The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is a mid-range processor designed for use in thin and light laptops running Windows 10. It is the successor to the Snapdragon 7c, which was launched in late 2019, and has a number of improvements over its predecessor. One of the most notable upgrades is the inclusion of the Adreno 618 GPU, which provides a significant boost in graphics performance.
The processor is built using the 8nm manufacturing process, which is not as advanced as some of the newer processors in the Snapdragon lineup. However, it is still capable of delivering good performance while remaining power-efficient, with a TDP of just 7 watts. The SD7c Gen2 is an octa-core processor that features two Kryo 495 Gold cores based on the ARM Cortex-A76 architecture, and six Kryo 495 Silver cores based on the ARM Cortex-A55 architecture. The Gold cores have a clock speed of up to 2.55 GHz, while the Silver cores have a clock speed of up to 2 GHz.
The Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is aimed at the entry-level market, and as such it is not designed for heavy workloads or demanding applications. However, it is more than capable of handling everyday tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and basic productivity applications. In fact, Qualcomm claims that the processor can offer up to 60% better productivity performance per watt compared to Intel's Gemini Lake Refresh chips such as the Celeron N4020 and Pentium Silver N5030.
The integrated Adreno 618 GPU is a significant upgrade over the Adreno 610 GPU found in the previous generation Snapdragon 7c. It is capable of delivering smooth performance in casual games and light photo and video editing applications. However, it is still not powerful enough to handle more demanding games and applications.
The SD7c Gen2 also features an integrated X15 LTE modem, which supports Cat.12 download speeds of up to 600 MBit/s and Cat.13 upload speeds of up to 150 MBit/s. This makes it possible to connect to the internet using a mobile data connection, which can be useful for users who are frequently on the move or in areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage. The processor also supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, which are both integrated into the SoC.
One of the key features of the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is its low power consumption. The processor has a TDP of just 7 watts, which makes it suitable for use in fanless laptops. This also means that it can deliver long battery life, which is a crucial factor for users who need to use their laptops for extended periods of time without access to a power outlet.
The SD7c Gen2 also features a Hexagon 692 NPU, which is designed to accelerate machine learning applications. This can be useful for tasks such as speech recognition, image processing, and other AI applications. However, the NPU is not as powerful as those found in more high-end processors such as the Snapdragon 8cx.
In terms of connectivity, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 supports USB 3.2 Gen 1, which provides transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps. It also supports up to two external displays with a maximum resolution of 4K.
Overall, the Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 is a capable processor that offers good performance while remaining power-efficient. It is designed for use in entry-level laptops and is not suitable for more demanding applications or heavy workloads. However, it is well-suited for everyday tasks such as web browsing, video streaming, and basic productivity applications. Its low power consumption and integrated LTE modem make it an attractive option for users who need a portable device.
