What are Processors?
Smartphone processors are commonly called SoC, which means System-on-Chip. They don’t just contain the CPU that handles the general tasks of your phone, but much more.
Processors are brains of the phones, they include the CPU, GPU, NPU/AI Engines for on-device AI tasks, ISP(Camera and image processing), Modems(Wifi/5G connectivity), memory, amongst other components.
Processors define how fast your smartphone will run, explaining both the strengths and limitations of the best smartphone processors in 2025.
In this article, we will tell you all about the four best smartphone processors in 2025, including what makes each of them unique. We will tell you about GPUs/Graphic-intensive use/Gaming, Battery life/Efficiency, so that you can decide the best value for yourself amongst these four best smartphone processors.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
Strengths
- It is built using a 3-nm process (TSMC N3E/Similar class) with a CPU Configuration
- Two prime cores running at ~4.32 GHz plus multiple high-performance cores.
- Has very strong single-core performance, which greatly helps with a snappier user interface and faster app launches.
- Performance improvements in GPU, its Afreno GPU shows over 40% gains over its previous generations which makes it excellent for gaming.
- Power Efficiency has been improved, but like with many high-end chips, sustained load still poses thermal challenges.
Limitation
- Premium cost.
- Under heavy loads of gaming or long video processing, the thermal challenges can reduce the advantages and efficiency of the processor, which will depend largely on the cooling of the device.
Samsung Exynos 2400
Strengths
- It has a Deca core/10-core CPU (with clusters of various cortex cores)
- Xclipse 940 GPU with AMD RDNA3 hardware ray tracking, giving good gaming performance and supporting high refresh rate displays
- Samsung claims ~14.7 times improvement in AI/NPU
- Supports 320 MP sensors, zero shutter lag
- High download and upload speed, integrated 5G Modem
Limitation
- Real world performance is behind in comparison to Snapdragon 8 Elite or Dimension 9400
- Decent power efficiency
- In many regions, Snapdragon variants of the same phone have better modem/connectivity performance/support.
Apple A19 Pro
Strengths
- Continues to hold the top spot in major performance metrics, especially for iOS devices.
- It has strong improvements over its predecessor Apple A18 Pro.
- Has excellent single-threaded performance, unmatched in comparison to iOS, Android, making the Apps super responsive.
- Improved performance in graphics due to strong GPU gains.
- Efficient in real-world taks due to tight integration of hardware.
Limitation
- It is only the best if you are in the Apple ecosystem, as the cross-platform compatibility will continue to be an issue due to differences.
MediaTek Dimensity 9400
Strengths
- It is built on a 3-nm node and features an ‘All Big Core’ CPU Layout,
- It has big gains in both single-core and multicore (35 %) and (28 %) performance over the previous generations, primarily due to architectural improvements.
- It has a powerful GPU that comes with better ray tracing performance and notable power savings (Immortalis- G925)
- It supports advanced tasks like on-device video generation and even training of smaller models like LoRa due to a strong AI and NPU Component.
Limitation
- Heating issues persist so its performance overall depends on how well the phone handles heat.
- Available in certain limited regions as compared to Snapdragon chips.
Decide on the right processor for your smartphone
There is a right processor for every smartphone. Whether you are a gamer, a creator who wants to click pictures and process videos, or just an everyday user there is a chip that suits your needs. Some of these chips excel in gaming and raw power, others have balanced performance, and some deliver unmatched responsiveness. Most of these chips have an AI feature, but ultimately, the correct processor for you will depend on how you use your phone on a day-to-day basis.
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