Mobile processors

What do they do?

The processor is the brain of a mobile device, linking most of the key elements that make it work. Most Android devices use processors made by Qualcomm or Mediatek. Some phone manufacturers make their own processors, such as Apple (recognisable by the prefix ‘A’) and Google, which recently launched its Tensor chip in the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro phones.

How do they work?

The processor may subcontract some jobs out to other components, such as RAM memory for storing information, but increasingly more functions are being built into the processor (from graphics to networking). Therefore the make and model of processor in the phone you choose can significantly affect the performance of the device. Other factors like screen resolution and the available RAM will also have an impact, but the processor is key.

What are their specs?

Essential specifications, such as the number of cores and the speed of the processor (measured in GHZ), can provide clues as to how well the phone will perform. Also, the name of the processor will help you compare phones that have chips from the same manufacturer (those with a higher number are usually newer and better than their predecessors). For example, the Xiaomi Poco F3 was one of the first phones to use the Snapdragon 870 processor (pictured), and its performance still matches other phones that use the same or older processors. Phones with a Snapdragon 888 will be faster, but more expensive.

Can I change it later?

No, mobile-phone processors can’t be removed and replaced.