Nearly everyone has a smartphone, which is becoming crucial for day-to-day living. However, only some individuals are aware of the secret behind their phone’s perfect functioning. Let us discuss the central component of a smartphone, the CPU, also referred to as the System on Chip (SoC). It manages every action we do on our phone, much like the brain of a phone.
Consider your phone as a collection of interconnected components, consisting of hardware (the actual components) and software (the applications and programs). The CPU is the most essential piece of hardware since it determines how quickly your phone can perform tasks.
Thus, we will explore the types of smartphone processors in this article and discuss the leading manufacturers of these devices.
What is a SmartPhone Processor (SoC)?
In computers or laptops, we’re using the CPU (Central Processing Unit) which consists of a chip or Processor, but in mobile phones, we’re using GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is an octa core-based Processor or chipset.
Some Processors come with dual-core, quad-core, and Hexacore also, but the manufacturing companies majorly use the octa core-based Processors which suggests they’re advanced & potent chips.
Octa-core means 8 cores or chips or CPU and therefore the manufacturer sets the clock speed of every core to the requirements of mobile manufacturing companies. And therefore the speed of the mobile depends on the clock speeds of those 8 cores, manufacturers use some powerful cores and a few low-powered cores.
This SoC or Processor consists of billions of transistors within the size of nanometres, we saw 14nm, 10nm, 7nm, and 5nm, 3nm are under manufacturing, and we may even see 5nm within the coming years.
Present 7nm mobile Processors are used in the flagship mobiles. One nanometre means 10^-9 or one part during a billion or one-billionth part, which suggests a very small size of transistors are utilized in these chips. and every one of these SoCs came with 64-bit CPUs.
Not just one or two companies are manufacturing these mobile Processors or SoCs but numerous companies are manufacturing these Processors, some major smartphone companies or brands are also on this list. we had a complete article on the system on chip in smartphones, you can also check out the article.
Components Present in SoC
You are effectively looking inside the brain of your smartphone when you examine the system-on-a-chip (SoC). Everything is managed by this chip, including turning off the device by just tapping the power button and running the Android operating system. It also links to your phone’s other vital components, like the memory, screen, camera, and more.
The main parts of a smartphone’s System on a Chip (SoC) are as follows:
- The SoC’s central processing unit, or CPU, is comparable to its brain. The majority of your daily apps and the Android operating system are operated on it.
- The graphics processing unit (GPU) is responsible for managing all graphics-related operations, including 2D and 3D app and game display.
- A phone’s camera captures data that is converted into viewable and shareable picture and video files by its Image Processing Unit (ISP).
- Sensor data analysis, such as that from a gyroscope, and music file processing are examples of tasks that the digital signal processor (DSP) can handle with greater ease than the central processing unit (CPU).
- A component of high-end smartphones, the neural processing unit (NPU) expedites artificial intelligence (AI) operations such as speech recognition and object recognition in images.
- Videos may be comfortably viewed on your phone with the help of an efficient video encoder/decoder, which translates video files between different formats.
- Modems: These parts convert wireless signals (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE, and 5G) into data that your phone can comprehend and utilize to establish connections with other devices and the internet.
Combining all of these parts onto a single chip increases the power and efficiency of your smartphone while saving money, space, and energy.
There are mainly 7 types of mobile Processor Companies, which are given below.
List of Mobile Processor Manufacturing Companies:
Sl No. | Processor Name | Phone | Smartphones |
1 | Apple Bionic SoC | iPhone 15 Pro Max | LINK |
2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | LINK |
3 | MediaTek Dimensity SoC | Vivo X100 | LINK |
4 | Samsung Exynos SoC | Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus | LINK |
5 | Google Tensor SoC | Google Pixel 8 Pro | LINK |
6 | HiSilicon Kirin SoC | Huawei P30 Pro | LINK |
7 | UNISOC SoC | Nubia Neo 5G | LINK |
Mainly there are two types of operating systems present in the present smartphones, they are iOS & Android. The processors or chipsets for these two operating systems are different from each other.
Apple Bionic SoC
Apple has been talking about its multicore system-on-a-chip (SoC), which debuted with the A11 processor in the iPhone 8, as the “Apple A-series Bionic chip.” This chip is praised for its amazing effectiveness and performance. It has two high-performance cores together with four high-efficiency cores.
The A-series Bionic chip’s architecture enables optimal battery life. To save battery life, the gadget usually runs on energy-efficient cores for routine operations. However, the extremely fast cores are activated to provide the required performance while preserving energy efficiency when tasks needing additional processing power, such as playing videos, are started.
To put it simply, the Apple A-series Bionic processor strikes a balance between efficiency and power, guaranteeing peak performance when required without sacrificing battery life.
History:
A major step was taken by Apple in 2008 when it acquired P.A. Semi, a semiconductor design business. Before this, Apple’s CPUs were sourced from other businesses like Samsung and Intel.
However, Apple now has more control over its goods due to this acquisition, as they can now produce their processors. This made it possible for Apple to develop and personalize its hardware, which improved the functionality and performance of its products.
Market Scenario:
Apple held a 28% sales share in the AP SoC market during the third quarter of 2022, dominating the industry. Due to the introduction of the new iPhone 14 Pro series, which features the strong A16 Bionic processor, their smartphone income climbed by 4% during this period.
Various processor Models:
- SoC architectures that combine GPU and CPU functionality are introduced.
- Variants such as APL0098, APL0278, APL0298, and APL2298 are early versions.
- Introduction of the Apple A series, with GPUs and processors based on ARM.
- Change over the manufacture from Samsung to TSMC.
- A4 to A17 Pro series development.
- In 2020, Intel CPUs will be replaced by the M series for Macs.
- M1 to M3 Max are included in the M series range.
- Motion coprocessor development, R, S, T, W, H, and U series respectively.
Latest Processor- Apple A17 Pro SoC
- The Apple A17 Pro SoC powers the iPhone 15 Pro (2023).
- Has six cores, including four energy-efficient (2.11 GHz) and two powerful (3.78 GHz) cores.
- Bigger design and improved performance (10%–15% greater than A16).
- GPUs can do ray tracing and mesh shading.
- Adds device decoding support for AV1 video and USB 3.2 Gen 2.
- 16-core neural engine with double the speed of the previous one.
- Manufactured by TSMC with 19B transistors and 3nm technology.
- Key features include a 16-core neural engine, USB 3.2 Gen 2, AV1 decoding, and a secure enclave.
- GPU recognized as Apple A17 Pro, guaranteeing 64-bit ARM functionality.
Recommended Model:
Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC
Due to the widespread usage of its Snapdragon processors in Android devices, Qualcomm is a leader in the mobile processing industry. With their strong CPUs and GPUs, these chips provide excellent gaming and overall performance.
Snapdragon mobile systems provide amazing visuals together with quick, clever, and secure performance. Global connection, excellent camera features, and immersive AR/VR experiences are supported.
History:
The first Snapdragon processor was unveiled in November of 2006. It was given its name because “Snap and Dragon seemed fast and fierce.” Snapdragon processors were included in the products of fifteen device companies by 2007.
Snapdragon processors have grown a lot in popularity since then, particularly in Android devices. Including Wi-Fi and mobile charging items, they are available in many families, such as 8, 7, 6, 4, and 2, to accommodate a range of performance levels from high-end to low-end.
Market Scenario:
Qualcomm’s revenue decreased to about $35.8 billion in the financial year 2023 from $44.2 billion in 2022. Lower revenues in the areas of equipment, services, and licensing are the reasons for this reduction. Still, the licensing business was able to bring in close to $6 billion in revenue in 2023.
Various processor Models:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon chips are found in tablets and smartphones.
- S1, S2, S3, S4, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and other series.
- Different models in each series have unique specifications.
- APQ8055, MSM8260, MSM8660, MSM8225, MSM8227, MSM8960, QSD8250, MSM7230, MSM7630, and many more models are included in this list.
- Specifications differ in terms of QCC compatibility, DSP, GPU, clock speed, manufacturing method, and Bluetooth.
- Snapdragon 400 Series: Lower-performance phones in the budget to mid-range category.
- Better performing phones in the mid-to upper-mid range are from the Snapdragon 600 Series.
- Snapdragon 800 Series: flagship phones with exceptional performance.
Latest Processor- Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
- The newest model in the series, the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, is unveiled by Qualcomm.
- Includes support for Wi-Fi 7, a first for the Snapdragon 7 series.
- Focuses on generative AI within devices.
- Performance gains: 45% more Adreno GPU, 15% better Kyro CPU.
- One prime core (up to 2.8GHz), four performance cores (up to 2.6GHz), and three efficiency cores (up to 1.9GHz) make up the CPU arrangement.
- Supports UFS 4.0 storage and up to 24GB of LP-DDR5x RAM.
- Adreno Frame Motion Engine 2.0 and the Game Post Processing Accelerator are two improvements to gaming.
- Up to 200MP camera support with AI-powered features.
- Supports Wi-Fi 7 and is equipped with a Snapdragon X63 5G modem-RF system.
- Display capabilities include Dolby Vision, 4K at 60Hz, QHD+ at 120Hz, HDR vivid, and HDR 10.
Recommended Model:
MediaTek Dimensity SoC
It is also a mobile SoC manufacturing company and therefore these chips aren’t as powerful because of the bionic and Qualcomm chips but they provide us with decent performance and the price of those chips is low compared with Qualcomm chips.
MediaTek recently started their new series of gaming mobiles in the mid-range price category. Also, they launched their new 5G series of Dimensity Named chips, which are very good at performance. Now, Mediatek also provides some of the best value-for-money chipsets in the mobile market.
Helio SoC also uses the octa-core ARM Cortex CPU cores and Mali GPU. These chips also are good for gaming but some heating issues are faced by using these chips.
History:
MediaTek was formerly a component of UMC, a different business. In 1997, the company gained autonomy, and in 2001, it was listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. MediaTek used to manufacture semiconductors for devices like DVD players.
Afterward, the company began producing semiconductors for use in mobile phones and other devices. It began producing processors for mobile phones in earnest in 2004. MediaTek facilitated the launch of phone sales for smaller businesses by providing support.
Market Scenario:
An increase in demand for MediaTek’s chips, particularly in China, has resulted in a significant increase in the company’s stock price. Their latest processor, the Dimensity 9300, appears to outperform other well-known chips, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 from Qualcomm.
For phone manufacturers who employ MediaTek processors, this might translate into increased profits. According to experts, the Dimensity 9300 is becoming more and more popular and powerful, especially in phones like the Vivo X100 Pro.
This means that by 2024, MediaTek’s market share may increase significantly. However, there is a drawback: because the Dimensity 9300 consumes more power, the phone’s battery may run out more quickly.
Various processor Models:
- Dimensity Flagship 5G Family: Top-tier processors for quick, effective 5G, gaming, image, and artificial intelligence performance.
- Dimensity 9300
- Dimensity 9200+
- Dimensity 9200
- Dimensity 9000+
- Dimensity 9000
- Advanced CPUs with cutting-edge technology for fantastic gameplay and connection make up the Dimensity Premium 5G Family.
- Dimensity 8300
- Dimensity 8200
- Dimensity 8100
- Dimensity 8050
- Dimensity 8020
- Dimensity 8000
- Chips of the Dimensity 7000 Family are designed with games, cameras, and multimedia in mind.
- Dimensity 7200
- Dimensity 7050
- Dimensity 7030
- Dimensity 7020
- Chips of the Dimensity 6000 family provide well-balanced performance for a range of smartphone applications.
- Dimensity Family: Comprising Dimensity 700 and Dimensity 1080, which address various performance requirements.
MediaTek’s Latest Processor:
The powerful Dimensity 9300 SoC from MediaTek is intended to compete with top chips like the Exynos 2400 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Here’s a brief synopsis:
- CPU: Has a Cortex-X4 prime core among its many high-performance cores.
- GPU: Features a 12-core Immortalis G720 GPU with enhanced power efficiency and hardware ray tracing.
- NPU: Presents the first hardware-based generative artificial intelligence engine in the world for safe and customized AI experiences.
- Camera and Display: Support up to a 320MP camera with Ultra HDR for improved image and display capabilities.
The Dimensity 9300, which was released alongside the Vivo X100 series, is billed as offering cutting-edge features and performance.
Recommended Model:
Samsung Exynos SoC
We will recognize Samsung as it has the largest global mobile market share and produces its own SoC, known as Exynos Processors.
Exynos SoCs provide decent daily performance that is appropriate for the majority of workloads, although not as powerful as some other processors. Exynos processors are used in Samsung mobile devices because the company values quality in displays and cameras more than raw processing capability.
Samsung uses Snapdragon SoCs to satisfy the demand for gaming and high performance in nations like the US where taxes have an impact on price. Mali GPUs and octa-core ARM Cortex CPU cores are common components of Exynos SoCs.
Samsung’s latest chipsets are an upgrade over earlier Exynos chip generations, and additional advancements are planned.
Market Scenario:
The Exynos chip from Samsung, which wasn’t performing so well previously, wants to return to the top phones. Other businesses, such as MediaTek, are currently performing better. Since 2019, Samsung’s market share has significantly decreased. They switched to using Qualcomm’s processors as their Exynos chips were becoming too hot and sluggish.
However, they now wish to recoup costs and regain competitiveness by utilizing their Exynos 2400 processor in the next Galaxy S24 phone. Although Samsung thinks the Exynos processor will be good due to its great graphics performance, some people are not convinced if it can be trusted again.
Various Processor Models:
- With a 320 MP camera, quick 5G, AI, ray tracing, and a potent CPU, the Exynos 2400 enhances mobile devices.
- Pro-grade camera, on-device AI, and powerful performance are all features of the Exynos 1380.
- Exynos 1330: Equipped with an octa-core CPU, an excellent camera (up to 108MP), no shutter delay, sharp pictures, and 4K video.
Most recent processor: Exynos 2400
In the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is rivaled by Samsung’s Exynos 2400, which powers the Galaxy S24 and S24+. Here’s a brief overview:
- CPU: It has a 10-core CPU that performs comparably to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- GPU: With an Xclipse 940 GPU built on AMD RDNA 3, it typically lags behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in GPU benchmarks.
- Samsung states that AI processing has significantly improved over the Exynos 2200, its predecessor.
- Benchmark Comparison: Although it is usually surpassed by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Exynos 2400 astonishes with competitive gaming performance.
In conclusion, with its potent CPU performance and noteworthy AI innovations, the Exynos 2400 seeks to close the gap with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series.
Google Tensor
Google created the Tensor, a specially designed processor, just for its Pixel line of devices. It serves as the phone’s engine, guaranteeing lag-free operation and cutting-edge functionality. It was first included in the 2021 Pixel 6 series, and since then, it has also powered the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 series, promoting efficiency and innovation in Google’s mobile devices.
Tensor is designed to outperform earlier Pixel processors, offering more power and efficiency along with new AI-powered features and experiences. It incorporates several custom components, including an innovative TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) for machine learning applications, an improved GPU for better graphics processing, and a cutting-edge ISP (image signal processor) for improved image processing powers.
History:
Tensor chips were developed over five years, starting in 2016, and Google first announced them in 2021 with the release of the Pixel 6. Improved machine-learning capabilities are the goal of this third-generation custom-designed CPU.
Google chose to develop its processor to progress AI and ML models, in contrast to other smartphone makers. Manufactured by Samsung, the 5-nanometer chips are internally designed by Google.
Market Scenario:
The Tensor chip from Google, which powers the Pixel 6 series, features two strong cores but weaker middle ones since it uses the outdated Cortex-A76 architecture rather than the more modern A77 or A78 architecture. Despite having an upgraded Arm Mali-G78 GPU with 20 cores, some question its effectiveness.
Tensor is mostly found in phones that cost more than $900 (such as the majority of Pixel 6 Pro) and $500–$799 (such as Pixel 6). It was remarkable for a little over two months in 2021 and restricted national sales, but despite limited availability, it managed to grab 1-2% of the high-end Android chip market. Tensor’s visibility increased because of the success of the Pixel 6 series, which is a good beginning for Google’s chip endeavor.
Latest Processor- Google Tensor G3 Processor
- In the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google released the Tensor G3 processor.
- Improved on-device machine learning with large subsystem upgrades.
- It makes it possible to run over twice as many machine learning models as models from earlier generations.
- Enhances voice and natural language interpretation for smoother Google Assistant interactions.
- Features like Magic Eraser for images and videos and Live-HDR improve camera performance.
Recommended Model:
HiSilicon Kirin SoC
In 2008, HiSilicon, the integrated circuit division of Huawei, launched the K3 line of mobile devices and turned its attention to creating high-performance microprocessors. They introduced the Kirin line of flagship CPUs for high-end smartphones and tablets at the end of 2013.
Using TSMC’s expertise and ARM’s most recent cores, the Kirin series expanded to include flagship CPUs as well as mid-range variants. These processors, which have performance close to Qualcomm’s, power smartphones from Huawei and Honour.
ARM Cortex-based CPUs with potent cores and Mali GPUs are features of Kirin SoCs. Although Kirin processors’ GPU performance might not equal Qualcomm’s, they still give robust overall performance and competitive benchmark results.
Huawei is still the leading smartphone brand in China, despite its slide globally as a result of US sanctions.
Market Scenario:
The popularity of the Mate 60 series with Kirin 9000S CPUs propelled Huawei’s Hisilicon to a 3% market share and fifth place globally in 2023. With Kirin processors, the mid-range Nova 12 series is set to debut in 2024 thanks to the favorable response it received in China.
Reintroduction following US sanctions, the Huawei Kirin 9000S is the brand’s unique processor. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, even if this chipset isn’t the most powerful, its launch indicates Huawei’s departure from Qualcomm and might cost the latter up to 60 million chipset orders by 2024. Qualcomm may suffer from this and see a decline in revenue in China.
Latest Processor- HiSilicon Kirin 9000E
- Cutting-edge Technology: The first 5 nm SoC denotes cutting-edge production.
- Durable CPU Architecture: Equipped with Cortex-A77 and Cortex-A55 cores in a 1+3+4 arrangement.
- Advanced GPU: Designed for immersive gaming, with a 22-core Mali-G78 and Kirin Gaming+ 3.0.
- Enhanced AI: The AI capabilities are improved by Huawei Da Vinci Architecture 2.0.
- Next-generation connection: 5G connectivity is supported via mmWave, Sub-6G, and SA&NSA.
- Integrated ISP: Kirin ISP 6.0’s quad-pipeline improves the functionality of cameras.
- Enhanced Performance: To enhance performance, an 8 MB system cache is included.
- Memory Support: High-speed memory access is provided by LPDDR5/4X.
UNISOC SoC
Unisoc is a Chinese semiconductor business that specializes in designing chips for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Unisoc processors, which are known for their low cost and high power efficiency, are widely found in low- and mid-range smartphones.
Despite this, they create high-end CPUs like the Tiger T770, which is used in select premium smartphones. Their popularity is increasing, particularly in emerging economies, because of their low cost and interoperability with 5G networks.
History:
Unisoc, formerly known as Spreadtrum, was established in 2001 and has become well-known through alliances with companies like ZTE, Nokia, and Realme. They started off making inexpensive smartphone chips with simple functions, but their collaboration with Samsung has helped them become more well-known.
With the launch of the Tiger series of chips, which includes the Tiger T310, T606, and T710, Unisoc has refocused its attention on the mid-range market in recent years. However, in comparison to rivals like Snapdragon, they have difficulties with optimization. Despite this, Unisoc wants to create healthy competition in the mid-range smartphone market and lower smartphone prices.
Market Scenario:
After forming partnerships with companies such as Samsung, Realme, Motorola, and Honor, UniSoc—a small semiconductor producer just two years ago—quickly rose to prominence. In the 4G smartphone chipset market, its market share increased from 3% in 2021 to 22% in 2022, overtaking Snapdragon.
But UniSoc’s demise was caused by its emphasis on low-end phones. UniSoc’s market share is rapidly declining as a result of budget phone consumers’ propensity to put off upgrading. Its 4G chipset sales fell by 43 percent in 2023, which led to a decrease in market share of 30 percent overall.
In 2023, MediaTek’s market share increased to 53% as a result of UniSoc’s fall. The market for 4G smartphone chipsets is currently held by UniSoc at 14% and Snapdragon at 19%.
Here is a summary of Unisoc’s processor lineup:
- Entry-level: T180, T190
- Budget: T310, T606, T610, T612, T616, T618
- Mid-range: T770, T760
- Flagship: T860
UNISOC’s lineup of 5G SoCs:
T750 UNISOC:
- 5G access.
- A total of six Cortex-A55 and two Cortex-A76 CPU cores.
- Mali-G57 MP2 graphics processor.
- Snapdragon 730-like in comparison.
T760, T770, T820, and UNISOC:
- 5G access.
- A total of four Cortex-A76 and four Cortex-A55 CPU cores.
- Mali-G57 MP4 graphics processor.
- Similar GPU and CPU combination to the Snapdragon 855 and 765.
- Attractive pricing and competitive performance.
Adoption:
- Being used by companies that make smartphones, such as Motorola, Samsung, Vivo, Realme, and Honour.
- Shows an increasing amount of market acceptability and presence.
How Do Benchmarks Help Determine a Processor’s Performance?
We go to benchmarks to determine a processor’s performance. By using these benchmarks, users may compare a processor’s speed and power to those of other models. However, only examining a processor’s benchmark result does not fully reveal the narrative. For an accurate performance assessment, ratings must be compared to those of other processors.
Older CPUs tend to fall down the list since the newest high-end processors get the greatest benchmark ratings. Therefore, benchmark scores are an effective means of evaluating a processor’s performance relative to that of its rivals.
Global Smartphone Chipsets Market Share
The global smartphone processor market size grew from $17.62 billion in 2022 to $20.39 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% from 2023 to 2027, reaching $40.88 billion by 2027. [source: The Business Research Company]
According to Counterpoint Research, as of Q2 2023, Mediatek is leading in terms of the number of shipments followed by Qualcomm, Apple, UNISOC, Samsung, and Hisilicon.
MediaTek and Qualcomm are the two biggest players in the smartphone processor market, followed by Apple and Samsung. The premium segment of the market is also growing, which means that there is a growing demand for high-performance smartphone processors.
Overall, the smartphone Application Processor market is a dynamic and growing market. There is a huge potential in coming years as well and the usage of smartphones is increasing very rapidly and demand for smartphones is increasing exponentially.
Top 5 Smartphones for Best Performance in 2024
Image | Product | Features | Price |
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| Check on Amazon | ||
| Check on Amazon | ||
| Check on Amazon | ||
| Check on Amazon | ||
| Check on Amazon |
Conclusion
These are the main smartphone SoC manufacturing companies and their details, so before buying the mobile just take a glance at the System on Chip (SoC) first, because “Processor (SoC) is the heart of any mobile”, then remaining all.
Your mobile performance & speed are completely dependent on the Processor, RAM, and storage type used in the mobile.
Not only hardware components but also the software is very important on a mobile phone for a smooth experience. You must choose between Android or iOS before going to buy a new mobile phone.
Hey, Is this content helpful to you? let me know in the comments section below. And if you want to give any suggestions to the Tech Geek then comment down below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which mobile processor company is best?
Still, Apple Bionic Chipsets are the best in the present market, and then Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets.
2. Which company makes a mobile processor?
Qualcomm, MediaTek, Apple, Samsung, Hisilicon, etc.
3. Is the Snapdragon better than Exynos?
Yes, Qualcomm Snapdragon Processors are better than Samsung Exynos Processors in many aspects.
4. Which is the best processor, MediaTek or Snapdragon?
Snapdragon flagship Chipsets are still the better choice in the flagship mobile category, but the Mediatek Budget chips are way better than Snapdragon chips.