Android Chipset Ranking: Top Performers in 2024

When it comes to Android smartphones, the chipset (also referred to as the processor) is one of the most critical components that directly affects performance, battery life, and overall user experience. The Android chipset plays a vital role in everything, from multitasking and gaming performance to power efficiency and AI capabilities. In this article, we will discuss the current top Android chipsets in 2024, ranked based on performance, features, and popularity.

What is an Android Chipset?

An Android chipset is a crucial hardware component inside Android smartphones, integrating multiple functions into a single chip. It combines the CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), AI (Artificial Intelligence) processing unit, modem (for connectivity), and other essential features into one package. The chipset is responsible for running apps, handling gaming, managing power consumption, and controlling overall device performance.

Key Features of a Chipset:

  1. CPU Performance: The number of cores and their clock speeds determine how fast and responsive a phone can be.
  2. GPU Power: The GPU handles graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, rendering, and video playback.
  3. AI Capabilities: Modern chipsets have dedicated AI processors that help with features like image processing, voice assistants, and facial recognition.
  4. Connectivity: Features such as 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth performance are determined by the chipset.
  5. Battery Efficiency: The chipset’s power efficiency plays a significant role in how long the battery lasts.
  6. Security: Many chipsets include features like hardware-level security to protect data.

Top Android Chipsets Ranked in 2024

1. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is one of the most powerful Android chipsets available in 2024, used in flagship Android smartphones from brands like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and more.

Key Features:

  • CPU: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 comes with an octa-core CPU featuring a 1+5+2 core architecture, with a powerful Cortex-X4 core clocked at up to 3.3 GHz.
  • GPU: The Adreno 740 GPU offers excellent graphics performance for gaming and multimedia tasks.
  • AI: Equipped with a Hexagon 890 AI processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 brings impressive AI capabilities, making it excellent for features like voice recognition and computational photography.
  • 5G: Built-in Snapdragon X75 5G modem enables ultra-fast 5G connectivity with download speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
  • Battery Efficiency: Advanced 6nm process for improved power efficiency, reducing battery drain while maintaining high performance.

Performance:

  • The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers remarkable performance in terms of speed, multitasking, and gaming. It powers high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, OnePlus 12, and Xiaomi 14 Pro, offering the best performance in 2024.

Ranking: #1 - The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 remains the top performer in terms of overall power, making it the chipset to beat in 2024.

2. Apple A17 Pro (Used in Android Devices with Custom Chips)

While Apple’s A-series chips are technically designed for iPhones, their performance often influences the Android chipset industry, and some custom versions of Apple's A-series chipsets have appeared in Android devices. For instance, some Android brands are opting for Apple-level performance chips in certain models, like Google Tensor G3 or Exynos 2400 in Samsung devices.

Key Features:

  • CPU: The A17 Pro features a 6-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, offering exceptional performance for power-hungry tasks.
  • GPU: The 5-core GPU delivers fantastic graphics performance for gaming and rendering.
  • AI: Integrated Neural Engine helps with real-time photo and video enhancements, machine learning tasks, and gaming.

Performance:

  • The A17 Pro delivers an industry-leading performance in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world use cases, particularly in gaming, AI, and computational photography.

Ranking: #2 - While Apple chips are not used in Android phones directly, their high performance is highly respected, and custom chips based on similar architecture are making an impact.

3. Samsung Exynos 2400

Samsung's Exynos chips are used in some of their flagship smartphones, especially for devices in Europe and other regions. The Exynos 2400 is a major step up in terms of performance, designed to compete with Qualcomm's top offerings.

Key Features:

  • CPU: The Exynos 2400 features an octa-core CPU with 1 Cortex-X4 core, 4 Cortex-A715 cores, and 3 Cortex-A510 cores.
  • GPU: The Mali-G715 GPU offers improved graphical performance for smooth gaming and HD video playback.
  • AI: The chipset comes with enhanced AI acceleration and improved camera processing.
  • 5G: Integrated 5G modem supports up to 10Gbps download speeds.

Performance:

  • The Exynos 2400 performs impressively in real-world tasks like gaming, multitasking, and video rendering, though it lags slightly behind Snapdragon in terms of raw power.

Ranking: #3 - The Exynos 2400 offers strong competition to Snapdragon, especially in Samsung's flagship devices, but it doesn't quite surpass Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in performance.

4. MediaTek Dimensity 9200

MediaTek has been making impressive strides in the Android chipset market, and the Dimensity 9200 is one of the leading contenders for premium Android smartphones.

Key Features:

  • CPU: The Dimensity 9200 features a powerful octa-core architecture, with a Cortex-X3 core clocked at 3.05 GHz.
  • GPU: The Mali-G715 GPU provides top-notch graphics performance for gaming and HD multimedia.
  • AI: MediaTek’s APU 700 unit provides excellent AI processing, improving camera features, voice recognition, and machine learning tasks.
  • 5G: Built-in 5G modem with support for advanced 5G speeds and features like dual SIM 5G.

Performance:

  • The Dimensity 9200 offers great multitasking, gaming performance, and battery efficiency. It competes with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and even beats it in some benchmarks, particularly in AI processing and camera capabilities.

Ranking: #4 - The Dimensity 9200 is a strong competitor, particularly in mid-range to high-end smartphones, but it still trails behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

5. Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 2

For mid-range smartphones, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 is an excellent choice, offering high performance at a more affordable price.

Key Features:

  • CPU: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 uses a octa-core CPU, with a high-performance Cortex-A710 core clocked at 2.91 GHz.
  • GPU: The Adreno 725 GPU ensures smooth graphical performance, making it suitable for gaming and multimedia tasks.
  • AI: Equipped with AI capabilities to enhance camera features and battery optimization.
  • 5G: Built-in 5G modem for faster connectivity.

Performance:

  • While the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 doesn’t compete with high-end chipsets, it delivers solid performance for mid-range devices, making it great for those who want power without breaking the bank.

Ranking: #5 - A great choice for mid-range smartphones, offering strong performance at a lower cost.

Conclusion

The Android chipset market is highly competitive, with top players like Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Samsung vying for dominance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 currently leads the ranking, offering the best performance, power efficiency, and cutting-edge features for premium Android devices. Apple’s A17 Pro, although not directly available in Android devices, influences the industry and sets the bar for other chipsets.

While flagship chipsets like the Exynos 2400 and Dimensity 9200 are closing the performance gap, they still trail behind Snapdragon in certain areas. For those seeking an optimal balance of performance and price, mid-range chips like the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 and Dimensity 9000 provide excellent alternatives without compromising too much on power.

As 2024 progresses, expect further advancements in AI, 5G connectivity, and battery efficiency, which will continue to shape the performance and rankings of Android chipsets.