In the fast-paced world of smartphone technology, yesterday’s powerhouse can quickly become today’s paperweight. Such is the case with the Snapdragon 695 chipset, a once-capable mid-range processor that’s overstayed its welcome in the budget smartphone arena. Let’s dive into why this aging chip is causing headaches for both manufacturers and consumers in 2024.

The 695’s Midlife Crisis

Remember when the Snapdragon 695 was the cool kid on the block? Yeah, neither do we. This chip debuted in 2021, and in smartphone years, that’s practically ancient history. Yet some manufacturers are still trying to make fetch happen with this silicon relic.

Performance: More Wheezing Than Whooshing

In 2024, the 695 struggles to keep up with modern apps and multitasking demands. Users report laggy interfaces, stuttering animations, and the kind of performance that makes you wonder if your phone is secretly powered by a hamster wheel.

Gaming: Frame Rates Lower Than Your Grandma’s Glasses

Forget about smooth 60 FPS gaming experiences. With the 695, you’re lucky if you can hit 40 FPS in popular titles like PUBG Mobile. It’s like watching a flipbook animation in slow motion.

The HDR Conundrum

One of the 695’s most glaring shortcomings is its lack of HDR support. In a world where even budget phones are offering HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, the 695 leaves users squinting at their screens, trying to imagine what those extra colors might look like.

Camera Capabilities: A Blurry Situation

The 695’s image signal processor (ISP) is showing its age. While it can handle basic photography, don’t expect any award-winning shots. 4K video recording? Forget about it. You’ll be stuck in 1080p land, watching your friends upload crisp 4K content while you’re left with footage that looks like it was shot through a foggy window.

The Battery Silver Lining

If there’s one area where the 695 doesn’t completely drop the ball, it’s power efficiency. Thanks to its less demanding performance, phones with this chip can often last a full day or more on a single charge. But is that enough to justify its other shortcomings?

The Verdict: Time to Retire

In conclusion, while the Snapdragon 695 may have been a decent option in its heyday, its continued use in 2024 budget smartphones is a disservice to consumers. With more capable and modern chipsets available at similar price points, there’s simply no excuse for manufacturers to keep trotting out this outdated processor.

For budget-conscious shoppers, the message is clear: look for phones with newer chipsets like the Snapdragon 7 series or MediaTek Dimensity alternatives. Your future self will thank you when you’re not pulling your hair out over a laggy, feature-limited device.

Remember, in the world of smartphones, sometimes the best budget option is to save a little longer for a more capable device. After all, nobody wants their shiny new phone to feel like a relic from the past right out of the box.