MSM8996
MSM8996 · Generic
- SoC
- Snapdragon 820
- RAM
- 4 GB LPDDR4
- Resolution
- 2560x1440
- Android API
- 6.0 (23)
What this hardware actually means
Editorial interpretation generated from the device's self-reported fields and our SoC tier database. Cross-reference with the raw fields below; if you spot a contradiction, please tell us.
Platform & performance positioning
The generic MSM8996 is built around the Snapdragon 820, a legacy flagship — capable in its day, now superseded from Qualcomm. It launched in 2015 on a Samsung 14nm LPP process. 2016 flagship (Galaxy S7, OnePlus 3). End-of-life for security updates.
Not recommended for primary use in 2026 — Android 9 ceiling on most devices; many modern apps refuse to install.
Day-to-day workload
4 GB LPDDR4 of RAM is tight for 2026 standards — usable for the basics but limits modern app behavior. Display resolution is 2560x1440.
This record reflects Android API level 23 (6.0). Android 7 or older — effectively retired; very few modern apps will run, and Google Play Services support is limited.
Trust & buying notes
If you're cross-checking a phone advertised as a generic MSM8996, the fields most worth verifying are: Build.MANUFACTURER lowercase-equal to "generic"; Build.SOC_MODEL set (Android 12+) and consistent with Snapdragon 820. For an automated check, run our Hardware Trust Score from the DevCheck AI app and compare its output against this entry.
Because this entry runs Android 6.0, treat it as a reference for older inventory: refurb shops sometimes flash old firmware to make a device look "stock," so a modern build date with this API level is a red flag.
Identity
- MANUFACTURER
- Generic
- BRAND
- Generic
- MODEL
- MSM8996
- PRODUCT
- VM-08
Operating System
- API
- 6.0 (23)
- KERNEL
- 3.18.20
- PLATFORM
- qcom
SoC / CPU
- SOC
- Snapdragon 820
- CPU
- msm8996
- CORES
- 4
- FAMILY
- Kryo Kryo
- CLUSTERS
- 2 x 2.15 GHz 2 x 1.59 GHz
- CLOCK_SPEED
- 307 - 2150 MHz
GPU
- GPU_VENDOR
- Qualcomm
- GPU_MODEL
- Adreno (TM) 530
- GPU_CLOCK
- 133 - 624 MHz
Memory & Storage
- RAM
- 4 GB LPDDR4
- FLASH
- Toshiba 128G32
Display
- RESOLUTION
- 2560x1440
- TOUCHSCREEN
- fts
Sensors
- ACCELEROMETER
- LSM6DS3
- GYROSCOPE
- LSM6DS3
- MAGNETOMETER
- AK09916
- BAROMETER
- BMP280
- ALSPS
- RPR0521
- FINGERPRINT_SENSOR
- goodix
Connectivity
- WIFI
- qca6174
- NFC
- nq-nci
Audio & Power
- AUDIO
- tfa98xx
- CHARGER
- smb1351-charger
Other
- LCM
- Dual_s6e3ha3_amoled_cmd_mode_dsi_panel_without_DSC
- CAMERA
- ov4688_tronimx378_tron
- SOUND
- msm8996tashamtp
- MODEM
- MSM8996.LA.1.0.1.c3-01032-STD.
- OTHER
- at24 sii70xx sii8620drv drv2605-haptics
- FLASH_SIZE
- 128 GB
- BATTERY
- 2410811_tlp032d2_3200mah_averaged_masterslave_may3rd2016
Related devices
Other phones in our database with similar hardware — same brand or same SoC.
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