Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 625 was a game changer of sorts for mid-range phones. The widely accepted and trusted chipset was favored throughout 2017 for its power efficiency and reliable performance. For 2018, Qualcomm has unleashed a befitting successor – the Snapdragon 636, which is one of the first budget chipsets to include customized Kryo-260 cores.
SSD 636t was launched last October and in spite of this being pin compatible with SD 630 and 660, no phone employing the mobile platform was announced until recently. As we move forward, we expect lots of new phones with Snapdragon 636 to go official this year.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Snapdragon 636
Snapdragon 636 Highlights: What’s so special about it
- With 8 Kyro 260 cores, it offers 40 percent improved performance over Snapdragon 630
- More power-efficient thanks to 14nm FinFET manufacturing process
- Supports 18:9 display
- Dual SIM Dual VoLTE support
- Comes with Adreno 509 GPU which delivers 10 percent better graphics
- Packs X12 LTE Modem and Bluetooth 5.0 support
- 14-bit Spectra 160 ISP which is the same as the Snapdragon 660
- Quick Charge 4.0 support
Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Phones You Can Buy Today in India
1. Redmi Note 5 Pro
Xiaomi becomes the first brand to launch a Snapdragon 636 mobile platform powered phone in the world. The Chinese smartphone maker opted for Snapdragon 636 for the Redmi Note 5 Pro (Quick review) which is a successor to the immensely popular Redmi Note 4.
The phone comes with up to 6GB RAM and 64GB storage. It has a hybrid SIM slot where a secondary SIM card can be swapped with a microSD card slot. The phone houses a 5.99-inch full HD+ IPS display with 18:9 aspect ratio and 2.5D glass on top.
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Display: 5.99-inch (18:9) Full HD+ IPS | Processor: Snapdragon 636 octa-core SoC | RAM: 4GB/6GB | Storage: 64GB | Software: Android 7.0 | Rear camera: 12MP + 5MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 180g | Dimensions: 158.6 x 75.4 x 8.05mm |Battery: 4000mAh
Redmi Note 5 Pro Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable to handle
- Powerful performance
- 18:9 Display
- 20MP Selfie camera
Cons
- Hybrid SIM Slot
Also Read: 10 Best Phones You Can Buy Under Rs. 30,000 In 2018
2. Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1
Asus has partnered with Flipkart to launch its Snapdragon 636 phone, dubbed as Zenfone Max Pro M1. Pricing it a couple of thousand bucks lower than the Redmi Note 5 Pro, the Asus will be looking to challenge Xiaomi’s dominance with its “disruptive product”. The Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 will be available for sale from May 3 onwards.
Other key specifications of the phone include 5.9-inch 18:9 FHD+ display, dual-rear optics, 5000mAh battery, stock-Android, and rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
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Display: 5.9-inch (18:9) Full HD+ IPS | Processor: Snapdragon 636 octa-core SoC | RAM: 3GB/4GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Software: Android 8.1 | Rear camera: 13MP + 5MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 180g | Dimensions: 159 x 76 x 8.61 mm |Battery: 5000mAh
Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Great performance
- Good quality display
- Excellent battery backup
- Stock Android 8.1 Oreo
- Dedicated card slot
Cons
- Shoddy camera app
- Nondescript design
3.Motorola One Power
Lenovo, in an attempt to revive their share in the mid-range smartphone market, has launched Motorola One Power. This handset has been priced aggressively to compete with its counterparts like Xiaomi Mi A2, Nokia 6.1 Plus.
It features a large 6.2 inch 19:9 aspect ratio MaxVision Full HD+ Display. The phone comes with a bottom firing speakers which support Dolby Audio. Android Oreo 8.1 comes pre-installed with the phone and the company claims that this will be one of the first few devices to receive Android Pie. Other highlights include support for 1080p streaming on Netflix and a 5000 mAh battery with Turbocharging.
Display: 6.2-inch (19:9) Full HD+ max vision display | Processor: Snapdragon 636 octa-core SoC | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Software: Android 8.1 | Rear camera: 16MP + 5MP | Front camera: 12MP | Weight: 205g | Dimensions: 76x156x8.98 mm |Battery: 5000 mAh
Motorola One Power Pros and Cons
Pros
- 6.2 max vision Full HD+ display
- 5000 maH battery
- Widevine L1 certification
Cons
- Heavy handset
4. Asus Zenfone 5
Asus wasn’t far behind in the race to launch a budget phone with Snapdragon 636 SoC. The trendy Zenfone 5 (review) that was announced at MWC 2018 is expected to start shipping in the second half of March or early April. The phone comes with iPhone X like notch display which has a 19:9 aspect ratio and 90-percent screen-to-body-ratio. Asus will be shipping it will Android Oreo-based Zen UI 5.0 out of the box. Other highlights include features like face-unlock, fingerprint sensor, and 3.5mm jack. The phone had a dual camera setup at the back.
Display: 6.2-inch (19:9) Full HD+ IPS | Processor: Snapdragon 636 octa-core SoC | RAM: 4GB/6GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Software: Android 8.0 | Rear camera: 12MP + 8MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 155g | Dimensions: 153×75.65×7.85 mm |Battery: 3300mAh
Asus Zenfone 5 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium design and build quality
- Powerful performance
- Gorgeous display
- Android Oreo and AI capabilities
Cons
- Hybrid SIM Slot
5. Meizu E3
Meizu E3 lists a powerful spec sheet for an affordable price but is currently available only in China. The phone has a 5.99-inch full-view display, a metal back, and dual rear cameras that can deliver 2.5X lossless zoom.
Other features include 4G VoLTE support, Bluetooth 5.0, 3360mAh battery, 8MP selfie camera and up to 6GB of RAM.
Display: 5.99-inch (18:9) FHD+ IPS LCD | Processor: Snapdragon 636 octa-core SoC | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Software: Android 7.1.2 | Rear camera: 12MP + 20MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 160g | Dimensions: 156.8×75×7.6 mm |Battery: 3360mAh
Meizu E3 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful performance hardware
- Metal back
- Dual rear cameras
Cons
- Dated software
6. Nokia 6.1 Plus
This year, HMD Global has focused on providing competent chipsets across its entire range of smartphones. The mid-range Nokia X, which lies between the Nokia 6.1 and Nokia 7 Plus, is powered by the well-accepted Snapdragon 636 mobile platform.
The handset also includes a 19:9 display with a 5.7-inch screen, runs stock Android Oreo, and will be available in multiple RAM and storage options.
Display: 5.8-inch (19:9) Full HD+ IPS | Processor: Snapdragon 636 | RAM: up to 6GB | Storage: up to 64GB | Software: Android 8.1 | Rear camera: 16mp+16MP| Front camera: 16MP |Battery: 3000mAh
Pros
- Elegant design
- Powerful chipset
- Dual cameras
- Android 8.1 Oreo
Cons
- Hybrid SIM Slot
7. Lenovo Z5
Lenovo Z5 is the latest semi-budget phone to rock Snapdragon 636 SoC. The chipset is paired with 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB storage option. The Lenovo Z5 runs on Android Oreo-based ZUI 4.0 out-of-the-box and packs a 3300mAh battery.
Other highlights of the phone include 6.3-inch FHD+ 19:9 aspect ratio display, an iPhone X-like notch, 13MP+8MP rear camera setup and AI-backed 8-megapixel front camera. The Lenovo Z5 India availability hasn’t been announced as of now.
Display: 6.3-inch (19:9) Full HD+ IPS | Processor: Snapdragon 636 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: up to 128GB | Software: Android 8.1 | Rear camera: 13mp+8MP| Front camera: 8MP |Battery: 3300mAh
Pros
- Powerful chipset
- Dual-rear cameras
- Premium Design
- Fast charging
Cons
- Hybrid SIM Slot
8. Moto Z3 Play
Lenovo-owned Motorola also announced its next-gen modular phone, the Moto Z3 Play, with Snapdragon 636 mobile chipset. The phone has Moto Mods support, just like its predecessor Moto Z2 Play. This time you get a full vision display and a fingerprint sensor on the right edge underneath the power button.
The Moto Z3 Play sports magnetic pins on the rear to attach the Moto Mods accessories like a Battery Pack, Projector, and Insta Print.
Display: 6-inch (18:9) Full HD+ AMOLED | Processor: Snapdragon 636 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: up to 64GB | Software: Android 8.1 | Rear camera: 12mp+5MP| Front camera: 8MP |Battery: 3000mAh
Pros
- Battery with Turbo-fast charge support
- Support for Moto Mods
- Dual-rear cameras
- Water-repellent nano-coating
Cons
- No headphone jack
9. HTC U12 Life
An interesting feature about this phone is its patterned exterior, which looks like a glamorized Google Pixel phone. Specs-wise, the phone houses some decent features for its price, like a 6-inch 18:9 display, a dedicated rear fingerprint sensor, an efficient 13MP selfie shooter, as well as rear cameras stacked with the latest smartphone camera technology like PDAF, HDR, Bokeh mode, 4K video recording.
If the camera quality is anywhere near to its predecessor, the phone is surely worth your money.
Display: 6-inch, FHD+ display, 1080 x 2160p | Processor: Snapdragon 636 octa-core SoC | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Software: Android 8.1 Oreo | Rear camera: 16MP+5MP | Front camera: 13MP | Weight: 175 grams| Dimensions: 158.5×75.4×8.3mm |Battery: 3600mAh
HTC U12 Life Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium design
- Decent performance
- Latest Android Oreo
- Good camera
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
- Small battery
- Weak display
10. BlackBerry KEY2 LE
The BlackBerry KEY2 LE looks quite similar in a frame to the original KEY2, except for its plastic composition this time that makes it substantially lighter, yet maintains the sheen. The phone deserved a better processor for its price, but for a quantum leap in cost from its precursor, the BlackBerry does seem to justify the odds. 
The smartphone is by far the best in the business when it comes to the touchscreen-Keyboard hybrids, even though a conventional 3000mAh battery and regular cameras downplay the device.
Display: 4.5-inch full-HD+ (1080×1620 pixels) IPS LCD panel, 434ppi | Processor: Snapdragon 636 SoC | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB/64GB | Software: Android 8.1 Oreo | Rear camera: 13MP+5MP | Front camera: 8MP | Weight: 156 grams| Dimensions: 150.25×71.8×8.35mm |Battery: 3,000mAh
BlackBerry KEY2 LE Pros and Cons
Pros
- Elegant design
- QWERTY keyboard
- Space bar key mounted Fingerprint sensor
Cons
-
Conventional battery
-
High Price
Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Phones You Can Buy Today in India
Since it is early days for the Snapdragon 636 process the options are still limited. We expect a lot more new phones with SD 636 SoC moving forward. With every new launch, we will be evaluating this list and updating the article with relevant options as soon as they surface.
Best Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Phone list
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Phone list | Price | Score |
| Redmi Note 5 Pro | Rs. 13,999 | 85/100 |
| Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 | Rs. 12,999 | 83/100 |
| Motorola One Power | Rs.15,999 | 75/100 |
| Asus Zenfone 5 | Rs. 27,000 | 87/100 |
| Meizu E3 | Rs. 20,990* | 82/100 |
| Nokia X6 | Rs. 16,000* | 79/100 |
| Lenovo Z5 | Rs. 14,700* | 78/100 |
| Moto Z3 Play | Rs. 35,000* | 82/100 |
