Smartphone processors | Their impact and how to understand them

A processor, also known as a CPU, is a component that performs calculations and executes instructions, while a System on a Chip (SoC) integrates a CPU with other components like a GPU, memory, and connectivity modules on a single chip. When selecting a smartphone, consider processor characteristics such as core count and clock speed, which influence performance and efficiency.

To choose a smartphone with a good processor, evaluate the balance between performance needs and budget, and consider the latest models from reputable brands that offer the desired features and support for current technologies like 5G.

What is a smartphone processor

The processor, or chipset, serves as the smartphone’s “brain,” handling data processing, power management, and other critical functions. It affects the speed at which applications launch, the frame rate of games like Genshin Impact, and the quality of the photographs taken.

What is the difference between processors for smartphones and computers?

Mobile processors differ from those in computers. A smartphone processor comprises modules such as a video core and a modem on a single chip, hence the term “system-on-a-chip” or SoC.

The architecture also varies. Smartphones employ the ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) architecture, whereas Windows computers utilize the x86 architecture.

What does the smartphone processor affect?

The processor influences most of the smartphone’s characteristics. Here are the primary ones:

1. Overall performance. These are, for example, the speed of loading web pages and installing updates, the responsiveness of the operating system, etc.
2. Support for 5G and other communication standards. Not all processors work with 5G modules, for example, the popular Helio G99 only supports 4G.
3. Photo and video quality. A weak processor simply will not be able to process a high-resolution image qualitatively. Therefore, entry-level camera modules are also paired with budget processors.
4. Display resolution and refresh rate. High resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate are not supported by all processors. On budget devices, 60 Hz or 90 Hz is more common.
5. Frame rate in games. The processor’s video chip affects the graphics quality and FPS in mobile games. Some applications, such as live wallpapers, also depend on the performance of the video chip.
6. Power consumption of the device. In addition to battery capacity, autonomy also depends on the optimal energy consumption to perform all kinds of tasks. This function is performed by the processor.
7. Heating of the device. Some CPU models heat up more than others, which directly affects the performance of the system. As a rule, high-end models are subject to high heat, so they require a serious cooling system.

Understanding that the processor is just one of the elements influencing performance is crucial. A high-end processor alone does not guarantee a high-quality device. The operating system and other hardware features are also pivotal in determining the overall quality.

Processor Specifications

Mobile processors possess distinct characteristics that allow for comparison. Here are the key aspects to consider.

Manufacturers

The following companies are engaged in the development and production of chipsets for mobile devices:

• Qualcomm is one of the most popular manufacturers of chipsets for smartphones. The company produces Snapdragon processors. They use customized Cortex cores under its own brand Kryo;
• MediaTek is the second popular chipset manufacturer. Helio and Dimensity processors are installed in devices of different price categories – from budget phones to flagships.
• Samsung is developing the Exynos chipset, which is used mainly in smartphones under its own brand;
• HiSilicon (Huawei) – produces Kirin chipsets, which are equipped with some Huawei smartphones;
• Apple uses a chipset of its own design and exclusively for devices of its own production;
• Google – starting with the Google Pixel 6, it uses the proprietary Tensor chip, which replaced Qualcomm;
• Unisoc (Spreadtrum) produces low-cost Tiger chips, which are installed in inexpensive smartphones. In terms of performance, these processors lag behind the leading brands, but often offer good value for money.

Number and type of cores

The majority of contemporary Android processors are equipped with 8 or more cores. However, there are still models with 4 cores, which are generally not recommended for purchase due to their outdated nature or association with very inexpensive smartphones.

These cores vary in microarchitecture, clock speed, and power consumption, enabling the processor to allocate them to various tasks efficiently, thus balancing performance and energy conservation. Three primary categories can be identified:

• supercores (Cortex X1 and higher) – for tasks where high speed calculations are required, for example, games and photo processing;
• productive (Cortex A7XX, A7X) – used to handle smaller loads, saving energy;
• energy-efficient (Cortex A5XX, A5X) are used to perform background tasks and routine operations such as working with instant messengers, where high power is not required.

Typically, a processor is composed of various core types. For instance, a configuration of 1 + 3 + 4 is common, featuring one supercore for peak performance, three performance cores, and four energy-efficient cores. It stands to reason that the greater the number of high-performance cores in a processor, the more powerful it becomes.

Clock rate

Clock speed indicates how many times per second a CPU core can perform an instruction. This trait significantly impacts the device’s performance; the higher the clock speed, the quicker the device operates. In contemporary smartphones, high-performance cores typically operate between 2 to 3 GHz, and energy-efficient cores operate between 1.5 to 2 GHz.

Process

This term describes the technology used in semiconductor microcircuit manufacturing, which is quantified in nanometers. A smaller process size allows for more elements, such as transistors, to be fitted onto a single chip. Consequently, this enhances performance while reducing energy consumption and heat output.

The most recent mobile processors are manufactured using a 4-nanometer process. Processors with 6nm and 12nm processes are also widely used, alongside others like the 5nm process.

Video core

The graphics accelerator, integrated within the smartphone’s processor, is crucial for the quality and fluidity of the graphics. Several manufacturers produce these video chips, including:

• Adreno is a video core from Qualcomm. It is installed in Snapdragon processors. These accelerators are considered the best in terms of performance among other vendors.
• Mali is a video core from ARM. The line is focused on budget and mid-budget devices. Mali video chips are used in chipsets of the Helio, Dimensity, Unicos and other lines.
• Immortalis is a video core from ARM. A high-performance accelerator that is equipped with flagship devices with a Dimensity or Google Tensor processor.
• XClipse is a video core from Samsung and AMD. Introduced in 2022 as part of the Exynos 2200 processor.
• Maleoon is a video core from Huawei. Released in August 2023 as part of the Kirin 9000S processor, in terms of characteristics it is almost on par with the older Snapdragon processor of the same period.
• PowerVR is a video core from Imagination Technologies. Early iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models were equipped with PowerVR video cores as part of their own processors. Now these video cores are equipped with MediaTek processors in low-end devices of the Doogee, BlackView, Oukitel and similar brands.
• Apple’s A line of processors. After abandoning PowerVR and switching to its own developments, Apple’s graphics are not allocated separately from the processor (for example, the A17 Pro processor). These chipsets do not cause complaints from the user | all games and applications from the AppStore are launched and fully operational.

Other vendors exist, yet they suffer from poor distribution or have ceased development altogether. For instance, NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset attempted to penetrate the market during 2013-2014 via Xiaomi smartphones, but these devices failed to achieve significant popularity. Incidentally, a custom Tegra chip is utilized in the Nintendo Switch.

Memory

The internal memory of a smartphone is also influenced by the processor. Some models are limited to slower memory types like eMMC 5.1, whereas others are compatible with faster UFS 3.1 memory. Nevertheless, a high-quality processor doesn’t ensure fast memory; manufacturers may opt for less expensive, simpler memory options to reduce costs.

Wireless Standards

The latest wireless standards encompass 5G mobile internet, Wi-Fi 6 and 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. These technologies are dependent on the smartphone’s chipset. Thus, to obtain 5G capabilities, for instance, selecting a smartphone with a compatible processor is essential (typically, filtering for 5G support in the store’s catalog suffices, without the need for manual verification).

It’s important to note that the development of 5G technology could be limited to specific telecom operators, and the implementation of new Wi-Fi standards necessitates specialized equipment capable of establishing networks within this spectrum.

How the smartphone processor affects the quality of photography

The quality of photographs is not solely determined by the camera’s characteristics in a smartphone. The processor’s power and functionality, along with software algorithms, play equally crucial roles. Let us examine this further:

• Image processing. The processor is responsible for processing the data coming from the camera. This operation includes noise reduction, sharpening, white balance, color correction and other algorithms.
• Computational photography. There are now many camera modes that require. For example, night mode or image stabilization. Such features require a lot of CPU compute resources to flatten and align frames.
• Machine learning and AI. Many modern cameras use machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to recognize scenes, faces, enhance portraits, and other tasks. The processor also takes care of the performance to efficiently execute these algorithms.

Additionally, the processor offers video encoding in a specific format during recording, the capability to record at high frame rates, and even a preview of the image on the phone’s screen.

Furthermore, it’s not just the clock speed and core architecture that are important, but also the functionality of the chipset itself, such as the inclusion of an AI chip or a specialized image processing core.

When looking to purchase a quality camera phone, there are two paths you can take:

1. Take the latest flagships from well-known manufacturers. For example, Apple, Samsung, or Google. Top brands are constantly competing for the best quality of shooting, so even without diving into the technical details, you can’t go wrong.
2. Study reviews and compare photos from different smartphones. Today, even mid-budget devices like the realme 12 Pro+ and Tecno Camon 30 Premier have excellent cameras with optical stabilization and zoom. But remember that the specifications on paper do not always reflect the final quality of the shooting.

Incidentally, to enhance photo quality, one can sometimes install a custom Google camera on smartphones not initially intended for it. This typically necessitates a Qualcomm processor.

Which processor to choose for a smartphone in 2024

You need to choose a processor based on the tasks that are set for the smartphone.

A processor for a budget smartphone

For an affordable smartphone suitable for work, communication, browsing the internet, and listening to music, consider devices equipped with MediaTek G99 or Dimensity 7xxx chipsets, as well as the Exynos 1380. A Samsung device might offer lower specifications compared to a Xiaomi smartphone at the same price point. However, it compensates with a more sophisticated user interface, exclusive branded features, and extended support. The priority between specifications and user experience depends on your personal preference.

Gaming Smartphone Processor

If you’re in the market for a gaming device or simply wish to flaunt your AnTuTu benchmark scores, consider the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Gen 3 processors. The latter is exclusive to flagship models, while the former is available in more budget-friendly options such as the OnePlus Ace 3. Additionally, MediaTek’s Dimensity 8300 series processors and above are also worth considering, as seen in devices like the Poco X6 Pro 5G.