Best processor for mobile phones (2024)

At the heart of every smartphone, tablet, and PCs is a processor powering the device. With technology evolving rapidly coupled with AI development and its integration into gadgets, the processor wars have intensified. While PCs come with Intel and AMD chipsets, they are supplied by MediaTek and Qualcomm for smartphones and tablets. While MediaTek has Helio and Dimensity series processors, Qualcomm only offers a Snapdragon lineup. Notably, both the Taiwanese and American chipmakers have a host of chipsets under their respective lineups. 

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Additionally, beyond these two companies, Samsung, Google, Huawei, and Apple also have their in-house processors.

What are the best processors for mobile phones in 2024?

Qualcomm and MediaTek both offer processors powering a majority of Android smartphones. Both semiconductor companies have something in their chipset lineup for devices under various price segments. These include from budget to mid-range to flagship offerings. Samsung’s Exynos SoCs are limited to its Galaxy devices whereas Google’s Tensor only powers Pixel phones. Meanwhile, Apple’s A-series chipsets are found on iPhones as well as older iPad models. In this post, we will take a look at the best processors for mobile phones in 2024.

1. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

2. Apple A18 Bionic

3. Dimensity 7200

4. Google Tensor 

5. Snapdragon 7 Gen 3

1. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the latest-generation flagship chipset that Qualcomm announced in October last year. It is found on top-tier flagship smartphones. The SoC packs huge power with fast processing speeds, improved energy efficiency, and cutting-edge features. It also comes with Generative AI capabilities that are gaining traction and making its way to devices. The chipset ensures an immersive gaming experience, smoother multitasking experiences, and more. 

2. Apple A18 Bionic

Apple has always set the bar high in the processor wars with its in-house A-series chipsets. This is because they offer unparalleled performance and optimisation. The A18 Bionic was introduced with last year’s iPhone 16 series. Apart from lightning-fast speeds and efficiency, it also delivers stunning graphics rendering. In fact, the A18 Pro that powers the iPhone 16 Pro models are capable of running console-level AAA gaming titles. On top of all these, the A18 Bionic is also equipped with a Neural Engine chip making advanced tasks like machine learning, facial recognition, and AR applications accessible.

3. MediaTek Dimensity 7200

The MediaTek Dimensity 7200 is a processor commonly found in mid-range smartphones. Some of the notable ones include the Nothing Phone (2a), iQOO Z9, Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus, and Vivo V27.

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The chipset is quite capable of offering powerful performance. It is also 5G compatible.  

4. Google Tensor

If you’re an Android fan or use an Android phone, Google’s Pixel phones are something that you cannot miss. This is because Google rolls out consistent software updates packed with new features to its devices. A cleaner UI is another cherry on the top. Google’s Tensor chipsets are quite good at energy efficiency without compromising on performance. Additionally, the SoC is also responsible for the impressive computational photography processing for which the Pixel phones are famously known. With Google at the forefront of the AI revolution with its Gemini model, many of these features would be available for the Pixel devices. This is all due to the search giant’s in-house compatible Tensor chipset powering the phones.

5. Snapdragon 7 Gen 3

This is the latest mid-ranger chipset from Qualcomm. It borrows support for Generative AI from the high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. There’s also Google’s Ultra HDR format on Android 14 as well as Spatial Audio for head tracking. The SoC is 5G-compatible as it is equipped with a built-in Snapdragon X63 5G modem. The upcoming Motorola Edge 50 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 4 are already confirmed to be powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. 

The processor choice entirely boils down to the performance a user would derive from the smartphone in its daily usage. For heavy-intensive tasks or playing graphic games, a phone powered by a flagship processor is a no-brainer. Most chipsets across mid-range and top-tier segments now come with support for GenAI. MediaTek and Qualcomm also have processors powering budget phones that are catered towards users with basic usage. 

As tech advances and users’ usage preferences change, processors will play a pivotal role in smartphones and related gadgets.