The processor is the heart of your smartphone . It determines the speed, smoothness, and performance of your device. But how do you choose the best processor for your smartphone? What criteria should you consider? Which are the most powerful and innovative processors on the market?
What is a processor?
The processor , or CPU ( Central Processing Unit ), is the component that executes the instructions of the programs and applications on your smartphone. It is responsible for most of the tasks you perform with your device.
A good processor will allow you to enjoy a fast, responsive and efficient smartphone, capable of handling multiple applications at the same time, supporting demanding games, and consuming less battery.
What criteria should be considered when choosing a processor?
There are several technical characteristics that define the power and efficiency of a processor, such as the manufacturing process , the number of cores , the clock speed , the cache memory , etc. We will explain what these terms mean and how to compare them.
We will also introduce you to the different families of smartphone processors, which are distinguished by their design, compatibility, and cost.
The different families of smartphone processors
Smartphone processors are divided into two categories: specialist and integrated .
The specialists
Like Qualcomm or Mediatek , they supply their processors to several smartphone brands.
- They have the advantage of offering a wide range of processors , suitable for all market segments, from the most basic to the most premium. They also offer better compatibility with different operating systems, network standards, and smartphone components.
- On the other hand, they have the disadvantage of depending on smartphone manufacturers for the optimization and updating of their processors, which can lead to performance or security problems.
The integrated ones
Like Samsung or Apple , they manufacture their own processors for their own smartphones.
- They have the advantage of controlling the entire production chain of their smartphones, which allows them to optimize their processors to the fullest extent according to their devices, software, and services. They can also innovate faster and more easily by integrating cutting-edge technologies into their processors.
- On the other hand, they have the disadvantage of limiting the choice of users , who are forced to buy their smartphones to take advantage of their processors, and often pay more for performance similar to that of specialists.
Specialist processors therefore offer more choice, compatibility, and value for money. Integrated processors offer more optimization, innovation, and performance. Here are some examples of smartphones equipped with these processors:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 : Samsung Galaxy S21, Xiaomi Mi 11, OnePlus 9
- Mediatek Dimensity 1200 : Realme GT Neo2, Vivo X70 Pro+, Oppo Reno6 Pro+
- Unisoc Tiger T7520 : Tecno Phantom
- Samsung Exynos 2100 : Samsung Galaxy S21, Meizu 18, Motorola Edge S
- Apple A14 Bionic : iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Mini
- Huawei Kirin 9000 : Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Huawei P40 Pro, Honor V40
Ranking of the best smartphone processors
To compare the performance of smartphone processors, several tests and benchmarks that measure the processors' ability to perform various tasks , such as calculations, graphics processing, web browsing, etc. Among the best-known tests and benchmarks are Geekbench , Antutu , Gfxbench , etc.
These tests and benchmarks assign scores to processors, allowing them to be ranked according to their performance . Here is the ranking of the best smartphone processors , based on average scores obtained on Geekbench, Antutu, and Gfxbench:
| Rank | Processor | Geekbench | Antutu | Gfxbench |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple A14 Bionic | 1598 | 660 000 | 86 |
| 2 | Snapdragon 888 | 1125 | 630 000 | 80 |
| 3 | Exynos 2100 | 1080 | 610 000 | 75 |
| 4 | Kirin 9000 | 1020 | 600 000 | 70 |
| 5 | Dimensity 1200 | 950 | 580 000 | 65 |
| 6 | Snapdragon 870 | 930 | 560 000 | 60 |
| 7 | Dimensity 9200 | 900 | 520 000 | 55 |
| 8 | Exynos 1080 | 880 | 500 000 | 50 |
| 9 | Snapdragon 778G | 860 | 480 000 | 45 |
| 10 | Snapdragon 765G | 840 | 460 000 | 40 |
- The Apple A14 Bionic is therefore the most powerful smartphone processor. It's featured in the iPhone 12 and is superior to the other processors on our list.
- The Snapdragon 888 was the second most powerful processor of 2021. It was found in most of the most expensive Android smartphones on the market that year. It's almost as good as the Apple A14 Bionic, but it drains the battery much faster.
- The Exynos 2100 is ranked the third most powerful processor. Found in the Samsung Galaxy S21, but not everywhere, it is closer to the Snapdragon 888 and even better than the Kirin 9000 (Huawei's latest processor).
- The Dimensity 1200 is the fifth most powerful smartphone processor of 2021. It's found in mid-range Android smartphones. It's MediaTek's best processor . It works well with 5G . It outperforms the Snapdragon 870 , which is a faster version of the Snapdragon 865 .
- The other processors are less powerful than the previous ones. They belong to the category of low-end Android smartphones.
The three best smartphone processors
MediaTek Dimensity 9300
The best smartphone processor would be the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 , which is the fastest and most powerful processor for Android mobiles .
This processor includes:
- Arm's Cortex X3, which can operate at a speed of 3 GHz
- Immortalis-G715 GPU , which enables ray tracing for video games
- The 5G , which allows you to take advantage of the fastest speeds on the mobile network.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
The second best smartphone processor would be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 , which is the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 , which already equips high-end smartphones in 2022, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 , the Xiaomi Mi 11 , or the OnePlus 9 .
This processor offers a 35% in CPU performance, a 25% improvement in GPU performance, and a 40% improvement in energy efficiency compared to its predecessor. It also incorporates ray tracing, which enhances visual quality and immersion in video games.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2
The third best smartphone processor would be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 , which is an improved version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 , offering a higher clock speed and better temperature management .
This processor powers the most premium smartphones of 2022, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 , the Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 , and the OnePlus 9 Pro . It offers similar performance to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but with higher power consumption.
Table of features and performance of the three best smartphone processors
| Processor | Engraving precision | Number of hearts | Clock frequency | GPU | NPU | Modem | Ray tracing | Antutu score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MediaTek Dimensity 9300 | 4 nm | 8 | 3 GHz | Immortalis-G715 | Yes | 5G | Yes | 1 000 000 |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 4 nm | 8 | 2.9 GHz | Adreno 730 | Yes | 5G | Yes | 950 000 |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 | 4 nm | 8 | 3.2 GHz | Adreno 660 | Yes | 5G | Yes | 900 000 |
Trends and innovations for smartphone processors
Smartphone processors are constantly evolving to meet the growing needs of users in areas such as 5G , artificial intelligence , gaming , etc. To achieve this, processor manufacturers are increasingly integrating cutting-edge technologies into their products, such as modems , neural processing units , graphics processors , etc.
5G
5G is the new generation of mobile network , offering faster speeds , lower latency, and better coverage than 4G. To take advantage of 5G, your smartphone must be equipped with a compatible modem , which is the component that allows it to connect to the network.
Some processors integrate the 5G modem directly , which reduces power consumption and optimizes performance. This is the case with the Snapdragon 888, the Dimensity 9200, and the Kirin 9000.
Other processors use an external 5G modem , which increases power consumption and cost. This is the case with the Apple A14 Bionic, the Exynos 2100, and the Snapdragon 870.
Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is the ability of a system to learn , reason , and interact autonomously . AI is increasingly used in smartphones to improve photo quality, speech recognition, translation, security, and more.
To run AI algorithms , the smartphone must be equipped with a neural processing ( NPU ), which is the component that performs complex mathematical operations. All high-end processors include an NPU, which varies in power and features.
For example :
- The Apple A14 Bionic integrates a 16-core NPU, capable of performing 11 billion operations per second .
- The Snapdragon 888 integrates a 6-core NPU, capable of performing 26 billion operations per second .
- The Kirin 9000 integrates a 2-core NPU, capable of performing 30 billion operations per second .
Gaming
Modern video games require high graphics performance to display , detailed , and realistic images . For this, the smartphone must be equipped with a graphics processing unit ( GPU ), which is the component that manages visual effects.
All processors include a GPU, which varies in terms of power and features. For example:
- The Apple A14 Bionic integrates a 4-core GPU , capable of supporting Metal technology , which allows for the creation of more immersive games.
- The Snapdragon 888 integrates an Adreno 660 , capable of supporting Vulkan technology , which reduces power consumption and improves performance.
- The Exynos 2100 integrates a Mali-G78 GPU , capable of supporting Ray Tracing technology , which allows for the simulation of light and shadow effects.
Here are some examples of innovative processors that integrate cutting-edge technologies into their products, and innovative smartphones equipped with these processors:
- Google Tensor : the first processor designed by Google for its own smartphones, the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. The Google Tensor is an AI-focused processor that allows users to enjoy Google services, such as Assistant, Translate, and Photos, faster, more accurately, and more personally. The Google Tensor also integrates a 5G modem and a Mali-G78 GPU.
- Dimensity 9200 : MediaTek's latest processor, found in smartphones like the Realme GT Neo2, the Vivo X70 Pro+, and the Oppo Reno6 Pro+. The Dimensity 9200 combines performance and efficiency thanks to its 4-nanometer manufacturing process, 8 cores, and 3 GHz clock speed. It also integrates a 5G modem, a NPU, and a Mali-G710 GPU.
- Kirin 9000 : Huawei's latest processor, which powers smartphones like the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, Huawei P40 Pro, and Honor V40. The Kirin 9000 stands out for its power and versatility, thanks to its 5-nanometer manufacturing process, 8 cores, and 3.13 GHz clock speed. The Kirin 9000 also integrates a 5G modem, a NPU, and a Mali-G78 GPU.
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FAQ
What is the modem of a processor?
modem is the component that allows it to connect to a mobile network , such as 4G or 5G. The more powerful the modem, the faster the speeds, lower latency, and better coverage the processor can offer, resulting in a higher quality communication experience.
For example, the Dimensity 9200 has an integrated modem , capable of supporting 5G , with speeds of up to 7.67 Gbps download and 3.76 Gbps upload.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an integrated or specialist processor?
An integrated processor is a processor designed by a smartphone manufacturer for its own devices, while a specialist processor is designed by a processor manufacturer for multiple smartphone brands.
| Integrated processors | Specialist processors |
|---|---|
| + Better optimization between the processor, smartphone, software, and services | + Wide range of processors, suitable for all market segments |
| + Greater capacity for innovation, by integrating cutting-edge technologies into its processors | + Improved compatibility with different operating systems, network standards, and smartphone components |
| – Limited choice for users, who are forced to buy the manufacturer's smartphones to benefit from its processors | – Dependence on smartphone manufacturers for processor optimization and updates |
| – Often a higher cost for users, who have to pay more for performance similar to that of specialist processors | – Difficulty in innovating by integrating cutting-edge technologies into its processors |
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