Home > Mobile chipsets > The best 10 mobile chipsets in comparison

The best 10 mobile chipsets in comparison

Mobile chipsets (1 - 5)
Mediatek Dimensity 9300 PlusMediatek Dimensity 9300Samsung Exynos 2200Samsung Exynos 2400Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus
Image
Mediatek Dimensity 9300 Plus
Mediatek Dimensity 9300
Samsung Exynos 2200
Samsung Exynos 2400
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus
Best price
Best price
General info
64-bit supportA 32-bit operating system can only support up to 4GB of RAM. 64-bit allows more than 4GB, giving increased performance. It also allows you to run 64-bit apps.
64-bit supportA 32-bit operating system can only support up to 4GB of RAM. 64-bit allows more than 4GB, giving increased performance. It also allows you to run 64-bit apps.
Integrated graphicsWith integrated graphics you don’t need to buy a separate graphics card.
Integrated graphicsWith integrated graphics you don’t need to buy a separate graphics card.
GPU clock speedThe clock speed of the graphics processing unit (GPU).
GPU clock speedThe clock speed of the graphics processing unit (GPU).N.A.N.A.1300 MHz
1009 MHz
900 MHz
N.A.820 MHz
970 MHz
800 MHz
N.A.
5G supportThe fifth-generation wireless technology delivers higher speeds and lower latency than the previous, fourth-generation tech.
5G supportThe fifth-generation wireless technology delivers higher speeds and lower latency than the previous, fourth-generation tech.
Thermal Design Power (TDP)The thermal design power (TDP) is the maximum amount of power the cooling system needs to dissipate. A lower TDP typically means that it consumes less power.
Thermal Design Power (TDP)The thermal design power (TDP) is the maximum amount of power the cooling system needs to dissipate. A lower TDP typically means that it consumes less power.N.A.N.A.N.A.6W
12.5W
N.A.N.A.6.3W
12.5W
N.A.
Total score for "General info"
Total score for "General info"
Performance
CPU speedThe CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.
CPU speedThe CPU speed indicates how many processing cycles per second can be executed by a CPU, considering all of its cores (processing units). It is calculated by adding the clock rates of each core or, in the case of multi-core processors employing different microarchitectures, of each group of cores.1 x 3.4 GHz & 3 x 2.85 GHz & 4 x 2 GHz
1 x 3.25 GHz & 3 x 2.85 GHz & 4 x 2 GHz
1 x 2.8 GHz & 3 x 2.8 GHz & 4 x 1.82 GHz
2 x 2.9 GHz & 3 x 2.6 GHz & 4 x 2 GHz & 1 x 3.2 GHz
3 x 3.15 GHz & 2 x 2.96 GHz & 2 x 2.26 GHz & 1 x 3.3 GHz
4 x 3 GHz & 4 x 2.4 GHz
1 x 3 GHz & 3 x 2.5 GHz & 4 x 1.8 GHz
1 x 3.2 GHz & 4 x 2.8 GHz & 3 x 2 GHz
1 x 3 GHz & 4 x 2.8 GHz & 3 x 2 GHz
1 x 3.35 GHz & 3 x 3 GHz & 4 x 2 GHz
CPU threadsMore threads result in faster performance and better multitasking.
CPU threadsMore threads result in faster performance and better multitasking.8 threads
8 threads
8 threads
N.A.8 threads
N.A.8 threads
8 threads
N.A.8 threads
Big.LITTLE technologyUsing big.LITTLE technology, a chip can switch between two sets of processor cores to maximize performance and battery life. For example, when playing a game the more powerful cores will be used to increase performance, whereas checking email will use the less powerful cores to maximize battery life.
Big.LITTLE technologyUsing big.LITTLE technology, a chip can switch between two sets of processor cores to maximize performance and battery life. For example, when playing a game the more powerful cores will be used to increase performance, whereas checking email will use the less powerful cores to maximize battery life.
Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP)Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP) is a more advanced version of big.LITTLE technology. In this setup, a processor can utilize all cores at the same time, or just a single core for low-intensity tasks. This can provide powerful performance or increased battery life respectively.
Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP)Heterogeneous Multi-Processing (HMP) is a more advanced version of big.LITTLE technology. In this setup, a processor can utilize all cores at the same time, or just a single core for low-intensity tasks. This can provide powerful performance or increased battery life respectively.
L2 cacheA larger L2 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.
L2 cacheA larger L2 cache results in faster CPU and system-wide performance.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.1 MB
N.A.6 MB
1 MB
1 MB
N.A.
Total score for "Performance"
Total score for "Performance"
Memory
RAM speedIt can support faster memory, which will give quicker system performance.
RAM speedIt can support faster memory, which will give quicker system performance.9600 MHz
9600 MHz
3200 MHz
4200 MHz
4800 MHz
4266 MHz
3200 MHz
4200 MHz
4800 MHz
8533 MHz
DDR memory versionDDR (Double Data Rate) memory is the most common type of RAM. Newer versions of DDR memory support higher maximum speeds and are more energy-efficient.
DDR memory versionDDR (Double Data Rate) memory is the most common type of RAM. Newer versions of DDR memory support higher maximum speeds and are more energy-efficient.5
5
5
5
5
4
5
5
5
5
Maximum memory amountThe maximum amount of memory (RAM) supported.
Maximum memory amountThe maximum amount of memory (RAM) supported.24GB
24GB
24GB
24GB
24GB
N.A.16GB
16GB
24GB
24GB
Maximum memory bandwidthThis is the maximum rate that data can be read from or stored into memory.
Maximum memory bandwidthThis is the maximum rate that data can be read from or stored into memory.76.8 GB/s
76.8 GB/s
N.A.64 GB/s
76.6 GB/s
N.A.64 GB/s
64 GB/s
76.6 GB/s
N.A.
Memory channelsMore memory channels increases the speed of data transfer between the memory and the CPU.
Memory channelsMore memory channels increases the speed of data transfer between the memory and the CPU.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.8
N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.
Total score for "Memory"
Total score for "Memory"
Features
Integrated LTEThe system on a chip (SoC) has an integrated LTE cellular chip. LTE is capable of downloading at faster speeds than older, 3G technology.
Integrated LTEThe system on a chip (SoC) has an integrated LTE cellular chip. LTE is capable of downloading at faster speeds than older, 3G technology.
Download speedThis is the maximum download speed supported. In reality, the download speed will usually be lower, as it will be affected by other factors (such as your home/mobile network speeds).
Download speedThis is the maximum download speed supported. In reality, the download speed will usually be lower, as it will be affected by other factors (such as your home/mobile network speeds).10000 MBits/s
10000 MBits/s
7350 MBits/s
9640 MBits/s
10000 MBits/s
10000 MBits/s
10000 MBits/s
10000 MBits/s
10000 MBits/s
N.A.
Upload speedThis is the maximum upload speed supported. In reality, the upload speed will usually be lower, as it will be affected by other factors (for example your home/mobile network speeds).
Upload speedThis is the maximum upload speed supported. In reality, the upload speed will usually be lower, as it will be affected by other factors (for example your home/mobile network speeds).7000 MBits/s
7000 MBits/s
3670 MBits/s
2550 MBits/s
3500 MBits/s
316 MBits/s
3000 MBits/s
3000 MBits/s
3500 MBits/s
N.A.
MultithreadingMultithreading technology (such as Intel's Hyperthreading or AMD's Simultaneous Multithreading) provides increased performance by splitting each of the processor's physical cores into virtual cores, also known as threads. This way, each core can run two instruction streams at once.
MultithreadingMultithreading technology (such as Intel's Hyperthreading or AMD's Simultaneous Multithreading) provides increased performance by splitting each of the processor's physical cores into virtual cores, also known as threads. This way, each core can run two instruction streams at once.
NX bitNX bit helps protect the computer from malicious attacks.
NX bitNX bit helps protect the computer from malicious attacks.
Total score for "Features"
Total score for "Features"
Benchmarks
Geekbench 6 result (single)Geekbench 6 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's single-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)
Geekbench 6 result (single)Geekbench 6 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's single-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.2213
N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.
Geekbench 5 result (single)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's single-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)
Geekbench 5 result (single)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's single-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)N.A.N.A.1108
N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.
Geekbench 5 result (multi)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's multi-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)
Geekbench 5 result (multi)Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures a processor's multi-core performance. (Source: Primate Labs, 2024)N.A.N.A.3516
N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.
PassMark resultThis benchmark measures the performance of the CPU using multiple threads.
PassMark resultThis benchmark measures the performance of the CPU using multiple threads.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.11804
N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.
PassMark result (single)This benchmark measures the performance of the CPU using a single thread.
PassMark result (single)This benchmark measures the performance of the CPU using a single thread.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.2506
N.A.N.A.N.A.N.A.
Total score for "Benchmarks"
Total score for "Benchmarks"

The key specs of mobile chipsets or SoCs

Mobile chipsets are designed for portable devices like smartphones, notebooks, tablets, and other compact devices requiring a CPU to make complex processes. Unlike their desktop counterparts, mobile chipsets are run on low-voltage and consume less power to conserve the battery life of devices. Even though mobile chipsets operate in a power-efficient manner, this doesn't mean that their performance is inferior. Mobile devices nowadays are powerful mini-computers capable of performing high-computing tasks.

However, some mobile chipsets, such as the ones powering laptops or notebooks, require advanced cooling solutions. Adding a cooling mechanism is a challenge because the small form factor of these devices requires compact fans and coolers. While a desktop chassis can accommodate multiple fans, the space is very limited in a laptop.

Another significant difference between desktop PCs and mobile devices is the CPU's placement. On a desktop PC, the CPU is placed in a dedicated socket on the motherboard. The only thing you need to take into account if you want to upgrade your PC with a newer CPU is the socket size. Furthermore, you can do this yourself if you have a small screwdriver and a fair amount of dexterity.

On the other hand, most mobile devices nowadays are unibody. This means that the CPU is soldered-in, and you can't replace it. The mobile chipset, basically a portable device's motherboard, contains the CPU, RAM, graphics processing unit, and other components. For this reason, it is also called system-on-a-chip (SoC). This makes it crucial to analyze the specs of the mobile chipset/SoC when you decide to purchase a smartphone, tablet, notebook, or any other mobile device. Here's what you should take into account.

Purpose & Workload

Before buying a device, you should give some thought to your needs and usage patterns. If you are an average smartphone user who mostly talks and texts on the phone, occasionally using social apps, then a powerful chipset is not mandatory. If you enjoy playing games on your phone or if you are an avid social media user and photographer with a passion for video, then you need a more powerful chipset for gaming and video editing apps. But what makes a mobile chipset powerful? The key indicators are the number of cores and the clock speed. The CPU speed is determined by these indicators and heavily influenced by other parameters, such as semiconductor size.

Number of Cores

The number of cores, just like in desktop CPUs, is of particular importance for users who are leaning towards gaming, video editing, and the use of complex mobile apps. Smartphones typically make use of two to four cores, while flagship models have eight or ten cores.

Most entry-level smartphones nowadays have dual-core processors, which are sufficient for basic tasks. If you enjoy multi-tasking and apps that require a lot of processing power, you should consider an octa-core or deca-core mobile chipset.

Clock Speed

A high clock speed allows faster processing. When it comes to mobile devices, the processing power required varies a lot depending on the task. Texting doesn't put a strain on your device, but playing a game with top-notch graphics does. For this reason, most mobile chipsets nowadays use a technology called big.LITTLE. The technology developed by ARM enables manufacturers to integrate cores clocked at different speeds on the same chipset. This way, the cores with a higher clock rate are used for heavy tasks, while the cores with lower clock rates come into play for less demanding tasks. By adapting to the type of task, the chipset will be more power-efficient, resulting in improved battery life.

Integrated Graphics

Mobile chipsets nowadays have integrated graphics. The graphics processing unit is one of the components of the SoC, along with the CPU, image processor, audio processor, modem, and other key components.

Just like for desktop PCs, the graphics processing unit on a mobile chipset is the component that generates output images to the display. Today's powerful chipsets are packed with graphics cards that have high GPU clock speeds and are capable of rendering images in 4k resolution, rendering 3D games, and running AR and VR apps.

Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a vital component that influences how fast reading and writing processes happen. RAM is responsible for storing data from running applications. A chunk of RAM is also reserved for the primary use of the operating system. So if you want to switch around apps, you will need to have a big enough RAM to cater to such a demand. Mobile chipsets can support a lot of RAM, but manufacturers tend to limit it based on the other components. RAM has to work together with the other parts to ensure the device runs smoothly without overheating. While a higher RAM is better, you need to choose a device based on all key performance parameters of the SoC: cores, clock speed, GPU speed, etc.

Manufacturers and brands

Last but not least, you should consider the manufacturers and brands when choosing a mobile chipset. A dual-core processor clocked at 2 GHz from manufacturer X might not be the same as a dual-core processor clocked at 2GHz produced by manufacturer Y. This is because the specific technologies and architectures are different from manufacturer to manufacturer.

For laptops, Intel goes well above and beyond when it comes to processors but comes with a higher price tag compared to its competitors. However, Intel was affected in 2018 by a hardware vulnerability known as Meltdown, which contributed to AMD's rise.
According to a Forbes report:

Intel controls most of the CPU market with its share growing from 77% in 2014 to 82% in 2016, and back at 77% in 2018. AMD's share fell from 23% in 2014 to 18% in 2016, but it has been on the rise since then to 23% in 2018.

It's hard to say which brand is better, and their historic rivalry is a constant source of heated discussions among tech enthusiasts.

For Android mobile devices, Qualcomm is currently the market leader, followed by Samsung's Exynos brand, and MediaTek. For iOS devices, the chipsets developed by Apple might not impress in terms of specs, but the seamless integration of components and the outstanding software make the devices extremely performant.

By Don Chen & Diana Plutis
This page is currently only available in English.