The processor is the heart of your smartphone . It determines the speed, smoothness and performance of your device. But how to choose the best processor for your smartphone? What are the criteria to take into account? What 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 programs and applications on your smartphone. It is responsible for most of the tasks you do with your device.
A good processor will allow you to enjoy a fast, responsive and efficient smartphone, capable of managing several applications at the same time, supporting demanding games, and consuming less battery.
What are the criteria to take into account when choosing a processor?
There are several technical characteristics that define the power and efficiency of a processor, such as engraving fineness , number of cores , clock frequency , cache memory , etc. We'll explain what these terms mean and how to compare them.
We will also present to you the different families of smartphone processors, which are distinguished by their design, their compatibility, and their cost.
The different families of smartphone processors
Smartphone processors are divided into two categories: specialists and integrated .
The specialists
Like Qualcomm or Mediatek , supply their processors to several brands of smartphones.
- 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, different network standards, and different smartphone components.
- On the other hand, they have the disadvantage of depending on smartphone manufacturers for optimization and updating of their processors, which can lead to performance or security issues.
The integrated ones
Like Samsung or Apple , 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 as much as possible according to their devices, their software, and their services. They can also innovate faster and easier, 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.
Specialists therefore offer more choice, compatibility, and value for money. Integrated ones 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
The ranking of the best processors for smartphones
To compare the performance of smartphone processors, there are several tests and benchmarks , which measure the processors' ability to perform various tasks , such as calculation, graphics processing, web browsing, etc. Some of the best-known tests and benchmarks include Geekbench , Antutu , Gfxbench , etc.
These tests and benchmarks give scores to processors, which allow them to be classified according to their power . Here is the ranking of the best processors for smartphones, according to the 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 | Size 1200 | 950 | 580 000 | 65 |
| 6 | Snapdragon 870 | 930 | 560 000 | 60 |
| 7 | Dimensions 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 processor for smartphones. It is embedded in the iPhones 12 and happens to be better than the other processors on our list.
- The Snapdragon 888 is the second most powerful processor of 2021. It is embedded 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 uses a lot more battery.
- The Exynos 2100 is ranked the third most powerful processor. Embedded 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 is embedded in mid-range Android smartphones. It is the best processor from Mediatek . It works well with 5G . It is better than 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 processor for smartphones would be the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 , which is the fastest and most efficient processor for Android mobiles .
This processor integrates:
- Cortex X3 , which can operate at speeds of 3 GHz
- Immortalis-G715 GPU , which allows ray tracing for video games
- The 5G , which allows you to benefit from the fastest speeds on the mobile network.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
The second best processor for smartphones would be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 , which is the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 , which already equips high-end smartphones of 2022, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 , the Xiaomi Mi 11 , or the OnePlus 9 .
This processor offers a 35% in CPU performance, 25% improvement in GPU performance, and 40% improvement in power efficiency compared to its predecessor. It also integrates ray tracing, which improves the visual quality and immersion of 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 , which offers a higher clock frequency and better temperature management .
This processor equips the most premium smartphones of 2022, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 , the Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 , or the OnePlus 9 Pro . It offers similar performance to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but with higher power consumption.
Table of characteristics and performances of the three best processors for smartphones
| Processor | Fineness of engraving | Number of cores | Clock frequency | GPU | NPU | Modem | Ray tracing | Antutu Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MediaTek Dimensity 9300 | 4nm | 8 | 3GHz | Immortalis-G715 | Yes | 5G | Yes | 1 000 000 |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 4nm | 8 | 2.9GHz | Adreno 730 | Yes | 5G | Yes | 950 000 |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 | 4nm | 8 | 3.2GHz | 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 terms of 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 next generation of mobile network , which offers faster speeds , lower latency, and better coverage than 4G. To benefit from 5G, the smartphone must be equipped with a compatible modem , which is the component that allows you to connect to the network.
Some processors directly integrate the 5G modem , which reduces energy consumption and optimizes performance. This is the case of the Snapdragon 888, the Dimensity 9200, or the Kirin 9000.
Other processors use an external 5G modem , which increases power consumption and cost. This is the case of the Apple A14 Bionic, the Exynos 2100, or 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, voice recognition, translation, security, etc.
To run AI algorithms , the smartphone must be equipped with a neural processing ( NPU ), which is the component that allows complex mathematical operations to be performed. All high-end processors incorporate 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
Recent video games require high graphics performance to display , detailed and realistic images . To do this, the smartphone must be equipped with a graphics processor ( GPU ), which is the component that manages visual effects.
All processors incorporate a GPU, which varies in power and features. For example :
- The Apple A14 Bionic integrates a 4-core GPU , capable of supporting Metal technology , which allows you to create more immersive games.
- Adreno 660 GPU , 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 light and shadow effects to be simulated.
Here are some examples of innovative processors, which 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 a processor focused on artificial intelligence, which allows you to take advantage of Google services, such as Assistant, Translation, or Photos, in a faster, more precise, and more personalized way. The Google Tensor also integrates a 5G modem and a Mali-G78 GPU.
- Dimensity 9200 : the latest processor from Mediatek, which equips smartphones like the Realme GT Neo2, the Vivo X70 Pro+, or the Oppo Reno6 Pro+. The Dimensity 9200 is a processor that combines performance and efficiency, thanks to its engraving fineness of 4 nanometers, its number of cores of 8, and its clock frequency of 3 GHz. The Dimensity 9200 also integrates a 5G modem, an NPU, and a Mali-G710 GPU.
- Kirin 9000 : Huawei's latest processor, which equips smartphones like the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, the Huawei P40 Pro, or the Honor V40. The Kirin 9000 is a processor that stands out for its power and versatility, thanks to its engraving fineness of 5 nanometers, its number of cores of 8, and its clock frequency of 3.13 GHz. The Kirin 9000 also integrates a 5G modem, an NPU, and a Mali-G78 GPU.
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FAQs
What is a processor modem?
The modem of a processor is the component that allows you to connect to the mobile network , such as 4G or 5G. The more efficient the modem, the more the processor can offer faster speeds, lower latency, and better coverage, which allows it to offer better quality of communication.
For example, the Dimensity 9200 has a built-in 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 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 | + Better compatibility with different operating systems, different network standards, and different 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 optimization and updating of its processors |
| – Often 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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