This article will compare laptop processors from two leading semiconductor manufacturers - Intel and AMD. The products of the first of them are equipped with an improved processor part and have a higher level of performance in this regard. In turn, AMD solutions boast a more productive graphics subsystem.

Division into niches

Comparison and Intel for laptops will be most optimally performed in three niches:

• Budget-class processors (they are also the most affordable).
• Mid-range CPUs that combine both a high level of performance and acceptable energy efficiency.
• Chips with the highest level of performance. In this case, speed, autonomy and energy efficiency fade into the background.

If in the first two cases AMD can provide a worthy alternative to Intel, then the premium segment has been dominated by the latter company for quite a long time. The only hope in this regard is new processor solutions based on the Zen architecture, which AMD should introduce next year.

Entry level Intel products

Until recently, this niche from Intel was occupied by products of the Atom line. But now the situation has changed and laptops entry level now based on processors The most modest products of this class include only 2 cores, and the most advanced ones - 4. The following models are relevant for the 3rd quarter of 2016, which are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 - Current CPU models from Intel for entry-level mobile PCs.

There are essentially no cardinal differences between these CPU models. They are aimed at solving the most simple tasks and have a minimum level of performance. Also from this manufacturer of semiconductor solutions strong point is the processor part, but the integrated graphics subsystem is very weak. Another strength of these products is the high degree of energy efficiency and thus improved autonomy.

Mid-range solutions from Intel

"Kor i3" and "Kor i5" are mid-range Intel processors for laptops. Comparison of their characteristics indicates that the first family is closer to entry-level solutions, and the second - under certain circumstances, can compete with the most productive chips from this company. Detailed specifications of the specified family of products are given in Table 2.

Table 2 - Intel processor parameters for mid-range laptops.

The characteristics of the CPU of this class are almost identical. The key difference is the improved energy saving of the 7U54. As a result, autonomy in this case will also be better. Otherwise, there are no significant differences between these processors. The price of all chips of this family is the same - $281.

Premium laptop processors from Intel

For latest generation laptops, indicates that the highest performing solutions are i7 family CPUs. Moreover, in architectural terms, they practically do not differ from middle-class products. Even the models of video cards in this case are the same. But a higher level of performance compared to mid-range processors is provided by higher clock frequencies and an increased size of volatile memory of the 3rd level. The main parameters of the chips of this family are shown in Table 3.

Table 3 - Main characteristics of i7 family CPUs.

The difference between the two products is that the latter has improved energy efficiency, but the performance will eventually be lower.

AMD entry-level mobile processors

For laptops of the two leading manufacturers of this product, it indicates that Intel, as noted earlier, has a better processor part, and AMD has an integrated graphics subsystem. If an improved video system is a priority in a new laptop, then it is better to pay attention to laptops from a second manufacturer. Specific chip models technical specifications are shown in Table 4.

Table 4 - Most recent AMD processors for entry level laptops.

For the most part, these chips have almost identical technical specifications. The key difference here is only in the frequency range and the model of the integrated built-in accelerator. It is based on these parameters that you need to make a choice. If you need maximum autonomy, then choose products with lower performance. If autonomy comes to the fore, then you will have to sacrifice dynamism for this.

AMD chips for organizing mid-range laptops

FX-9XXXP and A1X-9XXXP are for laptops. Comparison of their characteristics with entry-level products indicates that they already have 4 computing units versus 2 that are available in entry-level products. Also in this case, it can compete with entry-level discrete accelerators. But the weak processor part is the factor today, which significantly reduces the performance of laptops based on these chips. Therefore, you can look in their direction only when, at the minimum cost of a mobile computer, you need the fastest graphics subsystem. The main specifications of this CPU family are shown in Table 5.

Table 5 - CPU settings from AMD for mid-range laptops.

It is most difficult to compare laptop processors in the entry-level segment. On the one hand, Intel solutions in this case have a lower cost and an improved processor part. In turn, AMD offers mobile PCs with an improved graphics subsystem. It is based on the last parameter that it is recommended to buy when choosing an entry-level laptop Pavilion 15-AW006UR from HP. Other things being equal, with competing solutions, the video card in this case will have a certain performance margin, and the processor does not lose much to the CPU from Intel. As a mid-level mobile PC, it is recommended to choose the Aspire E5 - 774 - 50SY from Acer. It has an i5 - 7200U chip installed, which is only slightly inferior to the flagship products. Yes and others technical specifications it is at an acceptable level, as for a mid-range laptop. Comparison of laptop processors in the niche of the most productive solutions indicated that it is best to buy mobile computers based on 7th generation i7 chips. The most affordable, but at the same time very equipped version of the laptop, is the IdeaPad 510-15 IKB from Lenovo. It is he who is recommended to buy when choosing the most productive mobile PC. At the same time, the price is quite democratic for such a class of devices, and the equipment is excellent.

Results

Comparison of processors for laptops of the two leading chip manufacturers today clearly and clearly indicates that the leading positions in most cases are occupied by products from Intel. AMD, in turn, is significantly behind its direct competitor. The only market segment where parity is still maintained is entry-level mobile products, where AMD has a worthy alternative. In all other cases, it would be more correct to purchase laptops based on the CPU from Intel. The current situation can be drastically changed by the release of processors based on the Zen architecture in 2017. But whether AMD can do it, time will tell. Now, in the niche of mid-range and premium mobile PCs, it is most correct to rely on solutions from Intel. Although they are somewhat overpriced, the level of performance more than compensates for this shortcoming.

A week ago, AMD held a small presentation dedicated to the new Ryzen Mobile APUs, formerly known under the code name Raven Ridge. The speaker, however, as usual, first lamented the current situation in the world of processors. Like, Moore's law is no longer so strictly enforced and everyone has already gotten used to "5-7% growth per year" (it is known in whose garden this stone is). And even in desktops, where there are no special restrictions, five years ago a competitor's mass processor had 4 cores (and 8 threads) with a frequency of about 3.5 GHz, and until recently, all the same 4C / 8T, but at about 4 GHz. It was only this year that the competitor changed tactics, offering more cores for the same price as before. In the mobile segment, in this sense, it was even worse until this fall - configuration stability is no longer a sign of skill. Lack of competition is bad for the market and end users. However, we have heard all this from AMD before.

On the left is the CCX block of Zen cores, on the right is the GPU block (blue)

The company itself has been developing new cores (CPU and GPU) for the past four years, and, according to AMD, it is important that they tried to make them as scalable as possible. Powerful server solutions and desktop systems are made on the same basis, and now also mobile ones - for laptops. In fact, the AMD Ryzen Mobile 7 2700U and 5 2500U are one CCX for four Zen cores (8 threads), Radeon Vega graphics and a slightly modified Infinity Fabric bus. The latter combines the CPU, GPU, memory controller, display and multimedia units, as well as the peripheral controller. The basic version of both chips has a TDP of 15 W, but with AMD's approval, system manufacturers can independently configure TDP in the range from 12 (9 is indicated in the table, but 12 was repeatedly announced) to 25 W - everything will depend on the quality of the cooling system. These settings are not available to the user.

At the microarchitecture level, the new APUs do not differ much from the desktop versions of the chips and . The changes concern those areas that are critical specifically for the mobile segment. Developers, for example, cut L3 caches down to 4 MB, just to keep the die size down. HBM for the GPU also had to be abandoned - the video memory is cut off from the main DDR4. The specific volume depends on the laptop OEM. For tests (benchmarks are given below), AMD used configurations with 256 MB of video memory, but in general there will be options for 512-1024 MB, since a relatively large amount of RAM in modern laptops is no longer a rarity. And yes, the overall performance of the complex will again partially depend on the frequency random access memory.

The DDR4-2400 memory controller has also remained almost unchanged: it is dual-channel here, but for some ultraportable solutions AMD insists on using a single-channel configuration - in this case, the difference in graphics performance will be about 20-40%. ECC is supported, but we are unlikely to see it in laptops. The differences between AMD Ryzen Mobile 7 2700U and 5 2500U are not that big. The older model has a base and boost frequencies of 2.2 and 3.8 GHz, respectively, and the younger one has 2.0 and 3.6 GHz. The 2500U has eight 1.1GHz Radeon Vega CUs, while the 2700U has ten of them running at 1.3GHz. Yes, only two APU models will be available for now, but next year AMD promises to significantly increase their number. The crystal has an area of ​​209.78 mm 2 and contains approximately 4.95 billion transistors. The manufacturing process is 14 nm.

However, some important changes in the new chipsets are worth mentioning. The Precision Boost crystal dynamic frequency control technology has acquired the number 2 in the title. It still changes frequencies in 25 MHz steps, but in this case, such a step is used in both the GPU and the CPU. Besides, a new version copes better with multi-threaded workloads - the main limiting factor in the case of laptops will be cooling efficiency rather than power limit. In addition, the Mobile XFR subsystem has appeared in the new APUs - it also additionally increases the turbo frequency above par, but here its task is to keep the established overclocking as long as possible. The exact amount of frequency increase, the number of activated cores and specific models APUs with mXFR have not been announced, but it is reported that this technology is designed more for high-performance laptops with good cooling.

However, some additions are also provided in the power subsystem. There are thousands of separate sensors (and regulators) in the crystals that measure voltages directly at the transistor blocks, and with millivolt accuracy. That is, data on the state of external VREGs is no longer so important. There was already voltage regulation for individual Zen cores, and now it has been added for the GPU. It is curious that an AMD representative claims that the worst load scenario, when the peak occurs simultaneously on the CPU and GPU, allegedly does not occur in practical work scenarios. This, of course, is debatable. Nevertheless, the main task in the case of APUs is the correct and fast distribution of power between the graphics and processor parts, depending on which of them really needs it. Actually, the main innovation in the APU is the LDO controllers built into the GPU. It is argued that no one has such an effective implementation of this technology now.

The new internal LDOs unified for the CPU / GPU, as AMD itself says, allow in the case of the APU to reduce the current requirements by 36%, while increasing the maximum current for powering the CPU or GPU by 20% - in fact, you can make either a more powerful solution, leaving that the same power system, or, conversely, reduce it, but maintain performance. In any case, the energy efficiency of the final solution increases, because the dynamic distribution of frequency and power, depending on the load, occurs both between the CPU cores and between the graphics and central processors. However, the specific details of the distribution algorithm are not disclosed. On the other hand, not only the algorithm is important, but also the speed of switching between different CPU / GPU states and their number, which, in particular, is necessary for more effective use laptop battery.

In the new APUs, the GPU has special treatment, in which the power consumption of the card is reduced by 95%. It is activated when literally nothing happens on the screen, that is, a static picture is displayed, for example, if the user simply moved away from the PC for a while. There is a similar state for CPU cores. The transition between the main states in both cases takes 100 microseconds or less (typical value - 50 microseconds), and for deep sleep mode - up to 1.5 ms. In addition, the internal components of the APU are conventionally divided into two zones with different power policies, which also contributes to energy efficiency. The Infinity Fabric bus carries data from various internal sensors and regulators.

Also, the developers note the small thickness of the finished product - only 1.38 mm. Previously, as stated, not all ultrabooks were able to place the existing chips just because of their thickness. As for the GPU, it is worth noting the presence of FreeSync 2 technology. AMD will try to ensure that manufacturers add support for it to the displays of their laptops whenever possible. The graphics card itself supports multi-monitor configurations, 4K and HDR image output. Right now, together with Microsoft, PlayReady support is being prepared, which is necessary for the correct operation of some video streaming services. But in general, AMD continues to adhere to the long-term strategy 25 × 20, which was announced in 2014. According to her, by 2020 the overall performance of the APU should increase 25 times compared to the 2014 models.

Unfortunately, during the presentation, AMD did not present full specifications new products (no, for example, data on integrated controllers for peripherals), showing only some benchmarks. We note a few important points in them. Firstly, in some cases, the comparison is not with competitor solutions, but only with AMD products on the old platform. Secondly, where such a comparison still exists, an eighth generation chip was used with the same nominal TDP of 15 W, which was available on the market (and there are still few of them). Thirdly, various acceleration technologies or any other “cheating” were not involved, including, for example, laptop tests in a pre-chilled room. Below in the gallery are the results of the tests, as well as comments and notes to them.

AMD Ryzen Mobile Benchmarks

Best of all, new items show themselves in multi-threaded applications, as well as in software that actively uses the graphics subsystem. AMD notes that now on ultra-thin laptops, for example, you can safely process video and graphics without worrying too much about the autonomy of the device. And of course, for them, according to the company, a new niche appears - games. Naturally, heavy gaming monsters will feel uncomfortable here, but popular eSports projects work well with acceptable resolution and graphics quality. By the way, options with Dual Graphics are not yet expected, instead, developers can use DirectX 12 tools to sharing resources of different GPUs.

Now smartphones, if desired, can process a mountain of information. The power of their processor is enough to solve absolutely any tasks. At the same time, modern chipsets consume a minimum amount of electricity, for which the improved technical process should be thanked. Our rating of processors for smartphones will tell you about the most powerful and interesting models. Devices based on them can be blamed for anything, but definitely not for lack of power!

Good to know!

Samsung Exynos 9820

• Year of issue: 2019
• Process technology: 8 nm
• Architecture: 2*Custom + 2*Cortex A75+ 4*Cortex A55
• Video accelerator: Mali-G76 MP12

Geekbench result: 4382/9570 points

An interesting fact was the appearance of the chipset from Samsung in third place in the most powerful processors. Previously, the company's solutions in synthetic tests were inferior not only to Qualcomm, but also to Huawei, but in this case, the numbers for the Koreans turned out to be higher.

The novelty is built on an 8-nanometer process technology, the cores are divided into 3 groups - two own cores fourth generation, two productive Cortex A75 and four energy-efficient Cortex A55. Like other manufacturers, the company focused on improving the performance of neural networks, the security of user data, as well as improving camera performance and supporting a large number of sensors. So the novelty can work with 5 cameras, including infrared for face scanning and a resolution of no more than 22 megapixels or two front cameras 16 Mp. In addition, the chipset supports 4K displays, shooting in 8K at 30 fps, 4K up to 120 fps.

Advantages:

• Instant camera settings for AR and VR.
• Support shooting in 8K.
• Work with 5 cameras.
• Economical battery consumption.
• Improved encoding of user personal data.
• 4K video processing up to 150 fps.
• Support for 4K displays.
• Working with UFS 2.1/3.0 SSDs.

Flaws:

• 8 nm manufacturing process - even with the most ideal optimization, these chipsets cannot compete with 7 nm models in energy efficiency.
• Of the 8 cores, only the first two can be called new, the remaining 6 cores migrated from previous processors without any changes, that is, it is difficult to fully consider the novelty as such - rather, it is an improved old processor.

Samsung S10, S10+, S10e

Huawei Kirin 980

• Year of issue: 2018
• Process technology: 7 nm
• Architecture: 2*Cortex-A76 + 2*Cortex-A76 + 4*Cortex-A55
• Video accelerator: Mali-G76 MP10

Geekbench result: 3390/10318 points

The new processor from Huawei was technically the first to be created using the 7 nm process technology, however, by introducing it to the world, the company was late with the release, giving the laurels to Apple. The cores are divided into three groups - two high-performance, two energy-efficient and four medium-performance. In order to use exactly the cores that are needed in a given task, the company introduced Flex-Scheduling technology, thanks to which performance increased by 37% compared to last year's Kirin 970. Not without a new graphics accelerator, which is not only more powerful, but also automatically increases the clock speed in games.

Just like Huawei's competitors improved the machine block, it is 120% faster than its predecessor. In this case, these are not just words. Every year, all manufacturers focus on cameras and the fact that through the work of AI, pictures really turn out better in any conditions is difficult to dispute. This is best seen in Huawei. Already with last year's Kirin 970, the company achieved first place in the most prestigious camera rating from DxOMark. With the new processor, we should expect to overcome the previous bar. A lot has been written about the photo capabilities of the chipset, or rather its neural unit. To simplify, Huawei does the following - it does not chase top performance in tests, but it makes really excellent chipsets for photos and videos, while again there will be no difficulties with launching games and any other tasks. In many cases, this is what users want, who look at real possibilities, not numbers.

Advantages:

• The best processor for photos and videos.
• Two modules of neural networks.
• Support for high-speed LPDDR4X RAM up to 16GB.
• Flex-Scheduling is a technology for "correct" selection of cores for specific tasks, which results in excellent energy efficiency and fast loading any applications.
• HDR10+ support.
• Support for the new standard - Wi-Fi 802.11ay.
• Work with 48 MP cameras or dual 22 MP modules.
• 4K recording at 60 fps.

Flaws:

• The graphics co-processor is weaker than the competition - for users this is not a minus, as there is GPU Turbo technology for automatic overclocking, which compensates for the difference.
• The company used the "old" cores and improved them, that is, in fact, this is an updated processor, and not a fundamentally new development.
• No 5G support.

The most popular smartphones: View 20, Huawei P30, Huawei Mate 20

Mediatek Helio P90

• Year of issue: 2018
• Process technology: 12 nm
• Architecture: 2*Cortex-A75 + 6*Cortex-A55
• Video accelerator: PowerVR GM 9446

Geekbench result: 2025/6831 points

MediaTek has long been associated by users with processors for budget and occasionally mid-priced smartphones. The company is struggling to create a competitive flagship-level model, but it is not very successful. So MediaTek did not get into the top 10 most productive chipsets, but took 11th place with the Helio P90 released in 2019. The model has an eight-core structure, which, although it has a breakdown into two and six cores, but in fact they are all high-performance. Not surprisingly, the P90 was able to overtake the Snapdragon 710 described below, which has exactly the same cores, but with a six-core emphasis on energy efficiency.

In general, the new product from MediaTek is quite interesting - there is support for the fastest RAM up to and UFS 2.1 solid-state drives, like competitors, it can work with a single 48 MP camera or a dual-module solution of 24 and 16 MP. An interesting feature is the support for displays with a resolution of 2520 * 1080 and an aspect ratio of 21:9. The chipset has three image processing units and an updated AI with support for AI Fusion is responsible for ensuring that tasks are distributed among all units, which increases the speed of data processing. One of the features of this technology is the adaptation of the screen in real time to the selected application - in particular, when making a video call and moving from full screen mode preview video, users will not notice delays.

Advantages:

• Eight powerful cores for maximum performance.
• Updated AI block for working with photos.
• Support high-speed LPDDRX memory up to 8GB.
• Support for modern cameras up to 48 MP.
• Shooting slow motion video with fps 480 in HD format.

Flaws:

• Not the best energy efficiency.
• No shooting in 4K.
• Old generation graphics coprocessor.

The most popular smartphones: BV9800

Qualcomm Snapdragon 710

• Year of issue: 2018
• Process technology: 10 nm
• Architecture: 2*Cortex-A75 + 6*Cortex-A55
• Video accelerator: Adreno 616

Geekbench result: 1897 / 5909 points

A mid-range processor that took 12th place in the ranking of the most powerful chipsets. The model was the first in the 700th series. Prior to this, Qualcomm had a clear division: the 800 series is the flagship level with maximum features, the 600 series is the mid-level with stripped down GPU and CPU cores, and the 400 series is the budget line with a minimum of features. Processors of the 700th series, and in particular the Snapdragon 710, are all the current chips from the main line and at the same time a fairly affordable price.

The novelty runs on two high-performance cores and six power-efficient ones. Taking into account the new graphics system the model shows excellent performance in games and at the same time low power consumption. In addition, she knows how to process photos with high quality - reduces noise, supports two dual cameras up to 16 MP, and 4K video. The company did not forget about AI either, in this case, the manufacturer did not waste time on trifles and supplied Hexagon 685 machine cores, that is, the same ones as in 2018 - Snapdragon 845. The output turned out to be a fairly inexpensive chipset, which, if inferior to flagships, is quite a bit . For those who are looking for a mid-range smartphone with excellent performance, energy efficiency and photo processing, the Snapdragon 710 will be a real find.

Advantages:

• Affordable price.
• Support for two cameras up to 16 MP.
• Low power consumption.
• Powerful AI for taking photos.
• Support for 4K c 30 fps and HDR.
• Working with biometric sensors.
• Support Quick charge 4+.

Flaws:

The most popular smartphones:samsung galaxy A8s, 16, Xiaomi Mi8 SE

Conclusion

It is worth noting that our rating does not include Snapdragon 845 and 660, Kirin 970, Apple A11, Exynos 8895, Helio X30 chipsets due to the fact that they were all released in late 2017 or early 2018. Despite their relevance, many readers are familiar with them, and there are a lot of smartphones based on them. For this reason, we chose powerful new items, which does not entail recommendations for buying devices based solely on them. But if you want a smartphone with the latest and most powerful chipset, then the models presented above are the best of their kind.

Excluded from selection

Samsung Exynos 8 Octa 8890

• Year of issue: 2016
• Process technology: 14 nm
• Architecture: Samsung Exynos M1 + ARM Cortex-A53 (ARMv8-A)
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880, 12 cores, 650 MHz

Geekbench result: 5940 points

If not the best processor for a smartphone, then at least one of those who deserve this title. No wonder they are equipped with all variations South Korean Galaxy S7. Is it possible to reproach this flagship with a lack of power? The chipset easily digests 4K video at 60 fps. It consists of eight cores. Maximum frequency is 2290 MHz. But it rarely comes to raising it to such a level, since more low frequencies enough to solve most problems.

Unfortunately, the processor also has certain problems. It just so happened that South Korean chipsets are not endowed with the best video accelerator (GPU). Here, too, the Mali-T880, despite its 12 cores, works out strictly for the “good” rating, but nothing more. This is proved by tests in GFXBench, where the Samsung Exynos 8 Octa 8890 outperforms some other chipsets reviewed today in terms of graphics.

Advantages

• Video support in 2160p resolution at 60 fps;
• Not very big heating;
• Low power consumption;
• High marks in benchmarks.

Flaws

• The memory test shows not the highest results;
• The graphics accelerator could have performed better.

The most popular smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Samsung Galaxy Golden 4

Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 MSM8996

• Year of issue: 2015
• Process technology: 14nm FinFET
• Architecture: Qualcomm Kryo
• Video accelerator: Adreno 530, 624 MHz

Geekbench result: 4890 points

Qualcomm does not have its own manufacturing facilities. However, it has many patents at its disposal. And with them, it is not difficult to develop a processor close to the ideal, after which it remains only to place an order for production from other companies. pleases with both computing power and graphics processing capabilities. Many flagships that were born in 2016 were equipped with this chipset. And none of their customers complained about the graphics in mobile games!

The chip consists of only four cores. However, this did not prevent him from scoring record scores in benchmarks - not least thanks to the graphics accelerator. The maximum frequency of this processor is 2150 MHz. At the hardware level, the chipset supports HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, and Bluetooth 4.1. In a word, the processor could easily cope even with the tasks assigned to a laptop! It also features support for a camera with a resolution of up to 28 megapixels - that is why the company made its choice in favor of this processor, in flagship smartphones which such a sensor is present.

Advantages

• Very high resolution camera support;
• Capable of processing Full HD video at up to 240 fps;
• Support for 10-bit 4K video;
• Windows devices use DirectX 11.2;
• Very high clock frequency;
• Not very high energy consumption;
• High scores in benchmarks;
• The memory test produces high results;
• Excellent performance in games.

Flaws

• Sometimes it gets quite hot.

The most popular smartphones: Moto Z Force, Elite X3, ZenFone 3, 10, Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Sony Xperia X Performance, Sony Xperia XR, Xiaomi Mi5 Pro, Z11

HiSilicon Kirin 95

• Release year: 2016
• Process technology: 16 nm
• Architecture:
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880, 4 cores

Geekbench result: 6000 points

This chipset is made on a 16-nanometer process technology, which indicates its decent energy efficiency. The maximum frequency here is increased to 2.5 GHz. The creators had to take such a step because of the Mali-T880 graphics accelerator, which does not cope with its task in the best way.

The Chinese chipset consists of eight cores, four of which can be called auxiliary. Paired with a GPU, it is capable of playing 4K video at 60 fps. But only to reproduce - the processor is capable of creating a video recording on its own only in 1080p resolution. And this despite the fact that the chip even supports dual cameras, the total resolution of which is 42 megapixels. It is also capable of recognizing Bluetooth 4.2 and USB 3.0 modules.

Advantages

• Support for many modern wireless technologies;
• Almost record clock speed;
• No big problems with overheating;
• Can decode 4K video at 60fps;
• Supports dual high definition cameras.

Flaws

• The graphics accelerator shows poor results.

The most popular smartphones: Huawei P9, Huawei P9 Plus, Huawei Honor V8, Huawei Honor Note 8.

HiSilicon Kirin 950

• Year of issue: 2015
• Process technology: 16 nm
• Architecture: 4x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880, 4 cores, 900 MHz

Geekbench result: 5950 points

In 2015-2016, this processor was used by many Huawei smartphones. The chipset consists of eight cores, the power of four of them can reach 2300 MHz. It would seem that the result is quite good. But not everything is so clear. The weak point of the chip lies in the graphics accelerator. The first version of the Mali-T880 is used here as it. It copes with video decoding with dignity - in theory, you can even run 4K video at 60 frames / s. But in games, this GPU performs disgustingly, especially by the standards of flagships.

However, to computing power You can’t find fault with this chipset, which is why it got into our top processors. The product supports Bluetooth 4.2 and USB 3.0 standards, although the Chinese giant did not really produce smartphones with such high-speed interfaces, preferring to save money. Also, in theory, the processor copes with the data stream from, which has a total resolution of 42 megapixels.

Advantages

• Supports USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.2;
• High computing power;
• Support for modern memory formats;
• Not very expensive to manufacture;
• Decodes video to high resolution;
• Capable of handling a dual 42-megapixel camera.

Flaws

• The graphics accelerator could be much better;
• Cannot provide the camera with 4K video recording.

The most popular smartphones: Huawei Honor 8, Huawei Honor Note 8, Huawei Mate 8, Huawei Honor V8.

Apple A9X APL1021

• Year of issue: 2015
• Process technology: 16 nm
• Architecture: Apple Twister 64-bit ARMv8-compatible
• Video accelerator: PowerVR Series 7X 12 cores

Result in Geekbench : 5400 points

Why game developers are primarily focused on smartphones and Apple tablets? Really only their owners can afford to buy a toy? No, it's much easier. It is on this technique that the game shows itself best. Apple processor A9X APL1021 is endowed with an almost perfect graphics accelerator, which can handle absolutely any task! If desired, Apple could even implement 4K video recording at 60 fps!

As for computing power, everything is in order with it, although the processor still does not gain record points in benchmarks. It would seem that only two cores are used here. But this is enough for everyday tasks. Not least because of the better optimized operating system.

Advantages

• High power of two cores;
• Excellent 12-core graphics accelerator;
• Full support for 4K video at 60 fps;
• Many support modern technologies;
• Recognizes modern memory formats.

Flaws

Apple iPad Pro

MediaTek MT6797 Helio X25

• Year of issue: 2016
• Process technology: 20 nm
• Architecture: 2x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Coptex-A53 + 4x ARM Coptex-A53
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880MP4, 4 cores, 850 MHz

Geekbench result: 4920 points

A processor with a rather complex structure. It consists of ten nuclei belonging to two varieties. The two cores are the most powerful - they belong to the Cortex-A72 type, and their clock speed can reach 2500 MHz. The remaining computing cores belong to the Cortex-A53 type. At the same time, half of them are overclocked to a frequency of 2000 MHz, while the frequency of the rest is limited to 1550 MHz.

All this allows the processor to score a lot of points in benchmarks. And the result would be even higher if not for the graphics accelerator. This element here is seriously limited in its capabilities. Yes, it supports full 4K video work, including its creation, but only at 30 fps. And in games, the GPU copes with its task even worse. As for the rest of the characteristics, we should highlight the support for 32-megapixel cameras and Bluetooth standard 4.1. The maximum display resolution of a smartphone with this chipset can reach 2560 x 1600 pixels.

Advantages

• 32MP camera support;
• Very high computing power;
• Relatively low power consumption;
• Albeit limited, but support for 4K video;
• Low cost chipset.

Flaws

• The GPU performs poorly in games;
• No Bluetooth 4.2 support.

The most popular smartphones: Meizu Pro 6, K6000 Premium, Xiaomi Redmi Pro, Speed ​​8, Apollo.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953

• Year of issue: 2016
• Process technology: 14 nm
• Architecture: ARM Cortex-A53 (ARMv8)
• Video accelerator: Adreno 506

Geekbench result: 4900 points

One of Qualcomm's most popular creations. They are endowed with a huge number of smartphones from the mid-budget and even top segments. The manufacturer did not bother with the architecture, endowing the chipset with eight identical cores. The maximum clock frequency is 2000 MHz, which ordinary user quite enough.

The graphics accelerator here is optimized for video content processing. Theoretically, a smartphone based on this processor is capable of playing and recording 4K video at 60 frames / s. But in games, some problems begin. Although their presence is surprising, because the GPU even has support for DirectX 12, which is activated on devices with Windows on board. The chipset also supports a dual camera, the total resolution of which does not exceed 24 megapixels. The only thing missing here is USB 3.0 support. However, the creators of smartphones do not like to build such high-speed connectors into their creations.

Advantages

• Dual camera supported;
• Well implemented fast charging technology;
• High power of all eight cores;
• Full Support 4K video content at 60 fps;
• Relatively low cost.

Flaws

• Camera resolution cannot exceed 24 MP;
• No support for Bluetooth 4.2;
• Display resolution cannot exceed 1920 x 1200 dots;
• In games, the chipset does not perform well.

The most popular smartphones: Huawei G9 Plus, ASUS ZenFone 3, Fujitsu Easy, Huawei Maimang 5, Vibe P2, Motorola Moto Z Play, Samsung Galaxy C7.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 620 APQ8076

• Year of issue: 2016
• Process technology: 28 nm
• Architecture: 4x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53
• Video accelerator: Adreno 510

Geekbench result: 4886 points

This chipset is also known as the Snapdragon 652. This is one of the last processors that is still being manufactured on the 28nm process. The creators are not at all embarrassed by the relatively large size of the chip, since it is mainly built into tablets.

The processor consists of eight processing cores. The clock frequency of four of them can reach 1800 MHz. This is quite enough for the tablet to solve the main tasks without any thought. The chipset also includes the Adreno 510 graphics accelerator. There are no particular complaints about it, because no one will expect excellent graphics performance from a tablet. It should be noted that theoretically the chip supports video in 2160p resolution at 30 fps. It also boasts support for Bluetooth 4.1 and proprietary Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology.

Advantages

• Supports devices with large screen resolution;
• Great computing power;
• Albeit limited, but still support for 4K video;
• Built-in fast charging technology.

Flaws

• No support for Bluetooth 4.2;
• Still not the best graphics accelerator.

Most popular devices: Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Plus 8.0, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 Plus 9.7.

MediaTek MT6797M Helio X20

• Year of issue: 2016
• Process technology: 20 nm
• Architecture: 2x ARM Cortex-A72 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53 + 4x ARM Cortex-A53
• Video accelerator: Mali-T880MP4, 4 cores, 780 MHz

Geekbench result: 5130 points

Many mobile processors have four or even eight cores. In the case of the MediaTek MT6797M Helio X20, their number has been increased to ten. As a result, the performance of the chipset is very high. Especially in those applications where serious graphics processing is not required. It should be noted that only two computing cores are especially powerful here - their clock frequency reaches 2300 MHz. The remaining nuclei are divided into two groups. One is able to please with a frequency of 1850 MHz, while the other has this parameter fixed at 1400 MHz. But in any case, the result is very good, which is confirmed by synthetic tests, and by the smartphones themselves - the interface on them does not slow down at all thanks to the chipset.

As for the graphics accelerator, everything is much worse here. Theoretically, it copes with viewing and recording 4K video at 30 fps. But in games, the lack of power is immediately felt. Modern games on a smartphone with such a processor will work, but with simplified graphics. Especially if the device has a screen with Full HD resolution or higher. It should also be noted that the processor supports almost any mobile camera - as long as the resolution of the module does not exceed 32 megapixels.

• Year of issue: 2015
• Process technology: 28 nm
• Architecture: ARM Cortex-A72 + ARM Cortex-A53 (ARMv8)
• Video accelerator: Adreno 510

Geekbench result: 4610 points

There are two versions of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 620 processor, also known as the Snapdragon 652. The first is the MSM8976, which was released in 2015. A year later, a slightly more advanced version was released - APQ8076, which some received. The products are practically indistinguishable from each other. They have eight cores, half of which are capable of boosting the frequency up to 1800 MHz. Both processors are endowed with a far from ideal Adreno 510 graphics accelerator.

Qualcomm's creation is capable of supporting smartphones with a display resolution of no higher than 2560 x 1600 pixels. As for the camera, it is possible to process data coming from a dual module, the total resolution of which does not exceed 21 megapixels. Everything is in order with the module and with the ability to process data coming from dual-channel LPDDR3 memory.

Advantages

• High performance;
• View 4K video at 30 fps;
• The theoretical ability to record video in 1080p and 120 fps;
• Not very high cost;
• Support for dual cameras;
• The screen resolution can reach 2560 x 1600 pixels.

Flaws

• Bluetooth 4.2 not supported;
• The maximum resolution of the camera cannot be very high.

The most popular smartphones: X6S A, Vivo X7, Vivo X7 Plus, LeEco Le2, G5 SE, R9 Plus, Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro (2016), ZTE Nubia Z11 Max, Xiaomi Mi Max