When choosing a new smartphone, we usually pay attention to several key indicators: screen, processor, camera and appearance. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but it is these four that are of interest to any more or less advanced consumer. Today we want to focus on the processors of modern smartphones, their, without exaggeration, hearts. Indeed, the mobile processor will provide the smartphone with high-quality sound, good pictures, fast charging and an LTE module. But first of all, the user is interested in the performance of the smartphone, so the comparison mobile processors- a useful lesson before buying a new device. We will discuss this, and we will do it in the simplest possible language, without going into technical details, in order to really clarify the situation, and not confuse even more.

First, let's be clear. By the wording “mobile processor”, we mean not just a “pebble”, but a full-fledged system-on-a-chip (aka chipset, aka SoC, aka CPU), which consists of many interconnected components, each of which affects in its own way smartphone processor performance. Also, we should not forget about RAM and optimization, which are inextricably linked with chipsets, which we will also discuss below.

Kernels. More doesn't mean better

You can often hear the opinion that your iPhone has only two cores, and on my Meise there are ten, which means Meise is cooler! No, not harder. For many reasons. But now let's focus on the cores. The key indicator here is the clock frequency (denoted by GHz), and the higher it is, the faster your smartphone will run. But you will have to pay for the speed with inevitable heating and, as a result, the rapid discharge of the battery. To avoid over-discharge, manufacturers began to use clusters in which the cores operate at different clock speeds and, as a result, charge consumption. This technology is called big.LITTLE and is the most common option today. The most important thing that the average consumer should know is that all these cores never work at the same time: during games, benchmarks and other heavy tasks, productive and energy-intensive cores turn on, and less powerful, but energy-efficient cores cope with simple tasks.

graphics accelerator

This parameter is of interest, first of all, to gamers, because it is the graphics accelerator that is responsible for 3D graphics, texture rendering in games and high frame rates. The most famous names here are Adreno, Mali and PowerVR. At one time, Tegra and its K1 processor, which was focused exclusively on games, “shot” out. Gamers squealed with delight, but the processor never received new versions.

As for the choice, the rule here is simple: if you want advanced graphics, choose an advanced chipset, because the GPU is always tightly tied to the CPU.

Heating and throttling. Less is better

Heating is generally a sore subject for a mobile processor. Not only can it melt the glue and leave yellow spots on the smartphone screen (and this happens, yeah), it also negatively affects the processor itself. To avoid overheating and subsequent damage, the processor forcibly lowers the clock frequency - this is the very throttling. In simple words The hotter your smartphone is, the slower it will run. All chipsets are subject to throttling to some extent, but the lower this figure, the better. Ideally, the smartphone should not get very hot at all. The anti-record in this regard was set by the Snapdragon 810, and smartphones based on it are better to bypass today.

Technical process. Less is better

AT last years information about the manufacturing process by which the chipset is made flashes in promotional materials for smartphones more and more often. For a techie, it's a matter of talent and finesse. It is important for us to know that the smaller the number in front of the cherished nanometers (denoted by nm), the better. For modern flagship solutions, the figure of 10 nm is relevant. It is unlikely that this indicator will be decisive when choosing a smartphone, but since manufacturers like to brag about them, we will also mention them.

Bit depth. 64 bits in priority

Again, without getting into the technical jungle, we note that a smartphone with an old, but flagship processor will be inferior in performance to a new 64-bit middling. In addition, all new applications are developed with 64-bit processors in mind, so the choice in favor of the latter is obvious.

Benchmarks and parrots

Today, the most common synthetic benchmarks are Antutu and Geekbench. However, we do not recommend focusing on dry numbers: firstly, the industry knows cases when specially trained smartphones “deceived” synthetics, demonstrating performance that they are not capable of in real life, and secondly, the performance of smartphone processors today is so high, that it is almost impossible to tell the difference between “fast” and “very fast” with the naked eye. It is much more interesting to check the performance of a smartphone with real tasks: check the smoothness of the interface, run several games, the camera, etc.

Operation and optimization

In fact, these parameters do not directly relate to the SoC, but are inextricably linked with it: a productive processor needs a lot of RAM, otherwise it simply will not be able to reach its potential. As of today, the optimal amount of RAM is 3-4 GB, and we categorically do not recommend agreeing to less than 2 GB. What about 6 gigs? - you ask. We answer. Now these are just useless show-offs, but in the future, most likely, everything will change.

As for optimization, Apple users are very fond of talking about it. Indeed, a relatively small range and the same type of filling allow the company to achieve a well-coordinated work of hardware and software. For android, these are unattainable heights due to the motley stuffing of smartphones, multiplied by shells that manufacturers love to put on top of the “naked” android. Therefore, in order for everything to work smoothly, you have to take not quality, but quantity. Since the user cannot influence this parameter in any way, we recommend that you simply give preference to a clean OS without add-ons.

Finally, some specifics

Now that we've decided on the key specs, let's just name the best smartphone processors today. The undisputed market leader - Qualcomm and their snapdragon. The manufacturer has solutions for entry-level, such as Snapdragon 430, mid-price segment (the representative is in demand - Snapdragon 625) and flagship models, the newest of which as of spring 2017 is Snapdragon 835 - this is the best that is on the Android and Windows market. smartphones today.

Breathes in the back of the leader's head Exynos, produced by Samsung. These processors are not very common on the market, because they are installed only on smartphones and tablets of the Korean giant itself and are sometimes found in Meizu, but are not inferior in quality to Snap. The current leader of the line is Exynos 8895.

As for MediaTek, everything is purely Chinese here: there are a lot of models, they have heaps of cores, but there are problems with real performance. No, we do not want to say that MTK are bad processors, but they are inferior to Snap's solutions. Of the models on the market, the flagship is Helio X25.

Processors Intel well known to desktop users and often found on Windows tablets. Caught on Intel and Android smartphones, but here the potential buyer needs to be careful: due to the use of a different architecture, these chipsets may not support some applications.

Processors Kirin- Huawei's own development, and everything is simple here: if you want a smartphone of this particular brand - accept it. However, Kirin will not let you down: the flagship model number 960 runs smoothly and is in no way inferior to colleagues in the shop, and even consumes battery loyally.

At Apple still simpler: all their processors are designated in the format An, where n is a number, and the larger it is, the better. Today it is the Apple A9X model.

Looks like a dark horse against this background Xiaomi: their Surge S1 is not the most productive and prone to overheating chipset, it is experimental in nature. Based on it Xiaomi Mi 5C, we do not recommend anyone to buy. And we certainly do not recommend accepting risky Rockchip, Spreadtrum, AllWinner and even more artisanal China. Yes, it will be cheaper, only your joy about this will quickly be replaced by indignation at the disgusting quality of the device.

Processor comparison

We have summarized all the basic characteristics that are important for the user in a table that will help you choose the right option. This includes the most common chips from well-known manufacturers over the past 2-3 years, which have not yet lost their relevance.

Another convenient way to compare mobile processors is their performance graphs. In the figure below you see the top devices from the Antutu benchmark as of late 2016 early 2017.

So, when choosing a mobile processor, first of all, we pay attention to the manufacturer (we listed the most reliable ones above), the clock frequency of productive cores, and the presence of heating. Everything else is technical subtleties that it makes no sense for an ordinary user to delve into (and if you are not an ordinary user, you have not learned anything new from this text). Enough to be guided simple rule: flagship models here collect all the best, there are no problems with them (with rare exceptions), they are needed, first of all, by gamers and enthusiasts. For example, Google Daydream is only compatible with advanced processors. Modern "middle peasants" also cope with applications and games, including three-dimensional ones, without any problems. As for the entry level, you will have to make compromises here, but it is much better if it is a low-power but reliable chipset from a well-known manufacturer than a handicraft no-name from which you can expect anything.

When buying a smartphone / tablet, or out of a sense of curiosity, many users want to check the performance of the device, basic functions and sensors.

The external state of the gadget can be assessed without additional utilities, but the "stuffing" requires a more thorough approach. The easiest way to check the main sensors and functions is to use. They are very convenient and easy to use, but there are two significant drawbacks:

1. Provide insufficient information.
2. They do not work on all smartphones (for example, some Chinese smartphones understand only half of the requests).

Programs for diagnostics

The developers offer a huge list of utilities with similar functions to check the performance of various sensors, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cameras, processors and much more. We chose the most functional and useful and tested them on our test Xiaomi Redmi 2.

The order in which software is reviewed is random. In general, the applications are equivalent, but Phone Doctor Plus has a slight advantage - it is simple and focused on .

The main screen displays general information about the device. To make them as comprehensive as possible, you need to go to the second tab, where there are more than 20 tests, including multi-touch, accelerometer, GPS and much more (see screenshots). Each of them is performed separately, some are asked to do a simple action, such as shaking the phone or inserting headphones. Upon successful completion, a green icon with a check mark appears - this means that the function is working correctly.

The program came from the computer sphere (Windows), where it managed to prove itself from the best side. The Android version was no exception, which is why it was included in our selection.

The main screen looks nondescript, there is not even a hint of a minimalist design. But that's not what we're here for, so let's move on to functionality. AIDA64 provides information on the following items:

• System: device model, board, RAM, storage and more.
• CPU: exact processor model, technological process, bit depth, number of cores, frequency range and, most importantly, load. If the latter constantly strives for 100 percent, then either the smartphone is clogged and requires a complex one, or there are serious problems with the chipset.
• Display: All display data, including resolution, technology, diagonal, video accelerator, and OpenGL version. Pay attention to the "GPU load" - it should only occur in games or when working with graphics. In normal mode, on the tested gadget, the indicator was at zero.
• Net: operator, country, provider code and other details. To check the connection, it's easier to just call someone and go online.
• Battery: Charge level, battery status, temperature and capacity. For a detailed battery check, see.
• Android: version, API level, build ID, and so on.
• Devices: Rear and front cameras explaining features such as stabilization, auto exposure, flash, and more. Comprehensive information about the video processor.
• Temperature components in Celsius ().
• Sensors. Lines with constantly changing numbers will appear on the screen. They characterize the operation of the gyroscope, compass, accelerometer and others. With a slight movement of the smartphone, the numbers should change. Recall that this is much easier to check with Phone Doctor.
• Applications. List of installed games and programs.
• Codecs, folders, system files.

The list of tests is immediately presented on the main screen. Let's get started!

• Sensor status: similar to AIDA64, only more understandable in Russian. There are also properties of each of the sensors.
• wifi status: connection information, not much useful.
• Telephony: operator, signal, provider code and other useless things.
• GPS status: satellites, signal transmission accuracy, latitude, longitude, bearing.
• Battery: charge level, capacity, technology, voltage, temperature and battery status.
• Multi-touch test: touch the screen with all fingers, check the operation of the display. For this it is better to use .
• Camera: basic information, the previous program has a more informative and complete list.
• System Information.

ARM processor is a mobile processor for smartphones and tablets.

This table lists all currently known ARM processors. The table of ARM processors will be supplemented and upgraded as new models appear. This table uses a conditional system for evaluating CPU and GPU performance. The performance data for ARM processors was taken from a variety of sources, mainly based on the results of such tests as: Pass Mark, Antutu, GFXBench.

We do not claim absolute accuracy. Absolutely accurate ranking and evaluate the performance of ARM processors impossible, for the simple reason that each of them, in some ways, has advantages, and in some ways lags behind other ARM processors. The table of ARM processors allows you to see, evaluate and, most importantly, compare different SoCs (System-On-Chip) solutions. Using our table, you can compare mobile cpu and find out exactly how the ARM-heart of your future (or present) smartphone or tablet is positioned.

Here we have compared ARM processors. We looked and compared CPU and GPU performance in various SoCs (System-on-Chip). But the reader may have a few questions: Where are ARM processors used? What is an ARM processor? What is the difference between ARM architecture and x86 processors? Let's try to understand all this without going into too much detail.

First, let's define terminology. ARM is the name of the architecture and at the same time the name of the company that develops it. The abbreviation ARM stands for (Advanced RISC Machine or Acorn RISC Machine), which can be translated as: advanced RISC machine. ARM architecture combines a family of both 32 and 64-bit microprocessor cores developed and licensed by ARM Limited. I would like to note right away that ARM Limited is engaged in the development of cores and tools for them (debugging tools, compilers, etc.), but not in the production of the processors themselves. Company ARM Limited sells licenses for the production of ARM processors to third parties. Here is a partial list of companies licensed to manufacture ARM processors today: AMD, Atmel, Altera, Cirrus Logic, Intel, Marvell, NXP, Samsung, LG, MediaTek, Qualcomm, Sony Ericsson, Texas Instruments, nVidia, Freescale ... and many more other.

Some companies licensed to release ARM processors create their own variants of cores based on the ARM architecture. Examples include: DEC StrongARM, Freescale i.MX, Intel XScale, NVIDIA Tegra, ST-Ericsson Nomadik, Qualcomm Snapdragon, Texas Instruments OMAP, Samsung Hummingbird, LG H13, Apple A4/A5/A6 and HiSilicon K3.

On the basis of ARM processors today work virtually any electronics: PDA, mobile phones and smartphones, digital players, portable game consoles, calculators, external hard drives and routers. All of them contain an ARM core, so we can say that ARM - mobile processors for smartphones and tablets.

ARM processor represents a SoC, or "system on a chip". SoC system, or "system on a chip", can contain in one chip, in addition to the CPU itself, and the rest of the full-fledged computer. This is a memory controller, and an I / O port controller, and a graphics core, and a geopositioning system (GPS). It can also contain a 3G module, as well as much more.

If we consider a separate family of ARM processors, say Cortex-A9 (or any other), it cannot be said that all processors of the same family have the same performance or all are equipped with a GPS module. All these parameters strongly depend on the chip manufacturer and what and how he decided to implement in his product.

What is the difference between ARM and X86 processors? By itself, RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture implies a reduced set of instructions. Which accordingly leads to very moderate power consumption. Indeed, inside any ARM chip there are much fewer transistors than its counterpart from the x86 line. Do not forget that in the SoC system, all peripheral devices are located inside the same chip, which allows the ARM processor to be even more economical in terms of power consumption. The ARM architecture was originally designed to compute only integer operations, unlike x86, which can work with floating point or FPU calculations. It is impossible to unequivocally compare these two architectures. In some ways, the advantage will be for ARM. And somewhere and vice versa. If you try to answer the question in one sentence: what is the difference between ARM and X86 processors, then the answer will be this: the ARM processor does not know the number of commands that the x86 processor knows. And those that know, look much shorter. This has both pluses and minuses. Be that as it may, in recent times Everything suggests that ARM processors are starting to slowly but surely catch up with, and in some ways even surpass conventional x86 processors. Many openly declare that ARM processors will soon replace the x86 platform in the home PC segment. As we have already, in 2013, several world-famous companies have completely abandoned the further release of netbooks in favor of tablet PCs. Well, what will actually happen, time will tell.

We will track the processors already available on the ARM market.

Benchmark apps are useful for determining the performance of your device and comparing the results with similar devices. They test CPU and GPU performance, web surfing speed, and more. We'll take a look at 5 Android benchmark apps that you can use to see how your device performs.

Quadrant Standard Edition tests the CPU, I/O controllers and 3D graphics. To find out the results, you will need to provide them first to the company server after passing the tests. After that, on the graph you will see the total number of points scored by your device, as well as its comparison with other devices.

Linpack is a benchmark application that is used to measure the performance of processors used in some of the world's fastest computers. Now you can use this application to test your Android phone or tablet. Linpack is a quick and easy test of your device's performance and is reported in megaflops per second (MFLOPS). People who use custom ROMs and overclock Android systems often use Linpack to keep track of performance gains.
Install via Android Market

The Neocore app was developed by Qualcomm to test its Adreno GPU. However, it can also be used to measure 3D graphics performance on Android devices that are equipped with non-Adreno GPUs. Test results are displayed in FPS.
Install via Android Market

AnTuTu tests the processor, RAM, graphics, databases, and SD card elements, and then provides results for each component individually, as well as for the entire device as a whole. This application is somewhat similar to the Quadrant Standard Edition, but, as you already understood, it allows you to see not only the overall results, but also the performance of individual nodes. After testing is complete, you can see your device's performance on a detailed bar chart next to other Android devices' performance. For fun, you can also send your results to the AnTuTu server to see your device's position relative to the world device rankings.
Install via Android Market

The Vellamo benchmark application, like Neocore, was developed by Qualcomm. It measures the performance of web surfing on Android device according to four criteria: rendering, javascript, user interaction and quality of network connection.
Install via Android Market

When you choose a smartphone or tablet, you are sure to look into its hardware specifications. Reading the descriptions of the processor, it is not immediately possible to understand what this or that designation means. However, there is a certain mobile processor performance rating of smartphones, based on which you can purchase a fast device. What do these terms mean and what do you need to pay attention to?

What is a processor?

The processor acts as a transmitter. That is, a request is sent to it, what you want your smartphone to do. Early mobile phones were basically the same as traditional landlines. Smartphones, however, are portable computers that have telephone facilities built into the system. Beneath this amazing touch screen is a full-fledged computer responsible for running your applications, giving you instructions (how to act in certain situations), GPS coordinates, and communicating with others. The processor is the brain of any operation.

What is a core?

This is the element located in the main processor that reads and executes instructions. The release of such devices began with single-core processors, but modern developers have created more powerful devices by including more cores in one device. This led to the emergence of dual-core gadgets. Soon there were quad-core processors (based on four cores), and today you can find hexa- (six) and octa- (eight) core smartphones and tablets on sale.

What are the benefits of multiple cores?

The more cores, the faster they can process the commands you give your phone. This means that several of these components will share the load among themselves and perform any work very quickly. You can upload high quality photos or high definition videos and then browse through your collection without pause. Animations and videos play smoothly without stuttering. Games don't freeze. Of course, there are exceptions, but as a rule, the more cores, the better the performance.

Will an octa-core smartphone be twice as fast as a quad-core one?

It's impossible. An octa-core processor is faster than a quad-core processor only when it is processing an application that uses its abilities, or when multitasking. For example, one core may be processing requests in a web browser while another is idle. The call comes and it gets to work. As a result, your work in the web browser and your phone call will go through, but not necessarily twice as fast.

What other factors may be involved?

Multiple cores are just one of the components of a smart device (you can think of them as a specific part of a car engine). In addition, the graphics processor, RAM for short-term storage, antennas for Wi-Fi and GPS, and much more are responsible for the operation of this component. They all work together as a unit and should all be considered when you buy a smartphone or tablet.

What should you remember about processors?

When buying a smartphone or tablet, it is advisable to first study the rating of mobile processors. Which chip is better - such a device will be more powerful. This will give you an idea of ​​what this or that device is capable of doing, what is the speed of its work.

In order to rank mobile processors for smartphones, it is necessary to conduct a series of tests on devices with each of them and fix the general criteria for evaluating performance, as well as perform graphic manipulations. Some experts have conducted such studies, and the results were quite predictable. So, a comparative table of processors for smartphones in descending order is presented below.

In addition to general performance, we also tested the GPU on devices released in 2016. The rating of GPUs for smartphones was also compiled taking into account the performance of the graphics subsystem. The ranking for the GPU is slightly different from the general list.

Processors for smartphones: rating

Based on research on graphical properties, the rating can be represented as follows:

1. Qualcomm 820.
2. Apple A9.
3. Samsung Exynos 8890.
4. Qualcomm 810.
5. Samsung Exynos 7420.
6. Apple A8.
7. Qualcomm 805.
8. Kirin 950.
9. Qualcomm 808.
10. Qualcomm 652.

As you can see, the same components are in the top 3 in both lists. Thus, the best processors for smartphones, the rating of which is presented in the article, are the same in all respects: both in terms of graphics performance and in terms of the results of general tests.

Therefore, it is important to get an idea of ​​what devices are running these processors. So, you can find Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 in the following devices:

• Sony Xperia X performance.
• Xiaomi Mi5.
• Letv V MAX Pro.
• LG G5.

Depending on the place of purchase, the Galaxy S7 can be equipped with a Samsung Exynos 8890 instead of the above component, which still significantly outperforms the competition. It is also worth noting that the computing power of all devices today is very high. For this reason, when purchasing a modern smartphone, you will not notice a significant drop in performance, even if it is not very powerful. Even Chinese processors for smartphones, the rating of which will look completely different, will suit you with fast work. Only if you care about the smallest specifications or plan to install and use highly specialized high-capacity applications, these results can help you make a decision when buying a device.

Mobile phone selection

Recently, many smartphone manufacturers have released their new products, which undoubtedly make the user feel a certain confusion when choosing. In connection with the release of new devices, processors for smartphones are also changing, the rating of which is quite difficult to update. For example, last year the Apple A9 was at the top of every comparison list, and then the Hisilicon Kirin 950 edged it out. Today, Qualcomm, Apple and Samsung are fighting for supremacy with varying degrees of success.

Evaluation of performance

As the chip performance rating has already shown, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor took first place and showed much more power than the Apple A9. In addition, Samsung Exynos 8890 also has good results, and its performance is already close to A9.

The recently launched Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 and 650 also show high functionality and power. The Qualcomm 652 is already close in performance to the 810. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 has already outperformed the 808, which leads the mid-range smartphone market. Since 6797 phones are not currently being produced, and only models released in previous years can be found on the market, the MTK processor rating for smartphones is no longer relevant.

GPU Performance Ranking

In recent years, smartphones have placed more and more importance on GPU performance, as it is closely related to playing games and working with images in a mobile phone, and this has a direct impact on the real user experience. Currently, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (Adreno530) is characterized by high performance in this regard. Samsung Exynos 8890 (Mali-T880 MP12) is almost equal to Apple A9 in terms of power, as already noted. As for Hisilicon Kirin 950 (Mali-T880 MP4), which is well known to everyone, its GPU performance is not good enough, and the test results are similar to Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 (Adreno418) and Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 (Adreno510).

In fact, the performance of the graphics chip is also directly related to the screen resolution of your smartphone. At present, the main resolution is 1080P, and 2K has become the trend of smartphone development. high class. However, without the support of a powerful GPU, even such a high resolution will continue to degrade the performance of the device.

Of course, the factors that determine the performance mobile phone, much larger than the CPU and GPU values. However, you need to be fully aware that nothing but the powerful performance of the chips is the basis of a smoothly running device. Without high performance support, any user experience will be empty. It can be described old proverb: "You can't make something out of nothing."

The above information regarding processors for smartphones, the rating of which is presented above, cannot be considered as a permanent rule. Today, new devices are regularly released with more and more powerful technical characteristics.

From this data, it can be seen to date that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is taking the lead in terms of performance. Even though Apple hasn't released any new processors, the overall performance of the Apple A9 is still strong. If we consider Samsung's Exynos 8890, its parameters are approximately equal to A9 in total.

The devices running on the Apple A9 are the iPhone 6S and iPhone SE, which are considered to be one of the most rated and fashionable devices.

The Exynos Samsung 8890 takes a strong third place in this ranking and is only slightly inferior to its competitors. He managed to overtake many devices made from other components. Currently, of the devices manufactured with this chip, you can only find

The Kirin 950 processor also has very good performance over a long period of time. Moreover, it previously topped the ratings of components due to its excellent performance. However, this performance rating has been steadily declining as more advanced devices began to appear on the market. Devices running on this processor are Huawei P9, Huawei Mate 8, Huawei P9 Max.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 offers pretty good General characteristics. It was highly appreciated in its time and to this day is one of the most used elements in various devices. Smartphones equipped with it are successfully sold in many countries of the world today, including HTC One M9, XL, Nexus 6P, OnePlus 2.

At one time it was greatly underestimated, despite the fact that its parameters are distinguished by decent power. Despite the low ratings, phones with it are popular, especially the Meizu Pro 5.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 and 650 are processors used in mid-range smartphones. Despite the low positions in the ranking, they are actively used in the production of gadgets. To date, there is no question of discontinuing such smartphone models as Samsung Sony Xperia X and Xiaomi Redmi.