With the launch of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 Mobile platform, Qualcomm aims to improve user experience on smartphone while also enhancing its capabilities. As we all know, a processor determines the performance of a smartphone and the Snapdragon 855 does wonders to the user experience.
Snapdragon 855 introduced new ARM cores, moved to a more power efficient process node, a dedicated AI engine, added latest connectivity options, a more power efficient image signal processor while improving the overall user experience. This is undoubtedly the best processor for Android smartphone in 2019
Top smartphone manufacturers like Samsung, Asus, LG, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo have already launched Snapdragon 855, some are already available in stores while some are exclusive to certain regions.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the best Qualcomm Snapdragon Smartphones but just before that let’s quickly look at the Snapdragon 855 processor features.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Features
The Snapdragon 855 processor is a successor to the Snapdragon 845 as we all know (10nm process tech) with three times better AI performance, and is based on 7nm processing tech.
The major features of the chipset include support for the 5G network (which is the latest thing) and improved AI for voice, camera, gaming, battery and more.
With improvements to the camera such as HDR10+ and 4K HDR video, the processor has support for Quick Charge 4+ fast charging, improved Wi-Fi, Computer Vision ISP, enhanced gaming, 3D sonic fingerprint scanning, and facial recognition.
Therefore, I have compiled a list of all the available Snapdragon 855 phones for all those who appreciate a processor’s job and wish his or her smartphone to have the utmost speed:
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Specifications
| Mobile Platform | Snapdragon 855 |
| Processor Cores | 2.84GHz Kryo 485 Gold Core (Cortex A76- based), 512KB L2 Cache
2.4GHz 3x Kryo 485 Gold cores (Cortex A76-based), 256KB L2 Cache each 1.8GHz 4x Kryo Silver Cores (Cortex A55-based), 128KB L2 Cache each 2MB L3 Cache |
| Process | 7nm |
| GPU | Adreno 640 |
| RAM |
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| Modem | Snapdragon X24 LTE |
| ISP |
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| DSP |
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| Encode/ Decode |
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Best Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Smartphones
1. Lenovo Z5 Pro GT
Lenovo Z5 Pro GT is one the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Soc. The device introduced a slider mechanism in a bid to hide the front camera and render a full-screen display. The devices powered by Snapdragon 855 phone, Adreno 640 is included for the graphics with up to 12GB RAM for seamless multi-tasking experience.
The device houses up to 512GB of storage for your files and media and cannot be expanded.
The device uses an edge-to-edge 6.39-inch Super AMOLED Full HD+ display and packs with four powerful cameras, two at the back (24MP Sony IMX576 and 16MP Sony IMX519) and another pair at the front (16MP and 8MP). All cameras are AI-powered
Lenovo Z5 Pro GT has an inbuilt 3,350mAh battery, runs the most recent Android 9.0 Pie OS, uses an in-display fingerprint sensor, and additional Face Unlock feature for extra security.
At the moment the Z5 Pro GT is exclusive to China with no word on its availability in other markets.
2. Xiaomi Mi 9
Mi 9 is one of the best smartphone from the Chinese tech giant Xiaomi launched in 2019. It comes with aesthetic design with a 6.39-inch water drop notch display. Mi 9 house a total of 4 camera, three rear cameras (48MP main, 12MP, and 16MP) and a 20MP selfie shooter. The cameras are AI-based camera and come with features like Super Slo-mo, AR, Bokeh, etc.
Xiaomi Mi 9 also runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 with up to 12GB RAM and 258GB storage. The Mi 9 is also regarded as a gaming smartphone, it comes with a Game Turbo mode and runs MIUI 10 based on the most recent Android 9.0 Pie OS.
Mi 9 houses 3,300mAh battery, with quick charge technology. Like the Z5 Pro GT, the Mi 9 is also exclusive to China, and no words on availability in other countries yet.
3. Samsung Galaxy S10 series
The Samsung Galaxy S10 series is one of the best 2019 flagships. The Galaxy S10 series is available in Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 mobile platform and some in the company’s own Exynos 9820 processor.
Galaxy S10 series all feature the infinity-O display having the screen sizes, 6.1-inch (S10), 6.4-inch (S10 Plus), and 5.8-inch(S10e) respectively.
The standard S10 houses three rear cameras (12MP, 16MP, 12MP) and one 10MP selfies shooter in the front, the S10 Plus has the same rear camera set up at the back with two selfie shooter at the front (10MP and 8MP). The S10e, however, has a dual rear camera setup (12MP and 16MP) and a 10MP front-facing one.
The Galaxy S10 series comes with built-in 3,400mAh, 4,100mAh, and 3,100mAh respectively with up to 12GB RAM. The S10 series runs the most recent Android 9.0 Pie out of the box.
The Galaxy S10 and the S10 Plus integrates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner while the Galaxy S10e has a rear-mounted one.
Samsung also unveiled a 5G S10 variant and the Galaxy Fold foldable device alongside.
4. LG G8 Thinq
Although LG seems to be behind in the tech trend, the company announced the G8 ThinQ as one of its latest flagship devices. LG G8 Thinq is one of the best Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 smartphones, unlike other Snapdragon 855 smartphone that launched in 2019, LG G8 Tinq shows it uniqueness by incorporating a new intriguing Advanced Palm Vein Authentication which unlocks the device by scanning the palm veins.
In the Camera department, the device features three rear-mounted cameras, having 16MP, 12MP, and 12MP respectively and a dual selfie camera set up with depth-sensor.
The device has a 6.1-inch QHD+ bezel-less display, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of ROM, and 3,500mAh built-in battery. G8 Thinq runs LG UX 8.0 based on the latest Android 9.0 Pie OS.
5. Sony Xperia 1
Xperia 1 is also one of the Best Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Smartphone. The device comes with a 6.5-inch notch display.
Other highlights include a triple-camera module at the back (12MP each) and an 8MP selfie snapper, Side Sense feature which allows users to access the most-used apps featuring AI, fingerprint scanner, and IP68 certification.
Furthermore, the Xperia 1 has 6GB of RAM, 128GB of internal storage, 3,300mAh battery, and Android 9.0 Pie.
While the exact availability is unknown, the Xperia 1 is up for pre-order in the US for a whopping $999 which appears way too overpriced for a Sony smartphone.
6. Vivo iQoo
The latest addition is by Vivo’s newly sub-brand iQoo which is a gaming smartphone. With a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 SoC, the Vivo iQoo has many other highlights too.
There is the presence of 44W Super Flash Charge tech, an in-display fingerprint scanner, multi-Turbo features, and Monster Touch shoulder buttons – all for a convenient and easy gaming session.
Taking a look at the spec sheet, the smartphone has a 6.41-inch Full HD+ water drop notch display, a 4,000mAh battery, Android 9.0 Pie, and four RAM/ROM options: 6GB/128GB (CNY 2,998), 8GB/128GB (CNY 3,298), 8GB/256GB (CNY 3,598), and a huge 12GB/256GB (CNY 4,298).
Camera-wise, there are three at the back (12MP, 13MP, 2MP) and a 12MP front-facing shooter.
The Vivo iQoo too is presently up for grabs in China, and will soon reach other markets.
Hope this list helps you stay updated about all the phones with the Snapdragon 855 processor.
7. OPPO Reno
Another recent smartphone to come equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor is the OPPO Reno.
Apart from the processor, the device has a 16MP wedge-shaped pop-up front camera, 10x lossless zoom technology, and three rear cameras (48MP, 8MP, 13MP) as its highlights.
The pop-up selfie snapper provides room for an edge-to-edge display rated at 6.6-inch.
The device comes in three RAM/ROM versions, 6GB/128GB, 6GB/256GB, and 8GB/256GB.
Additionally, it is backed by a 4,065mAh battery with VOOC 3.0 fast charging tech, runs Android 9.0 Pie, and supports an in-display fingerprint scanner.
The OPPO Reno starts at CNY 3,999 and is currently available in China with no word on its availability in India yet.
8. Nubia Red Magic 3
Red Magic 3 is one of the latest and best gaming smartphones in 2019 with Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor. It comes with a wide 6.65-inch Full HD+ display, almost like a phablet.
The device comes with a 48MP rear camera and a 16MP selfie shooter. The device is beautifully designed, it has an in-built fan, ICE cooling system, a 90Hz refresh rate, 8K video recording, and the Red Magic Game Space 2.0 dashboard similar to the Xiaomi Black Shark Game Turbo.
It houses a huge 5,000mAh battery with 27W fast charging, up to 12GB of RAM/256GB storage.
The Nubia Red Magic 3 is also exclusive to China at the moment where it starts selling at CNY 2,899 and no word for global version yet.
9. OnePlus 7
The OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro are one of the best flagship devices to launch in 2019 and one of the best smartphones with the Snapdragon 855 Soc. OnePlus 7 is still one of the latest buzzes in the smartphone space, it has gotten a lot of magnificent reviews, thanks to its amazing 90Hz Fuild AMOLED screen.
The device also takes the title of the first device to incorporate the super-fast UFS 3.0 storage technology. UFS 3.0 gives the OnePlus 7 device more performance boost and makes it even faster compared to its previous OnePlus 6T model.
The OnePlus 7 Pro features three rear-mounted cameras (48MP + 8MP) and a 16MP selfie shooter while the standard OnePlus 7 has a 48MP + 5MP rear camera and a 16MP shooter. The standard OnePlus 7 houses it selfie camera in it water drop notch whle the Pro uses a popup mechanism.
Although both are powered by the Snapdragon 855, the Pro comes with a liquid cooling system, a good choice for gamers. Both devices run the Oxygen OS based on Android Pie with up to 12GB of RAM/256GB storage.
10. ASUS ZenFone 6
ZenFone 6 is the latest flagship smartphone by ASUS, and one of the best Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 smartphone 6.4-inch NanoEdge display. The device renders a bezel-less edge-to-edge display while it brings back one of the old cameras set up some of us will have seen on Sony smartphones.
The Zenfone 6 features a flip camera mechanism which houses a 48MP and a 13MP camera sensors. The device runs ZenUI based on Android Pie and also has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.
The device has a huge 5,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 4.0 tech and comes with up to 8GB of RAM/256GB ROM.
11. Redmi K20 Pro
Redmi K20 Pro is the latest flagship killer from the Chinese tech giant Xiaomi. The device is designed with the gamers in mind, it comes with Game Turbo 2.0 while having an 8 layer liquid cooling system to always keep the device cool under heavy usage.
Redmi K20 Pro is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 855 Soc, with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of Storage. It runs Android Pie out of the box on the company’s popular MiUi 10.
As for the screen, K20 Pro comes with a 6.3-inch Full HD+ bezel-less display with an in-display fingerprint scanner. The device is packed with four cameras in total, three rear-mounted cameras, and a selfie shooter.
K20 Pro houses 4,000mAh built-in battery with 27W fast charging. The Redmi K20 Pro is currently available in China with no words on the availability for other countries.
12. Xiaomi Black Shark 2
Black Shark 2 is undoubtedly one of the best Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 smartphone. Black Shark 2 is gaming smartphone which can as well be a daily driver. This is one of the best smartphone from the Chinese tech giant powered by an Octa-core Snapdragon 855 SoC along with Adreno 640 GPU.
Black Shark 2 is packed with up to 12GB of RAM, 256GB and it comes with a thermal cooling system which keeps the device cool under extreme usage.
The device runs Android 9 Pie out of the box and packs tons of game-centric features. Black Shark 2 comes with a hefty 4,000mAh built-in battery that supports 27W fast charging.
So, that’s it about the best Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 smartphones in 2019. These are the available devices at the moment and more are yet to launch.
That means this list will continue to be updated as more devices launch.
