Why should you care about which is the best processor for mobile phones? You should because mobile phones are an essential part of our daily lives, and we want them to be fast, smooth, and reliable. One of the key factors that determines the performance of a mobile phone is its processor, also known as the system-on-chip (SoC). A processor is the brain of the phone, and it handles everything from running apps and games, to processing photos and videos, to connecting to the internet and other devices.
But how do you know which processor is the best for your phone? There are many different types and brands of processors, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some processors are more powerful, some are more efficient, some are more affordable, and some are more compatible with certain features and platforms.
In this article, we rank the top 10 processors for mobile phones in 2023, based on their performance. We used the latest benchmark scores from AnTuTu and Geekbench, two of the most widely used tools for measuring the speed and power of processors. We also included the names of phones that use each of those top processors.
Whether you are looking for a new phone, or just curious about the latest technology, this article will help you understand the differences and similarities between the best processors for mobile phones in 2023. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is a Processor or SoC?
A processor is an electronic circuit that handles the instructions and calculations of a computing device, e.g. phones, PCs, laptops, etc. Your average smartphone has multiple processors in it, as today’s mobile processors come equipped with advanced processing threads. These include Artificial Intelligence Engine and Image Signal Processors. They are programmed to handle various tasks, including computation, voice calling, image processing, camera calibration, and cellular networking.
These processors are the intelligent mobile processors of the next generation and are commonly referred to as System-on-Chip (SoC). The complexity of these SoCs requires rigorous testing to identify their essential advancements and performance capabilities, a process known as benchmarking. In summary, processors pretty much control everything about the mobile device.
What is benchmarking?
Benchmarking is an industry-level technique that evaluates an SoC’s performance based on specific metrics. After thorough testing, these metrics are transformed into a score representing the SoC’s capabilities. The benchmark tests include assessing gaming performance, battery efficiency, and overall CPU performance. This helps consumers determine the computing power of different SoCs and make informed decisions while choosing their next mobile device. As such, identifying the best processor for mobile phones is based on benchmark results.
Best Processor for Mobile Phones: 2023 List
For smartphone users all over the world looking to have the best processor for their mobile devices, we have compiled a list of the top 10 phone processors with names of smartphones that use them in the country. If you are a power user, these are the processors to look for when picking your next smartphone.
- Apple A17 Bionic: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: iQoo 12. Motorola Edge 50 Pro. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- Apple A16 Bionic: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 15 Plus, Apple iPhone 14 Pro, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Nothing Phone 2
- MediaTek Dimensity 9200:
- MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Plus: Asus ROG Phone 6D, Asus ROG Phone 6 Batman Edition
- Apple A15 Bionic: Apple iPhone 13, Apple iPhone 13 Mini, Apple iPhone 13 Pro, Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 2022, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus.
- MediaTek Dimensity 9000: OnePlus Nord 3, OnePlus 10R
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1: OnePlus 10 Pro
Which Mobile Processor is Best For Gaming?
For users who prioritize gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking, the top-tier, highest-scoring chipsets are the ideal choice. That means any smartphone using any one of the above processors is excellent for gaming. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can purchase a phone with processors slightly below the above (take the numbers in their names as a guide).
Best Processor for Mobile Phones: Verdict:
Selecting the best processor for your mobile device depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize photography, gaming, or a balanced smartphone experience, our list of the best processor for mobile phones includes options to cater to every power user. Understanding the capabilities of different mobile processors will empower you to make an informed decision when purchasing your next smartphone.
Having said that, the overall best processor for mobile phones as at December 2023 is the Apple A17 Bionic, the same chip that powers the new iPhone 15 Pro series. If you are not a fan of Apple’s closed ecosystem, the best processor for Android phones right now is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Mister Mobility 
Adanna Eze