize application scenarios and dynamically allocate tasks to the 8 cores, along with advanced bandwidth compression technology for better battery control.

Minimum focusing distance of 4cm

　　The ivvi i3 features a 13MP CMOS sensor that supports DTI pixel isolation technology and phase focus technology, making it capable of handling various lighting conditions. Do you remember the 3cm minimum focusing distance of the ivvi Little Bone Pro? The ivvi i3 continues this macro advantage with a minimum focusing distance of 4cm and introduces super-pixel reverse technology to magnify local details for ultra-distance shooting effects. The full-metal body includes a fingerprint recognition module that supports both Alipay and WeChat payments. The front features a 5.2-inch AMOLED screen that easily achieves 110% NTSC color gamut with a contrast ratio of up to 10000:1. It supports dual-SIM dual-standby and full network communication.

ivvi i3[Reference Price] 2499 yuan (Supreme Gold)

Snapdragon 415 + LeEco Ecological Resources

　　Since Snapdragon 430 is not an upgrade to Snapdragon 410, where is the true successor? Actually, Snapdragon 415 is the continuation of Snapdragon 410, increasing the number of processing cores to 8. It still uses the 28nm LP process and Cortex-A53 architecture, while the GPU has upgraded from Adreno 306 to Adreno 405, which is the same as that in Snapdragon 615. Readers should notice that whether it’s Snapdragon 430 or Snapdragon 415, Qualcomm has been generous with their GPU configurations, providing a more enjoyable experience compared to competing processors at the same level.

Super Long Screenshot

　　The first recommended product with Snapdragon 415 is the Coolpad Cool Life Pro 2, which benefits from the new Snapdragon modem chip that supports VoLTE and full network communication technology. It features 3GB RAM and 16GB ROM, supporting a maximum of 32GB expandable storage. Although Snapdragon 415 uses an 8-core processor, its excellent power control allows the Coolpad Cool Life Pro 2 to be equipped with only a 2500mAh battery. To fully showcase the perfect combination of Cool Life UI and hardware platform, the Coolpad Cool Life Pro 2 introduces a super long screenshot function, allowing users to capture and share content from Weibo, WeChat, and SMS seamlessly, along with a recently popular screen recording feature. The fingerprint recognition module is also a highlight, enabling various functions including unlocking. The Coolpad Cool Life Pro 2 also integrates a wealth of LeEco ecological resources into the system, offering LeEco video membership as a bonus.

3D Curved Dual-Curved Screen

　　The Coolpad Cool Life Pro 2 features a 5.5-inch 720P large screen, with a very rounded exterior and R-corner design. The 3D curved dual-curved screen allows fingers to glide smoothly across the edges. The combination of a 5MP front camera and a 13MP main camera is more than sufficient for everyday photography needs, with the main camera using a Samsung sensor, and the front camera supporting intelligent beautification with an F2.2 aperture that customizes beautification effects based on the subject’s gender and skin tone. Purchasing from the Coolpad official website also comes with a 199 yuan Storm Magic Mirror.

Coolpad Cool Life Pro 2[Reference Price] 1599 yuan (3GB RAM)

Snapdragon 415 + IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Body

　　Recently, many smartphones have begun to imitate Sony by introducing waterproof and dustproof designs. The second recommended smartphone equipped with Snapdragon 415 is the Hisense King II, which has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. In addition to its rugged features, the Hisense King II also incorporates three layers of protection in its system: anti-trojan, anti-privacy leakage, and anti-malicious data recovery. As mentioned earlier, the Snapdragon 415 features 8 cores and supports full network communication, combined with 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM, allowing the Hisense King II to run games smoothly, load web pages without delay, and maintain stable system networks.

IP67 Protection Level

　　The Hisense King II features a 5-inch 720P screen and is equipped with a 5MP front camera and a 13MP main camera. The main camera not only has high pixels but also supports Q-Shot: one-click quick start, rapid launch, instant focus, and fast blind shooting. The Hisense King II features a dedicated camera shutter button, allowing for quick camera activation and providing an experience similar to that of a DSLR in everyday photography. Instant focus is achieved mainly through phase focus technology and a central motor, allowing for focus in as little as 0.1 seconds. With the increasing trend of casually snapping photos of attractive individuals on the street, the Hisense King II’s rapid blind shooting function allows users to capture fleeting moments without waking the screen by long-pressing the volume down button.

Hisense King II front and back

　　Although the Snapdragon 415 has low power consumption, it is equipped with a 3200mAh battery and supports 1.5A fast charging. It is well known that Sony’s rugged smartphones often have low screen-to-body ratios, especially with three virtual buttons that further reduce the visible screen area. The Hisense King II employs three touch buttons on the front, from left to right, for multitasking, home, and back functions. The Hisense King II runs a deeply customized Vision UI, featuring a lightweight design with comprehensive functions, including Hisense Fly, Safe Mode, Phone Manager, Music Player (integrating Xiamih Music resources), and Video Player (integrating iQIYI film and television resources), all with Dolby audio allowing for user-customized settings.

Hisense King II[Reference Price] 1799 yuan (Premium Edition)

Snapdragon 212 + WP10 + Office

　　The Snapdragon 200 series, due to product positioning issues, once only adopted outdated 45nm processes, but with the gradual reduction in costs of the 28nm process, the latest Snapdragon 212 has finally switched to the same 28nm LP process as the Snapdragon 400 series. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 212 upgrades the Cortex-A5 architecture to Cortex-A7 while still using a 4-core design, with a maximum clock speed of 1.3GHz. The GPU has been upgraded from Adreno 203 to Adreno 304. It supports QC 2.0 fast charging technology, Bluetooth 4.1, and H.265 (HEVC) video decoding, among other mainstream features. The biggest highlight is the introduction of the new Snapdragon X5 LTE modem chip, supporting full network communication (some models have disabled telecom networks), with a maximum transmission speed reaching Cat. 4 level and theoretical download peak of 150Mbps.

The OLED screen best suited for WP systems

　　Although Nokia has changed hands again, and the future of Windows Phone remains uncertain, the Microsoft Lumia 650, with a thickness of only 6.9mm, has still achieved the standards expected of an office device. As always, it runs on WP10 and the standard Office suite, along with a 5-inch OLED screen, which is a perfect match for WP10’s design that heavily utilizes black as its main tone. Combined with 720P resolution and features such as ClearBlack, enhanced visibility in bright light, and Lumia color settings, the display quality of the Microsoft Lumia 650 is commendable. With 1GB RAM and 16GB ROM, the WP10 runs smoothly with minimal resource consumption, supporting a maximum of 200GB expandable storage.

Microsoft Lumia 650 front and back

　　In addition to Office, Outlook, and Skype, the Microsoft Lumia 650 also includes the personal assistant Cortana to enhance productivity. On the other hand, it supports the isolation and encryption of enterprise app data, remote locking of the phone, and data wipe operations, as well as MDM and mobile VPN functionalities. The 5MP front camera and 8MP main camera, combined with the rich photo suite built into the WP10 system, allow the Microsoft Lumia 650, which focuses on office use, to also excel in entertainment performance. Furthermore, the Microsoft Lumia 650, compatible with dual 4G networks, features a 2000mAh removable battery, supporting dual-SIM dual-standby, NFC, and Bluetooth 4.1 technology.

Microsoft Lumia 650[Reference Price] 1699 yuan

　　Conclusion: Major chip manufacturers have basically achieved full network communication with mainstream model products, such as Snapdragon 820 and Helio X25. However, through this article, we find that even lesser-known processors have largely popularized full network communication modems. Among the five processors discussed in this article, only the Intel Atom Z3580 does not include a full network communication modem. The Snapdragon 400 and 200 series chips also now possess full network communication capabilities similar to those in the Snapdragon 800 series. The Microsoft Lumia 650, equipped with Snapdragon 212, does not support full network communication mainly because the smartphone manufacturer has blocked telecom networks based on product positioning and cost-effectiveness.

　　In other words, full network communication has become as common for a smartphone processor as fingerprint recognition and metal bodies have become for budget devices. In the future, when selecting a smartphone, we need to prioritize this essential requirement. Lastly, we can see that compared to this year’s impressive Snapdragon 820 and Snapdragon 652, the Snapdragon 400 and 200 series processors also offer considerable value in hardware configuration, especially Snapdragon 430 and Snapdragon 415, which can rival the features of the former Snapdragon 600 series. Qualcomm’s recent strategy seems to have shifted, elevating the Snapdragon 600 series to share the spotlight with the Snapdragon 800 series as dual flagship offerings, subsequently allowing the new Snapdragon 400 and 200 series processors to take over the positions of the previous Snapdragon 600 and 400 series.