ARM processor is a mobile processor for smartphones and tablets.

This table shows 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. ARM processor performance data was taken from a variety of sources, mainly based on the results of tests such as: PassMark, Antutu, GFXBench.

We do not claim absolute accuracy. Absolutely accurately rank and evaluate the performance of ARM processors impossible, for the simple reason that each of them has advantages in some ways, but 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 processors and it’s enough to 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 at and compared the performance of CPU and GPU in different SoCs (System-on-Chip). But the reader may have several questions: Where are ARM processors used? What is an ARM processor? How does ARM architecture differ from x86 processors? Let's try to understand all this without going too deep into details.

First, let's define the terminology. ARM is the name of the architecture and at the same time the name of the company leading its development. 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 the ARM Limited company is exclusively engaged in the development of kernels 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 produce ARM processors today: AMD, Atmel, Altera, Cirrus Logic, Intel, Marvell, NXP, Samsung, LG, MediaTek, Qualcomm, Sony Ericsson, Texas Instruments, nVidia, Freescale... and many others.

Some companies that have received a license to produce ARM processors create their own versions of cores based on 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.

Today they work on ARM-based processors virtually any electronics: PDA, mobile phones and smartphones, digital players, portable game consoles, calculators, external hard disks and routers. They all 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". An SoC system, or “system on a chip,” can contain in one chip, in addition to the CPU itself, the remaining parts of a full-fledged computer. This includes a memory controller, an I/O port controller, a graphics core, and a geopositioning system (GPS). It may 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 are all 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?? The RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture itself implies a reduced set of instructions. Which accordingly leads to very moderate energy consumption. After all, inside any ARM chip there are much fewer transistors than its counterpart from the x86 line. Don't forget that in the SoC system everything peripherals located inside a single chip, which allows the ARM processor to be even more energy efficient. The ARM architecture was originally designed to calculate only integer operations, unlike x86, which can work with floating point calculations or FPU. It is impossible to clearly compare these two architectures. In some ways, ARM will have an advantage. And somewhere it’s the other way around. If you try to answer the question in one phrase: 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 do know look much shorter. This has both its pros and cons. Be that as it may, lately everything suggests that ARM processors are beginning to slowly but surely catch up, 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 already know, in 2013 several world-famous companies completely abandoned the further production of netbooks in favor of tablet PCs. Well, what will actually happen, time will tell.

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

The Taiwanese company MediaTek (MTK) has gained a reputation as a manufacturer of good processors for inexpensive smartphones. Most Chinese in budget price category equip it with chipsets. However, the company’s model range is much wider: it includes low-cost, mid-range and top-end solutions. The latter may not be a match for Apple chipsets, but they are also inexpensive. About what processors are available in the MediaTek model range, as of the beginning of 2017, see more below.

The same SoC model can be produced in several versions. As a rule, modifications with reduced frequencies (for better energy saving) receive the prefix M or P, and overclocked ones - T (Turbo).

Inexpensive MediaTek chipsets are represented by two lines, descending from different microarchitectures.

MT6580

MT6580 is MediaTek's cheapest processor, designed for smartphones under $100. It is produced using the 28 nm process technology. It consists of four 32-bit Cortex A7 cores at 1 or 1.3 GHz. The Mali 400 MP accelerator is responsible for graphics processing, with a frequency of 400 or 500 MHz and a theoretical performance of 7.2 or 9 GFLOPS (billions of computational operations per second).

Memory controller – LPDDR2/LPDDR3, up to 2 GB (a 32-bit system will no longer allow addressing). The chipset supports a camera up to 8 MP, a 1280x720 pixel screen, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and cellular GSM networks and HSPA.

MT6735(M/P)

MT6735 is a representative of the 64-bit MediaTek line. It is also produced according to 28 nm standards, but on a newer architecture. The chip contains 4 ARM Cortex A53 cores with a frequency of 1 (MT6735P/M) or 1.3 GHz. Graphics accelerator – Mali T720 MP2, frequency 400 (MT6735P), 500 (MT6735M) or 600 (MT6735) MHz, performance 13.6, 17 or 20.4 GFLOPS, respectively.

The chip supports LPDDR3 memory, frequency up to 640 MHz, capacity up to 3 GB. The ISP supports cameras up to 13 MP, screens 1280x720 pixels, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and current networks (except CDMA) up to LTE Cat 4.

MT6737(M/T)

MT6737 is an evolution of the previous chip, which MediaTek “demoted” and made it a rival to its own 6580. It was released in mid-2016. The chip is manufactured according to the same 28 nm standards and has the same 4 Cortex A53 cores. Clock frequency – 1.1 (MT6737M) or 1.3 GHz. GPU – Mali T720 MP2, overclocked to 550 or 600 (MT6737T) MHz. Its theoretical operating speed is up to 18.7 or 20.4 GFLOPS.

The memory controller can operate with one LPDDR2/LPDDR3 channel, frequency up to 640 or 733 MHz. The maximum resolution of the camera is 8 MP, video is 1080p, display is 1280x720 pixels. For communications, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and GSM/3g/LTE Cat 4 networks are supported.

MT6738(T)

MT6738 is a new budget processor from MediaTek, which should be a replacement for the 6735 model (6737 is more likely a replacement for the MT6580). Although it was announced in the fall of 2016, it is still produced using the 28 nm process technology. The chip contains 4 Cortex A53 cores with a frequency of 1.5 GHz. Handles 3D processing GPU Mali T860 MP2, with a frequency of 350 or 520 (6738T) MHz. Its performance is up to 23.8 or 35 GFLOPS, respectively.

MediaTek MT6738 supports up to 4GB random access memory LPDDR3 667. Cameras up to 13 MP, FullHD video recording and screens of 1280x720 pixels are supported. Networks include Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, GSM, 3G and LTE Cat 6.

MediaTek mid-range processors

Among the mid-level chipsets, there are no seriously obsolete models. Only 64-bit MediaTek processors with 8 cores remain relevant (that is, supplied to partners for installation in smartphones).

MT6753(T)

Despite the larger model number, the MT6753 was released almost a year before the MT6750. It is created using a 28 nm process technology and is equipped with 8 Cortex A53 cores. In the 6753T model they accelerate to 1.5, in regular version– up to 1.3 GHz. Graphics accelerator – Mali T720 MP3, 700 MHz, 35.7 GFLOPS.

The memory controller works with LPDDR3 chips up to 800 MHz, the RAM capacity can reach 3 GB. ISP supports cameras up to 16 MP with FullHD video recording, the screen can have a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The network module works with Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, supports GSM, HSPA and CDMA 3G, LTE Cat 4.

MT6750(T)

MT6750 is a mid-level processor introduced in the spring of 2016. It is produced using a 28 nm process technology and consists of 8 Cortex A53 cores. They are grouped into 2 blocks of 4 cores, the clock frequency of the first reaches 1.5, the second - 1 GHz. Graphics processing is handled by the Mali T860 MP2 GPU, 520 or 560 MHz. Its performance is 35.3 or 44.2 GFLOPS.

The memory controller in the processor supports up to 4 GB LPDDR3, frequency up to 833 or 933 MHz. MediaTek MT6750 is designed to install cameras up to 16 MP, supports video recording up to 1080p and works with HD and FullHD screens (model with T). A modem supporting Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, GSM, 3G (including CDMA) and LTE Cat 6 is responsible for communication.

MT6755(M) or Helio P10

MT6755 is a MediaTek processor that bears its own name. It was introduced at the end of 2015 and is produced using the 28 nm process technology. The processor contains 8 Cortex A53 cores with frequencies up to 1.2 GHz (economical cluster) and 2 GHz (productive cluster). Graphics chip – Mali T860 MP2 operating at 550 or 700 MHz with a performance of 37.4 or 47.6 GFLOPS.

The chip is equipped with a single-channel LPDDR3 933 memory controller (up to 4 GB capacity). It supports a camera up to 21 MP, FullHD video recording and a screen of the same resolution. Network capabilities include Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Wi-Fi 5 GHz (AC standard is not supported), GSM, 3G CDMA and HSPA, LTE Cat 6.

MT6755 Pro or Helio P15

MT6755 Pro is an overclocked modification of the MediaTek Helio P10. It differs from it in the frequency of the processor (up to 2.2 GHz) and graphics (800 MHz, 54 GFLOPS). Otherwise the processor is completely identical.

MT6757/Pro or Helio P20/P25

MT6755 Helio P20/25 is a mid-range processor from MediaTek, belonging to a more modern generation. It is produced according to the 16 nm process technology and has 8 Cortex A53 cores. Half of them operate at a frequency of 2.3 or 2.5 GHz (P20 and P25, respectively), the second half - 1.6 GHz. Graphics processing is handled by the Mali T880 MP2 accelerator, with a frequency of 900 or 1000 MHz and a performance of 61 or 68 GFLOPS, respectively.

The memory controller is dual-channel, supporting up to 6 GB LPDDR4 at 1600 MHz, plus there is one LPDDR3 933 MHz channel up to 3 GB. Cameras up to 24 MP, with 4K video recording, and FullHD screens are supported. Wi-Fi supports 2.4 and 5 GHz networks, also supported mobile operators GSM, HSPA, CDMA, LTE Cat 6.

MediaTek flagship processors

In the flagship class, MediaTek has one actively produced processor, the MT6797, revisions of which have received different names, but in essence they are the same chipset. The predecessor, Helio X10, was created using technologies patented by Ericsson, so to avoid legal disputes, its production was quickly discontinued.

All MT6797 are manufactured according to 20 nm process standards, have 10 cores, of which 2 high-performance ones are built on the Cortex A72 architecture, and another 8 are based on Cortex A53. They also have a separate Cortex M4 processor with separate power and low frequency, which is responsible for listening to MP3. Graphics processing is handled by the Mali T880 M4 GPU. Memory controller – dual-channel, LPDDR3 933, up to 4 GB. Network – Wi-Fi 2.4 and 5 GHz, GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE Cat 6. Innovation – technology fast charging PumpExpress 3.0.

Detailed characteristics of each chipset version are below.

MT6797 Helio X20

Helio X20 is basic version, presented at the end of 2015. Frequencies – 2.1 GHz for 2 powerful Cortex A72 cores, 1.85 GHz – for 4 universal Cortex A53 cores, 1.4 GHz – 4 more economical Cortex A53. Graphics frequency – 780 MHz, performance – 106 GFLOPS. Supports cameras up to 25 MP (dual ISP, support for 2 cameras), with 4K recording, and screens up to 2560x1600 pixels.

MT6797D Helio X23

The chip is being prepared for early 2017, and is a slight modification of the X20 model. Its Cortex A72 cores are overclocked to 2.3 GHz, the rest of the frequencies are the same as the X20. Added support for cameras up to 32 MP (or 2 x 13 MP).

MT6797T Helio X25

The chipset was released in the spring of 2016, its cores were overclocked to 2.5/2/1.55 ​​GHz, graphics – 850 MHz or 115.6 GFLOPS.

MT6797X Helio X27

The processor is being prepared for the 1st quarter of 2017, and is also a slightly overclocked and optimized version of its predecessor. Core frequencies – 2.6/2/1.6 GHz, graphics – 875 MHz or 120 GFLOPS. Added support for cameras up to 32 MP or 2 x 13 MP.

MT6799(T) Helio X30 (X35)

An evolutionary step of MediaTek processors towards the transition to the 10 nm process technology. Prepared for the 1st quarter of 2017, mass sales of smartphones on it should not be expected before spring. It has 10 cores, of which 2 are the fastest - Cortex A73, 4 more universal - Cortex A53, and 4 energy efficient - Cortex A35. Clock frequencies MediaTek Helio X30 – 2.8/2.2/2 GHz, Helio X35 – 3/2.22 GHz. GPU – PowerVR 7400 XT, 820 MHz, 210 GFLOPS.

The MediaTek Helio X30/35 memory controller supports up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 1866 MHz memory in dual-channel mode. There is also support for universal solid-state (flash) memory UFS 2.1. Camera resolution is up to 28 MP, uses dual ISP Imagiq, supports 4K recording. The maximum display resolution is 2560x1600 pixels. Built-in support Wi-Fi networks 2.5 GHz, as well as all current cellular networks up to LTE Cat 10.

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A real race has broken out between manufacturers in the smartphone market. In 2018, the reality is that sales mobile devices significantly ahead of laptops. In this regard, it would be logical to analyze the best processors for smartphones.

But first, let's clarify, because saying “processor” in the case of smartphones is not entirely correct. Phones and tablets are currently based on SoC (System-on-a-Chip) system. It is a crystal, which includes various modules: computing unit, graphics core, communication components (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), RAM and much more.

You won’t be able to go and buy a new processor for your smartphone, if only because they are not on sale. It is also worth considering that the same SoC can work differently on different smartphones, so we were based on test results from popular Western sources and benchmark tests and prepared the top 10 best processors in terms of performance at the end of 2018.

Top 10 best processors for smartphones

Note! All prices are indicated for smartphone models equipped with the processors listed below.

10 Helio X30

Deca-core processor
Country: China
Average price: 17,240 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.3

The first ten-core mobile system became one of the most powerful in 2017. X30 ranks 10th in performance among best processors for 2018. This was facilitated by a new technical process measuring 10 nanometers. Compared to the previous generation, the “stone” has become 35% more productive and 50% more energy efficient. There are three clusters on the board. The first one has two cores Cortex-A73 with a frequency of up to 2.5 GHz. The second consists of four Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of up to 2.2 GHz, and the youngest has four Cortex-A35 cores with a rate of 1.9 GHz. The GPU is PowerVR 7XTP-MP4 with a frequency of 800 MHz. The solution is capable of decoding 10-bit 4K2K video with HDR10 support.

A peculiar novelty was the introduction new technology control of processor cores called CorePilot 4.0. It can save up to 25% more energy than version 3.0. Intelligent system task scheduling together with the UX Monitoring system and SystemPowerAllocator (SPA) power management helps the architecture perform well in resource-intensive tasks.

9 Snapdragon 710

Budget processor from Qualcomm
Country: China
Average price: RUB 27,766.
Rating (2019): 4.4

The 710 model is an intermediate link between the top 800 series and more budget models. It combines flagship capabilities in the field of photography, video shooting and provides a good artificial intelligence at the best price. In addition, autonomy has increased due to improved production technology.

This stone is the heir to the best mid-budget mobile Snapdragon processor 660, released in 2016. The system has eight Kryo 360 cores on the chip, based on architecture from ARM. Four cores with the index A-75 operate at a frequency of 2.2 GHz, another four - A-55 produce a frequency of 1.7 GHz. In fact, there are cores from Snapdragon 845 here, but they have lower frequencies in accordance with their category. The Adreno 616 is responsible for graphics output, and is supported by the Spectra 250 image processor, which supports dual 20-megapixel cameras.

8 Kirin 970

Technological breakthrough from Huawei
Country: China
Average price: RUB 27,990.
Rating (2019): 4.4

Single-chip system Kirin 970 was a real revelation from Huawei. A separate neuromorphic processor with its own single-chip system is designed to solve the highest-intensity tasks in neural networks, for computer vision and pattern recognition systems. The processor NPU provides up to 25 times faster performance than similar systems and 50 times better energy efficiency. Thus, performance increases and heat dissipation decreases. In addition, Huawei was given access to the internal filling of the NPU unit, which will allow developers third party applications optimize your products for this hardware.

Additionally, it is worth highlighting the presence of a dual signal processor, which allows for motion capture and face detection. These functions include four-level hybrid autofocus and improved shooting of moving objects in low light.

7 SNAPDRAGON 835

People's favorite
Country: China
Average price: RUB 30,790.
Rating (2019): 4.6

This processor is installed on notorious mobile smartphones Samsung Galaxy S8 and OnePlus 5. But unlike Exynos, this model can be easily found on a large number of other Android smartphones, many of which are more affordable than the Korean one.

In terms of performance, there are 8 cores (4 cores operating at 2.45 GHz and 4 cores at 1.9 GHz) and a good graphics accelerator - Adreno 540. Performance in synthetic tests is comparable to Exynos, the difference is about 7%, however, in everyday use you are unlikely to notice this difference.

Advantages:

• Excellent performance
• Widespread on sale
• Low cost

6 Exynos 8895

Power at an affordable price
Country: Vietnam
Average price: RUB 35,489.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Basis for flagship smartphones, technological know-how from Samsung - this is how this processor can be characterized. Its frequency can reach 3 GHz, and the model itself will be the first in model range Samsung, made using a 10 nanometer process technology. 8 cores will be responsible for performance, working effectively in both single-core and multi-core modes.

Power consumption is extremely low and is only 5 W. It also has the ability to record 4K video at 120fps, which is four times faster than its competitor - the Snapdragon 835 is limited to 4K video at 30fps. One of the disadvantages is the performance limitation due to support for DirectX 11. Despite this, the stone supports Vulkan 1.0. Data transfer is also limited to dual-band 802.11 Wi-Fi. Thus, smartphones with this mobile processor will be an excellent option for video recording enthusiasts.

5 Snapdragon 845

Powerful and most common processor
Country: China
Average price: RUB 21,490.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This processor uses universal computing cores of its own production, and not the reference one from ARM. New process technology with index 10 nm LPP FinFET , allows for greater performance gains compared to 10 nm LPE FinFET. The best combination of mass production, performance and cost made the processor the most popular among manufacturers.

It inherited the same eight-core architecture from the 835 model. The configuration here consists of 4 energy-efficient cores with a frequency of up to 1.8 GHz for performing light tasks and 4 high-performance powerful cores with a frequency of up to 2.8 GHz, which is higher than the previous generation. In the synthetic Antutu test, it scored 270,461 points, which is higher than 835. The Adreno 630 mobile video accelerator is one of the most powerful on the market and performs well when working with graphics, providing high-quality images to the smartphone user.

4 Kirin 980

7 nm process technology
Country: China
Average price: 76,990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Kirin 980 is ahead of its time thanks to the best technical innovations, including:

• An innovative approach to creating the core processor architecture and the latest mobile chipset with a 7 nm process technology;
• Use of Cortex-A76 core in the architecture;
• Two neural network modules in the chip;
• Graphics Mali-G76;
• Built-in Cat.21 modem with data transfer speeds up to 1.4 Gbps;
• Supports LPDDR4X RAM with a frequency of 2133 MHz.

Thanks to the transition to a 7-Pnm process technology, productivity has increased by 20% and energy savings by 40%. At the same time, the density of transistors increased by 1.6 times. There are about 7 billion of them in total. This also had a positive effect on the performance per core, which increased productivity by 75%. Thus, the component’s power is enough to outperform even one of the best and most powerful processors today, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, in synthetic tests like GeekBench.

3 Exynos 9810

The best processor from Samsung
Country: Vietnam
Average price: RUB 51,490.
Rating (2019): 4.8

New processor from Samsung displays the degree of interaction between the owner and his device on new level. Advanced technologies make it possible to identify objects or people for quick search or image classification. There is also the ability to scan facial contours to unlock your smartphone. As for the structure, the processor itself belongs to the 3rd and latest generation in the line. It is characterized by extensive data processing capabilities and optimized cache memory. Eight cores are divided into “user” for normal tasks and “resource-intensive” for “heavy” processes.

Thus, the processor performs excellently in all tests, demonstrating excellent computing capabilities and smooth operation while running many processes with minimal power consumption. In addition, data transmission channels ( 1.2 Gbit/s and 200 Mbit/s respectively) provide comfortable data transmission of any format without loss of quality.

2 A11 Bionic

One of the most powerful chipsets in the world
Country: USA
Average price: RUB 51,990.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The fifth generation processor has become 25% more powerful than the A10 version. It is manufactured using a 10 nm process technology, which, together with special technology, has made it possible to increase energy efficiency by 70%. The performance improvement can be attributed to the processor cores called Monsun and Mistral. This chipset has two additional cores and is capable of asymmetric multiprocessing. This means that it can use all six cores simultaneously.

The processor is equipped with a new ASP, which helps with the new portrait mode. Dual-parallel cores can process up to 600 billion operations per second and create effects even on video. Delightful Animoji are made possible thanks to a powerful neural engine. Despite the excellent performance, this processor can only be found in smartphones from Apple, which is a significant disadvantage.

1 A12 Bionic

The best processor from Apple
Country: USA
Average price: 91,900 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

Version A12 is considered the best and most powerful processor in the world. When examining it, one immediately notices the balanced use of the lithographic plate area without imbalance to one or another component. Two large performance cores operate at a frequency just below 2.5 GHz. Nearby is a monstrously large 8 MB cache, divided into 4 clusters grouped into two blocks. The most noticeable change was the increase in the level 1 cache from 64+64 to 128+128. 4 energy-efficient tempest cores also have a level 2 cache in two blocks, approximately one megabyte each. The system cache remained in its place and is still located outside the CPU. High-performance cores in the new iteration have become 15% more powerful, and energy efficiency has increased to 50%.

The processor has a graphics accelerator with a neural processing unit. It consists of 6 cores in a 2+4 configuration and performs up to 5 trillion operations per second, which is 9 times faster than the previous generation. This “stone” can be found in the latest models of IPhoneXS/XR smartphones; in addition, a version of the chip with the 12X index is used in the iPad PRO.

A system on a chip, or SoC, is a highly integrated chip with execution units. It houses: processor cores, graphics cores, a multimedia unit, photo-video, audio and more. Now almost any self-respecting company uses an ARM license and independently assembles an SoC to suit its requirements.

Qualcomm has remained a recognized champion in development for several years, although it uses standard core configurations with ARM architecture. It modifies them, combines them, adds a graphics core of its own design and produces a wide range of SoCs.

For simple smartphones.

Qualcomm does not make mobile phones and does not have its own chip factories. In fact, it is not much different from ARM Limited, except for a few “buts”. A staff of engineers independently develops communication modules, multimedia blocks, etc. Next, the finished SoCs are transferred to partners for production. They could be TSMC or Samsung.

The low-end SoC series includes 4-8 nuclear processors with frequencies from 1.4 to 1.8 GHz. Built-in Adreno 3/5 graphics and support for LPDDR3 memory.

Name	Number of cores	Frequency	Core type	Architecture	Memory	GPU
Snapdragon 450	8	1.8 GHz	A53	ARMv8-A	LPDDR3 1 channel 933 MHz	Adreno 506
Snapdragon 435	8	1.4 GHz	A53	ARMv8-A	LPDDR3 1 channel 800 MHz	Adreno 505
Snapdragon 427	4	1.4 GHz	A53	ARMv8-A	LPDDR3 1 channel 667 MHz	Adreno 308

ARM is the king of mobile processors

If you thought the name ARM was the manufacturer of all mobile processors, then you are wrong. This is a small company (ARM Limited) that develops the design and logic of the cores, and does not even produce them themselves, but only sells licenses for use. She does this so well that her services are used by the giants of the IT industry (Apple, AMD, Intel, Samsung and others). It was Apple that required a powerful and economical processor for its Newton PDA product, which served as a catalyst for the development of relations between the companies. No, of course, ARM Limited imagined how they would conquer the markets with their invention, but until the end of the 80s, their innovations were overshadowed by x86 processors. In addition, the collapse of several large companies using the RISC architecture (the basis of ARM) only added drama to subsequent events.

The real absorption of all markets came at the moment Iphone release 2G with it Samsung processor S3C6400 ARM. And subsequent imitators of Apple's success only strengthened ARM's position. Now, the total number of SoCs using the ARM architecture exceeds the number of x86 processors sold in 5-7 years. In other words, ARM development is 2-3 times faster than that of PC processors. There are many explanations for this: x86 processors have long hit the frequency limit and minimum technical standards. process. For the next evolutionary step and because of a different architecture, they will require complex lithographic circuits, and ARM is good because it is easily scalable and has a finite length of executable instructions.

For mid-priced mobile phones

The 6xx series, which consists exclusively of 8-core processors, has become not very popular SoCs. The reason for this was high prices for microcircuits. It’s easier for smartphone manufacturers to pay extra and buy more advanced 8xx series SoCs, which are the pinnacle of the evolution of mobile processors from Qualcomm.

Name	Number of cores	Frequency	Core type	Architecture	Memory	GPU
Snapdragon 660	4+4	2.2+1.84 GHz	A53C+A53C	ARMv8-A	LPDDR4 2 channels 1866 MHz	Adreno 512
Snapdragon 636	4+4	1.8 GHz	A53C+A53C	ARMv8-A	LPDDR4 2 channels 1333 MHz	Adreno 509
Snapdragon 630	4+4	2.2+1.8 GHz	A53+A53	ARMv8-A	LPDDR4 2 channels 1333 MHz	Adreno 508
Snapdragon 653	4+4	1.95+1.44 GHz	A72+A53	ARMv8-A	LPDDR3 2 channels 933 MHz	Adreno 510
Snapdragon 626	8	2.2 GHz	A53	ARMv8-A	LPDDR3 1 channel 933 MHz	Adreno 506
Snapdragon 625	8	2.0 GHz	A53	ARMv8-A	LPDDR3 1 channel 933 MHz	Adreno 506

For the most expensive smartphones

If you are looking for and choosing a smartphone for yourself, then you can safely take the older SoC 810 or 820(1). At the same time, we should not forget that they had one small problem - they got pretty hot under load and quickly went into energy saving mode. Otherwise, the 8xx performance level has always remained unattainable for competitors. Although we are partly disingenuous, because Apple has been able to compete with Qualcomm on equal terms for many years, but this is a topic for another discussion.

Qualcomm SoC performance

Name	Geekbench 4	GFXBench (Manhattan)
Snapdragon 845	8100	4120
Snapdragon 835	6350	3100
Snapdragon 660	5500	1400
Snapdragon 653	4200	1021
Snapdragon 636	4100	900
Snapdragon 630	4090	850
Snapdragon 626	4350	622
Snapdragon 625	4100	612
Snapdragon 450	3850	585
Snapdragon 435	1950	442
Snapdragon 427	1828	173

The recently announced Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC will be replaced by the Snapdragon 855. The 845 chip has yet to make it into the top mobile phones, and the 855 is already in a hurry to replace it, about which we know very little. Presumably Qualcomm will change its contract manufacturing plant from Samsung to TSMC. For the manufacture of SoCs, 7 nm technology and possibly a different type of transistors are being introduced, the essence of which is to increase the level of energy efficiency and improve the performance per watt. The new Snapdragon X24 modem will increase data transfer speeds in LTE networks up to 2 Gbit/s. Today's modem results in the Snapdragon 845 are only 1.2 Gbps. And for now this is all the data shared by insiders.

The number of companies joining the development of mobile platforms is growing. Therefore, now you can find a variety of configurations, with different characteristics. Each developer makes his own changes, invents layout structures and cores, and the variety of mobile processors is very large.

By number of cores and processor frequency

The core is the main computing unit of the processor. It is the kernel that determines performance and . Manufacturers mobile systems they can produce their own cores on-chip or borrow them from other developers. Depending on the application of the embedded system, the number of cores can be from 1 to 8. Although systems with 16 cores are not uncommon.

The frequencies, despite the fact that these are mobile systems, are quite catching up with their older brothers. And the processor frequency in the smartphone affects the same as in regular computer- for productivity. Frequencies can reach 3 GHz. However, it is worth remembering that this is a slightly different architecture and set of instructions, and they will perform operations in a different number of clock cycles. Also, frequency values ​​usually do not apply to the entire system-on-chip. Usually 4 + 4 or 2 + 2 clusters are formed: a high-performance cluster with 4 or 2 cores and the same, but energy efficient. For heavy tasks and games, cores with more high frequencies, and for the undemanding and background processes- weaker and more economical. Based on this, you can determine which processor frequency is best for each specific smartphone.

By architecture and technological process

The tone in the architecture of mobile processors has long been set by ARM - Advanced RISC Machines. It does not produce or sell its own processors. She develops concepts and structures for how components should be laid out on cores. That is, it forms an architecture, which it then sells under license to other companies, which, in turn, create systems on a chip based on them. In fact, all commercially available processors today have ARM architecture in one way or another or use their instruction set.

Regarding the term " technological process", then it now refers to the resolution of the equipment. In other words, this is the ability to place elements at the closest possible distances between them. The smaller the process technology, the greater the number of electronic components that can be placed on a chip. And this leads to an increase in productivity with the same area. The technology has made huge strides in the past few years. If in 2000 the 130 nm technology was in use, then the latest one in use today is 10 nm. This is a big leap forward. Besides, 10 nm is not the limit. In 2018, several companies announced the start of development of 7 nm processors. Their mass production will most likely be implemented in 2019.

By video processor

Since a system on a chip is practically a miniature computer, it is natural that a graphics processor is located on it. It performs the same function as the graphics card in a PC: displaying images on the screen. To a large extent, all GPU performance is required in mobile games.

In addition to processor cores, ARM also develops and licenses Mali graphics subsystems. Many companies often use them in their SoCs. For example, Samsung and HiSilicon. Qualcomm usually uses Adreno GPUs. Apple uses either its own GPUs or PowerVR.

Top mobile processors by manufacturer

It’s worth taking a closer look at each manufacturer and its most interesting processors.

Qualcomm

Qualcomm is an American company that began its journey with the production of communication systems. Later, since 2005, the company licensed the Cortex-A8 processor core from ARM and created its own processor based on it. Qualcomm is currently actively developing processors based on ARM cores. The manufacturer is especially known for its series of systems on chips called Snapdragon.

The latest top-end processor from the company is the Snapdragon 845 SDM845. It is produced using 10 nm technology. Inside there are two clusters of 4 cores. The first consists of high-performance Kryo 385 Gold with a frequency of up to 2.8 GHz. The second includes economical cores with 1.8 GHz. The graphics subsystem is represented by Adreno 630. It supports the latest trends in graphics - Open GL ES 3.2, OpenCL 2.0, DirectX 12, as well as Vulcan. They work on this SoC Asus ZenFone 5Z, Samsung Galaxy S9 Duos, Xiaomi Black Shark and Sony Xperia XZ2.

Mediatek

A Taiwanese company that became especially popular in 2009-2010 with the release of the MT6516, MT6573 and MT6513 processors. Mediatek is developing several lines of processors:

• MT65xx. Simple 32-bit solutions aimed at smartphones;
• MT67xx. 64-bit systems for smartphones;
• Helio P. Budget solutions for smartphones;
• Helio X. A series of powerful processors for smartphones;
• MT8xxx. Processors for tablets.

The most powerful of all Mediatek processors Today it is considered Helio X30. This is a 10-core system on a chip, assembled using a 10 nm process technology. Core structure: 2 high-performance 2.5 GHz Cortex-A73, 4 medium ones with 2.2 GHz Cortex-A 53 and 4 exactly the same with a frequency of 1.9 GHz. The video adapter used is not the most productive PowerVR 7XTP to date. Of all the newfangled trends, it supports OpenGL ES 3.2.

Apple

Apple initially manufactured its processors based on the exact ARM architecture. Then she switched to her own developments, using solutions from ARM as a base. The company's latest development is the Apple A12. He is present on those released in September 2018 iPhone of the year XS, XS-Max and XR also take leading positions in mobile processor tests. Total number of cores central processor- 6.2 are used for “heavy” tasks and can operate at a frequency of 2.49 GHz. The remaining 4 cores are designed to ensure energy-efficient operation of everyday tasks. The graphics system has 4 cores.

Intel Mobile Processors

It has its own powerful base for the development of processors. However, for some reason, implementing your own mobile solutions They became systems on a chip much later than other market players. Accordingly, fewer devices run on Intel mobile chips. The latest, most popular processor for tablets was released in 2016 - Intel Atom X5-Z8550. The manufacturing process is 14 nm, supports 64-bit architecture, carries 4 cores at 2.4 GHz. Also on board is Intel HD Graphics 400 with 12 cores and support for DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 4.3, OpenGL ES 3.0, OpenCL 1.2. The only tablet spotted with this chip is the Panasonic ToughPad FZ-A2 MK1 Wi-Fi.

But in the segment of laptop processors it will beat almost anyone. There are solutions for every taste and color. From the simplest for the Internet and Word, to the most top-end for gaming modern AAA games.

Nvidia

Nvidia is known around the world for its graphics adapters. But perhaps not everyone knows that it also produces systems on a chip. The latest known development is Tegra X1, released in 2015. It was built on 8 ARM cores, with two clusters of 4 each. The graphics on board are represented by our own development on the Maxwell architecture. It supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, Nvidia CUDA and Vulkan. There are only a few devices available on this chip. The first TV set-top box was released from Nvidia Shield Console itself, then this solution was used in the Pixel C tablet from Google. The latest device to appear with this SoC is the Nintendo Switch console.

Which processor is better: Mediatek or Qualcomm

As always, you can determine which of the two mobile processors is better based on the range of tasks required to be solved. In recent years, Qualcomm has been positioning its creations as top solutions for mobile systems. Synthetic test measurements show that the processors and graphics subsystem of the latest Snapdragons produce excellent results. This is relevant for those devices on which the user actively uses the full power of the system: plays demanding games, watches videos in high quality, and also uses resource-intensive applications.

But what happens when you only need average performance for simple to average tasks? Powerful processors Although they have energy-efficient cores in the set, they will still be a very unjustified purchase for a person who simply does not realize the full power of the system on a chip. And this is where Mediatek opens its arms. Its set of chips is very wide and is aimed not only at top and middle segment, but also for very modest and budget devices. Naturally, energy-efficient solutions are an order of magnitude cheaper than productive assemblies. A comparison of the performance of mobile processors shows that in fact there is no big difference in the budget versions of the systems. Therefore, if you regularly need performance and synchronization between the processor and video core, it is better to choose Qualcomm. And if you need a simple solution for everyday tasks, then there is a huge selection of more economical solutions from Mediatek. This simple conclusion can be used when you are at a crossroads about which processor to choose: Qualcomm or Mediatek.

Rating of mobile processors for laptops

Intel Core i7-8750H

The most expensive solution and at the same time the most productive. The average cost of a processor is 25,000 rubles. It was first presented to the consumer in the second quarter of 2018, the technological process is 14 nm. There are 6 cores, each with two threads. The base frequency is 2.2 GHz, and at Turbo Boost- 4.1 GHz. The internal graphics core is represented by Intel UHD Graphics 630, capable of displaying video at a speed of 30 frames/s at a resolution of 4096 × 2304. An ideal solution for gamers, however, it is very expensive.

Intel Core i5-8250U

The prefix U in the designation tells us that this processor is designed for everyday tasks. Although you can also play on it if the laptop is well assembled. The processor was introduced at the end of 2017. The technical process is 14 nm, in fact, like many representatives of the 8th generation. Recommended cost - 18,000 rubles. There are 4 cores in 8 threads. The base frequency is 1.6 GHz, and with Turbo Boost - 3.4 GHz. The graphics here are Intel UHD Graphics 620 with 4K support. Perfect solution for mid-level use systems - rare games, working with documents, development and the like.

AMD Ryzen 5 2500U

You can't ignore products from AMD. This processor is approximately equal in performance to the i5-8250U. The difference between them in synthetic tests does not exceed 5%. There are 4 computing cores in the processor, they work in 8 threads. The maximum operating frequency is 3.6 GHz. 3 cache levels are implemented: 1 - 384 KB, 2 - 2 MB and 3 - 4 MB. The system also runs Radeon Vega 8 graphics with 8 GPU cores. A good option for a budget build without a significant loss in performance.

Comparison of laptop processors

We have selected 3 interesting processors, which we will compare in different tasks. Not only top models are involved here, but also simpler and budget-friendly ones for work and the Internet.

It's worth going over basic performance first. Next, you can look at the results of synthetic tests.

As you can see, the i7 representative remains in the lead. Next behind it, almost neck and neck, are i5 and Ryzen 5. At the end - more budget solutions. But such a comparison will not give us the full picture. Therefore, we will also compare their integrated graphics.

Suddenly, the graphics of the fifth Ryzen are significantly ahead. That is, given the processor’s own performance, its graphics subsystem gives good overall performance out of the box and without adding discrete cards.

Well, now it remains to look at the lowest prices for laptops in which these processors are installed.

The i7-8750H processor can be found in Asus laptop ROG GL503GE for 92,000 rubles. True, with all the available characteristics, it also has discrete graphics GeForce GTX 1050 Ti on board.

The i5-8250U processor is built into a laptop for 36,000 rubles - Lenovo IdeaPad 330-15IKBR. Here we get a more complete picture of the price, since discrete graphics are missing.

The most inexpensive option with i3-8130U installed in Acer Aspire 3 for 25,500 rubles. The only graphics here are built-in. And there are no special frills in the laptop, so the system is the cleanest for comparison.

Ryzen 5 is found in the laptop model from HP - 15-db0344ur. There is only one graphics core here. But 8 GB of RAM is installed and Windows 10 is preinstalled. The laptop costs 35,000 rubles.

Ryzen 3 can be found in the Acer Aspire 3 in the A315-41G-R4FD modification. This laptop costs 26,500 rubles.

The cheapest option with E2 9000 is in the HP 15-rb017ur model. You can buy a laptop for 17,000 rubles.

Thus, it turns out that the best option that will suit most users is with Ryzen 5. It does not require a discrete card with powerful graphics and will solve most of both ordinary work tasks and problems with more or less modern games.

The best processors for smartphones and tablets

Among more mobile systems - smartphones and tablets - there are also leaders and outsiders. We have selected the most productive solutions for comparison and analysis.

Apple A11 Bionic

The leading position in synthetic tests is occupied by the assembly from Apple. This system-on-chip is present in all versions of the iPhone 8 and iPhoneX. The structure of the cores consists of two clusters 2 + 4. Two high-performance and 4 energy-efficient. The maximum available frequency is 2390 MHz. The built-in graphics core is also of its own design - Apple A11 GPU. Decoding capabilities are 2160p at 60 fps.

Apple A10X Fusion

Another product from Apple, only aimed at iPad Pro. In fact, it occupies a leading position in the ranking of tablet processors. Here the cores are divided in a 3 + 3 format: 3 maximum productive ones and 3 maximum energy saving ones. The frequency is 2380 MHz. The graphics have 12 cores and are noticeably superior to its successor - A11 - in test results.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 845

As we already wrote about this processor, it is a modified ARM Cortex-A57 and Cortex-A55 cores in 4 + 4 format. The maximum frequency is 2800 MHz. Graphics core - Adreno 630.

Samsung Exynos 9 Octa 9810

SoC is divided into two clusters of 4 cores. One contains nuclei from Samsung series Mongoose 3 with ARMv8 instruction set, another with ARM Cortex-A55 implementation. The frequency is 2900 MHz. Samsung uses Mali-G72 graphics in this system. It has 18 processing cores, support for OpenGL 3.2 and the ability to decode 2160p video at 120 frames/s.

Comparison of smartphone and tablet processors

You can more fully examine the performance of mobile device processors in a direct test on the devices. We will take ready-made statistics for comparing phone and tablet processors from the Geekbench test service.

As can be seen from the table, the top processors for smartphones in single-core load mode are Exynos from Samsung. But the situation changes a little when the test is carried out for multi-core. In this smartphone processor performance chart, Snapdragon ranks first.

Apple processors score around 4200 for the A11 and 3900 for the A10X in single-core testing.

Although all processors are either built in the image and likeness of ARM cores or have their instructions, it is objectively impossible to determine which processor is better for a phone - Android or iOS. The quality of code optimization and structure itself operating system does not allow us to accurately establish points of contact by which the two types of tests could be compared.

Summary table of the 2018 mobile processors rating by performance

We have divided the comparison into two parts. The first is a table with the rating of mobile processors for smartphones in 2018, and the second is for laptops.

Processors for tablets and smartphones
Name	Number of Cores	Frequency, MHz	Graphics core
Apple A11 Bionic	6	2390	Apple A11 GPU
Apple A10X Fusion	6	2380	Apple A10X GPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845	8	2800	Adreno 630
Exynos 9 Octa 9810	8	2900	Mali-G72
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835	8	2450	Adreno 540
HiSilicon Honor Kirin970	8	2360	Mali-G72
Exynos 9 Octa 8895M	8	2290	Mali-G71
MediaTek Helio X30	10	2500	PowerVR 7XTP

Laptop processors
Name	Number of Cores	Frequency, MHz	Graphics core
Intel Core i7-8750H	6	Up to 4100	UHD Graphics 630
Intel Core i5-8250U	4	Up to 3400	UHD Graphics 620
Intel Core i3-8130U	2	Up to 3400	UHD Graphics 620
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U	4	3600	Radeon Vega 8
AMD Ryzen 3 2200U	2	3400	Radeon Vega 2
AMD E2-9000	2	2200	Radeon R2 Series