Processor & Android Version Comparison Guide

Difference between chips: SmartDrive, Snapdragon, PowerDrive S8 – and what do 2-Core, 4-Core and 8-Core mean?

The complete explanation for anyone who wants to buy an Android Multimedia System

When you are looking for an Android Multimedia System for your car, you often come across terms such as SmartDrive, Snapdragon, 8-Core, and 4-Core.
But what does that actually mean? And why is one chip faster, more stable, or more powerful than another?

In this blog we explain it clearly and understandably.

What does “Core” mean in a car radio processor?

 

4-Core (quad-core)

Perfect for daily use.
Suitable for customers who want navigation, calling and music without heavy multitasking.

Characteristics:

  • Sufficient speed for standard apps

  • Economical energy consumption

  • Stable performance

  • Great CarPlay/Android Auto experience

  • Best price/quality

8-Core (octa-core)

This is the premium execution.
Suitable for customers who want maximum speed, use many apps simultaneously or are looking for ultra-smooth performance.

Characteristics:

  • Up to 3–4× faster than 4-Core

  • Better graphics performance

  • Faster camera image

  • Better heat distribution (more stable during long-term use)

  • Handles heavy apps with ease

Conclusion:

  • 4-Core = ideal for normal use

  • 8-Core = premium, noticeably faster, smoother and more future-proof

Difference between the chips: SmartDrive, PowerDrive S8

1. SmartDrive (4-Core)

This is the standard chipset which is used in many high-quality Android car radios.
It is designed for stable, reliable everyday use.

What characterizes SmartDrive?

  • 4-Core processor

  • Low heat development

  • Energy efficient

  • Very stable

  • Ideal for navigation, calling, music and CarPlay

SmartDrive is perfect for customers who want a good system without the need for extra speed or power.

2. PowerDrive S8


(8-Core)

Snapdragon is a chipset known for its speed, stability and efficient energy consumption.
This chip is also used in high-end smartphones.

Snapdragon features:

  • 8-Core

  • Fast processing of apps

  • Better multitasking

  • Faster CarPlay and Android Auto

  • Smooth camera image and better graphic quality

  • Lower heat development

Snapdragon is used in premium car radio models.

3. PowerDrive S8 (8-Core)

This is an 8-Core alternative to Snapdragon.
Just as powerful, but often a little more affordable and optimized for car radios.

PowerDrive S8 features:

  • 8-Core

  • Very fast and stable

  • Excellent multitasking

  • Optimized for automotive use

  • Perfect for intensive users

PowerDrive S8 and Snapdragon are close in performance, but PowerDrive S8 is often chosen in Android car radios because of its stability and price.

SmartDrive vs Snapdragon vs PowerDrive S8 (Overview)

Kenmerk SmartDrive (4-Core) Snapdragon (8-Core) PowerDrive S8 (8-Core)
Number of cores 4 8 8
Speed Good Very fast Very fast
Multitasking Limited Excellent Excellent
Startup time ±10–15 sec ±5 sec ±5 sec
Heat management Good Excellent Very good
Ideal for Normal use Intensive use Intensive use
Camera processing Default Very fast Very fast
Lifespan Just Even longer Even longer
Price range Budget/mid Premium Premium

Which one should you choose?

SmartDrive 4-Core

Choose this when you:

  • Navigation wants

  • CarPlay/Android Auto used

  • Music is listening

  • You want a stable and affordable system

8-Core (Snapdragon of PowerDrive S8)

Choose this when you:

  • Want maximum speed

  • Heavy apps used

  • Multitask more often

  • Want a smoother screen and faster camera image

  • Want to use the system for years