Android Chipset Ranking: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Processors in 2024

The chipset, also known as the System on Chip (SoC), is the heart of any Android device. It controls the device's core functions, including processing speed, performance, graphics rendering, and power efficiency. As the technology advances, so do the chipsets, with several key players dominating the market. Whether you're looking for the fastest, most energy-efficient, or best-performing Android chipset, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest releases.

In this article, we will break down the Android chipset ranking for 2024, covering the best chipsets in various categories and providing insights into their performance.

1. Qualcomm Snapdragon Series

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is Qualcomm's flagship SoC, introduced in 2024. This chipset is optimized for high performance, gaming, photography, and AI applications, making it the most advanced in the Snapdragon 8 series.

Key Features:

  • CPU: 1x Cortex-X4 core (up to 3.7 GHz), 2x Cortex-A715 cores, 2x Cortex-A710 cores, and 3x Cortex-A510 cores.
  • GPU: Adreno 740, delivering excellent gaming performance and high frame rates.
  • AI Engine: Upgraded Hexagon AI engine that delivers AI-based enhancements for real-time tasks.
  • 5G: Qualcomm X75 5G modem with improved speed and coverage.

Performance:

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 leads in CPU performance with single-core and multi-core performance improvements. Its Adreno GPU offers a superior gaming experience, even for the most demanding titles, providing smoother graphics and better frame rates.

Devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 series
  • Xiaomi 14 Pro
  • OnePlus 12
  • Oppo Find X6 Pro

Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2

Released as a refined version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 offers improved power efficiency and better thermals, making it ideal for flagship devices.

Key Features:

  • CPU: 1x Cortex-X3 core (up to 3.2 GHz), 3x Cortex-A715, 2x Cortex-A710, and 2x Cortex-A510 cores.
  • GPU: Adreno 740 for high-end graphics performance.
  • AI Engine: Enhanced Hexagon AI processing for fast AI tasks.

Performance:

With better efficiency and less heat, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 offers a premium experience for gaming, multitasking, and multimedia processing. While it doesn’t quite outperform the 8 Gen 3, it is a close competitor, especially for users who prioritize energy savings.

Devices:

  • Xiaomi 13 Pro
  • OnePlus 11
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

2. MediaTek Dimensity Series

Dimensity 9200

The Dimensity 9200 from MediaTek is a powerful chipset designed to compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8-series. It focuses on delivering exceptional gaming performance, AI capabilities, and camera enhancements.

Key Features:

  • CPU: 1x Cortex-X3 core (up to 3.05 GHz), 3x Cortex-A715 cores, and 4x Cortex-A510 cores.
  • GPU: Mali-G715 for high-end graphics.
  • AI Engine: Improved AI-based photography and video features.
  • 5G: Integrated 5G modem for faster connectivity.

Performance:

The Dimensity 9200 is an excellent choice for flagship-level Android smartphones. It offers blazing fast processing speeds, superior gaming performance, and enhanced camera processing for stunning photography.

Devices:

  • Xiaomi 13
  • Oppo Reno 9 Pro+
  • Vivo X90 Pro

Dimensity 1080

The Dimensity 1080 offers premium mid-range performance with an emphasis on AI-enhanced photography and efficient multitasking. It is designed to bring flagship-level features to more affordable devices.

Key Features:

  • CPU: 2x Cortex-A78 cores (up to 2.6 GHz) and 6x Cortex-A55 cores.
  • GPU: Mali-G68 GPU for solid gaming and multimedia performance.
  • AI Engine: Support for advanced AI-driven features, including camera optimizations and gaming enhancements.

Performance:

The Dimensity 1080 strikes a balance between performance and energy efficiency, making it ideal for mid-range smartphones. It delivers great all-around performance, especially for camera-centric devices.

Devices:

  • Realme 11 Pro+
  • Infinix Zero Ultra

3. Samsung Exynos Series

Exynos 2200

The Exynos 2200 was Samsung's flagship SoC in its 2022 and 2023 Galaxy series devices. Though it was initially received with mixed reviews, it has improved over time, offering better performance, especially for gaming and AI-powered applications.

Key Features:

  • CPU: 1x Cortex-X2 core (up to 2.9 GHz), 3x Cortex-A710 cores, and 4x Cortex-A510 cores.
  • GPU: Xclipse 920, based on AMD RDNA 2 architecture for superior graphics.
  • AI Engine: AI-enhanced photography and real-time video processing.

Performance:

While not as competitive as Qualcomm and MediaTek at the high-end, the Exynos 2200 still offers decent gaming performance and AI tasks, though it lags behind Snapdragon in some areas, particularly efficiency and battery life.

Devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S22 series
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

4. Apple A-Series (For Comparison)

While Apple’s A-series chips (like the A16 Bionic) are not directly comparable to Android chipsets, they still provide valuable insight into performance trends in mobile chipsets.

A17 Pro

Introduced in the iPhone 15 series, the A17 Pro is Apple's most powerful SoC yet. It uses a 3nm process, offering exceptional energy efficiency and performance.

Key Features:

  • CPU: 6-core architecture, including 2 high-performance cores and 4 energy-efficient cores.
  • GPU: Apple’s custom GPU delivers console-level gaming performance.
  • AI Engine: Neural Engine for advanced AI tasks.

While Apple's A-series chips currently dominate in terms of raw performance and efficiency, Android chipsets, particularly from Qualcomm and MediaTek, have closed the gap significantly.

5. Best Android Chipsets for Different Categories

Best Flagship Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

  • Why: Leading in performance, gaming, and AI capabilities, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides an exceptional experience across a wide range of tasks.

Best Mid-Range Chipset: MediaTek Dimensity 9200

  • Why: The Dimensity 9200 offers flagship-level features (fast processing, AI photography) in a more affordable package. It is great for users who want solid performance without breaking the bank.

Best for Gaming: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / MediaTek Dimensity 9200

  • Why: Both of these chipsets deliver high-end gaming performance with advanced GPU capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 leads in overall graphics, but the Dimensity 9200 is also excellent in this area.

Best for Photography: MediaTek Dimensity 9200

  • Why: With its AI-powered camera features and ability to handle high-resolution photos, the Dimensity 9200 leads in photography for Android devices.

Best Budget Chipset: MediaTek Helio G99

  • Why: The Helio G99 offers solid performance for budget smartphones with a balance of power and energy efficiency, making it a great choice for entry-level and mid-range phones.

Conclusion

As Android devices continue to evolve, so do their chipsets. From Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which leads the market in performance and gaming, to MediaTek's Dimensity 9200, which offers a solid mid-range experience with AI-enhanced features, the Android chipset landscape is diverse and competitive.

For users looking for the best performance, Qualcomm and MediaTek’s flagship chipsets are the go-to options, while those who are budget-conscious can still enjoy excellent performance with the Dimensity 1080 or Helio G99. As we move further into 2024, these chipsets will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of speed, efficiency, and user experience.