It would seem that not so long ago the main topic of discussion among gamers were the two eternal brand wars - against Radeon and AMD against Intel. The protracted battle has already lost its meaning, and fans of this or that brand simply cannot convince each other. Now gamers have another platform - mobile. And here there is a much wider variety of manufacturers, so it has become much more difficult to determine which processor is best for games.
And the point here is not even in the “stones” themselves, but in the fact that marketers first of all promote the brand. The advertising highlights the interface features, operating system, cameras and other elements of smartphones and tablets, and the brand of the processor and its performance are mentioned only in passing. In order not to mix everything together, let's look at the types of CPUs for . We will only consider the processors of Android devices, since there is no choice as such on the iOS market.
Most users do not distinguish between the concepts of chipset, processor and SoC (system-on-chip). In fact, these are three different terms. A chipset is a set of chips that enable the processor, memory, and other electronics to work together. SoC is a multifunctional system built on a single chip. The SoC includes not only the processor whose performance is usually talked about, but additional processors, responsible for processing audio, video, standard tasks, and so on.
For example, the Tegra 2 SoC chipset has 8 processors:
- For video encoding;
- For video decoding;
- To process images (for example, from a camera);
- For working with sound;
- Graphic;
- For standard procedures;
- and 8. For basic computing processes - two Cortex-A9.
When determining the number of cores of a particular chipset, they talk specifically about the main computing processors, and in our case there are two of them, that is, Tegra 2 is a dual-core processor.
Why are so many other data processors installed in the SoC? To reduce device power consumption. On this moment LTE modules are also built into the chipsets, which reduces battery consumption compared to previous solutions when this communication module was installed separately.
Frequency, cores and performance
The vast majority of tablet buyers believe that the number of processor cores directly affects performance. In this view, an 8-core CPU is always in an advantageous position relative to two-, four-, and even more so single-core ones.
The same situation is with the clock frequency: than higher figure, the better, the owners believe portable devices. But this logic is not entirely correct, since productivity depends on more factors.
For example, one of the important nuances of microchip architecture is the norm technological process manufacturing of processors. In smartphones and tablets, 32 nm is now most often used. Roughly speaking, this is the thickness of the conductive paths that transmit signals from element to element. The lower this value, the better, because the resistance will be lower. The 20 nm norm is just beginning to gain momentum, but when it will become mainstream is unknown.
We will not go into all the details of chipset development and implementation of various technologies. The point remains one thing - games on a tablet with dual core processor can run more smoothly than on a device with four cores and a higher clock speed. There can be many reasons for this. Of course, this is not always the case, but we must understand: a large number of cores and a high frequency of their operation are not the key to success.
Software optimization
The most important thing for performance is optimizing the firmware, the operating system itself and software. For example, we can take the iPad Air 2, which has a triple-core A8X processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. When developing iOS 8 and the firmware of the device, Apple focused specifically on the hardware of this tablet and the processor, so its optimization is close to ideal. At the same time, you can take any Chinese tablet based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 800. This processor has four cores with a clock frequency of 2.3 GHz.
If it were possible to compare both chipsets without using different operating systems and other components, Snapdragon would win outright. But many factors ultimately give us a completely different picture. Air 2 has amazing performance and a smooth interface, and the latest games with the highest level of graphics run on the tablet without any problems. Maybe there is an Apple A8X? best processor for a tablet?
In the case of Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, the situation may be different. The Chinese tablet Docomo F-02F does not have any particular problems with the interface, but they are still noticeable. Some game projects go just fine, while others do not produce high enough FPS. But Pro 8.4 based on the same chipset does not raise any complaints at all. As you can imagine, the direct answer is in comparing the two different processors It's not always possible to get it.
Software testing of processors
Often, when choosing a tablet or smartphone, people are guided by the indicators of various tests, believing that the higher the number given in the result window, the better device they got it. In fact, there are many pitfalls lurking here too.
Browser testing
Sometimes tablet reviews include comparison tests of browsers. different devices. If the devices are similar in terms of hardware and platform, then this makes sense. But the greater the difference between devices, the more useless these numbers are. At the moment the most fast browser is considered such in the Blackberry BB10 operating system, but all devices with this OS are developed on outdated processors. Fortunately, we are trying to determine which processor is better for games, and here the situation is much simpler than with browsers.
AnTuTu test
AnTuTu testing apps are now the standard for tablet reviews. There is no review where competitors' test scores were not used. And in this case, we advise you not to rely heavily on the accuracy of the data obtained.
The number that the application produces after testing shows the sum of the following results:
- memory performance;
- integrated processor performance;
- calculation of floating point numbers;
- 2D graphics performance;
- 3D graphics performance;
- SD card writing and reading speed;
- I/O performance.
Among them there are tests that have a direct meaning, such as calculating numbers. And there are also those whose testimony can be called cloudy. For example, 3D graphics performance indicators should not be trusted. But we are considering the total amount, which means we won’t be able to get an exact answer.
If we compare Note 4 ratings, Apple iPhone 6 Plus and Meizu MX4, it turns out that, despite different software and hardware, their performance is on the same level. It is unlikely that all three devices behave the same in all cases. Everyone has their positive sides, and there are also disadvantages, but we won’t know anything about it from the test results.
At the same time, the AnTuTu test tries to show what the device is capable of when maximum loads. The chipset of tablets is designed in such a way that it does not constantly work at high power, because because of this it would be discharged in a few minutes. The clock speed of tablet processors varies depending on specific applications and their requirements. Let's say, for 2048 the performance required is not at all the same as for Modern Combat 4. But we can consider the test results as a reference figure, based on which we will choose the best processor for the tablet. If we choose a CPU specifically for such purposes, then we are not interested in performance in the browser or in light arcade games.
AnTuTu scandal
Last year, it turned out that Samsung programmers were able to come up with a way to trick performance testing applications. The Korean company's devices understood which application was currently running and changed the clock frequency. So the AnTuTu indicators turned out to be overestimated. On the other hand, this is how most software works, so there was no significant deception here, but still the company did not act completely honestly.
Dependency on RAM
If the volume random access memory will be limited, then no most powerful processor will give you a comfortable FPS level in games. Gamers sometimes get the idea that too much RAM is an unnecessary luxury. This is partly true.
operating room Android system Can only work with three gigabytes of RAM. The restriction may soon be lifted, but this will not be such a significant event for gamers for the second reason.
Modern games do not require too many of these same gigabytes. Of course, for some projects one will not be enough, but two are quite enough. 3 GB can justify itself in one case out of a hundred. It is still difficult to predict when games will become so demanding that increased amounts of memory will become the standard for top-end smartphones.
Processor manufacturers
Qualcomm
Qualcomm is the market leader. The trust of users and tablet manufacturers was quickly won with the help of high-quality, powerful SoC chipsets and constant innovation. For example, the built-in LTE module first appeared with this brand. Of course, promoted chips are more expensive than others.
MediaTek
The main competitor of the previous brand is MediaTek. Unlike the leader, this company is trying to produce chipsets at an affordable price. Although on initial stage development, the quality of the company's chips was not at the highest level, which still remains a stain on the manufacturer's image.
Samsung
Korean tablet manufacturer Samsung smartphones tries to use only its own developments in its devices. Exynos chipsets keep up with the leader and its competitors, but have not yet gained popularity, mainly due to the use of processors on tablets of the same brand.
nVidia
Nvidia's Tegra processors are still trying to find their niche and win fans. For PC gamers who buy a tablet, such names sound more solid than the obscure words Snapdragon or Exynos. What makes Tegra different is that the company itself optimizes the most powerful and popular games, increasing the performance of some projects on its hardware.
Intel
Intel Atom processors are just gaining popularity in the mobile market and have already achieved good results. They are distributed mainly under special conditions, so they often become the basis of Lenovo devices.
Conclusion
So, we have decided that choosing the best processor for it is very difficult, since everything depends on the operating system, installed shell, firmware version, amount of RAM and other factors. However, we found out that the leaders are top processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek. But it’s always difficult to choose, since new hardware solutions appear very quickly, and if you don’t want to change your device once a year, then you’ll have to look at your competitors very carefully.
But the best processor for a tablet at the moment is the MediaTek MT8392. 8 cores with a frequency of 1.7 GHz are highly optimized and provide not only amazing performance, but also low power consumption: the cores are turned off if the power is not needed, and the power is also reduced clock frequency. In addition, the developers of Modern Combat 5 have updated their game, providing improved graphics and high FPS for the new powerful chipset.
What is the first thing people pay attention to when choosing and buying a tablet? The answer to this rhetorical question is obvious - of course, the processor. After all, this is everyone's heart computer technology and the successful operation of the entire system as a whole will depend on its design and output characteristics. An ever-freezing tablet is what an owner who is irresponsible in choosing a processor can expect. If this element does not combine well with other components, then malfunctions are not excluded, as a rule, with the loss of all data that was not saved in time.
Which unit should you choose? With suitable characteristics and the optimal combination of price and quality, of course. Due to the wide variety of brands on the modern market of high-tech devices, we present for your consideration a rating of tablet processors based on CPU performance, which certainly deserve, if not purchase, then at least attention.
This is, first of all, 26,000 rating units according to the test AnTuTu program. A 4-core machine based on ARMv9. Each core has 1.89 GHz + one Adreno 320 graphics core. Also, 3G and GPS modules are already built-in. Processor supports USB interface 3.0 and, of course, a photo and video camera, but no more than 21 Mpx.
Sixth place and 30,000 rating units according to AnTuTu. The only disadvantage of these processors is that for now they are installed only on the Onda V975m tablet line. In the near future, the developers promise to make it compatible with all other models. And this is good news, since the processor has a very interesting characteristics: 4 cores with a frequency of 2 GHz + as many as 8 graphics cores of 6.09 GHz.
It confidently occupies fifth place in our rating, thanks to an 8-core system with a frequency of 2 GHz + 4 graphics at 0.7 GHz. Known as perhaps the most powerful among modern ubiquitous CPUs. Supports HDMI, GPS and 3G. The Antutu program rated these qualities at 30,000 rating units.
Fourth place and a product from the legendary developers of NVidia. They made a real breakthrough by combining in the processor its basic properties with the qualities of a video card. Thanks to the integration of the GeForce ULP GPU video accelerator, equipped with 72 graphics cores, it is possible to play popular games (with the exception of the latest innovations). The device has 4 cores with a frequency of 1.8 to 2.3 GHz.
Third place and 35,000 rating units in the PassMark test system. A fashionable device for flawless performance iPad models 4.1 and 4.2. The processor is designed based on 64-bit ARMv8. Great graphics performance is provided by the PowerVR G6430 video accelerator. This model It has only 2 cores at 1.4 GHz, which is quite the optimal option for the iPad.
It differs from the previous representative of the iPad processor line only in that it is installed on iPad Mini 2 and iPhone 5s, and also has more high performance processor frequency – 1.2 GHz.
The undisputed leader in our tablet processor rating for tablets. It has the highest frequency – 2.5 GHz and has 4 cores. For graphic works the developers equipped this machine with Adreno 330. This brand is worn only by the most productive and powerful processors from Qualcomm, as well as chips. They are suitable for “new generation” smartphones and tablets, such as Samsung Galaxy S IV LTE-A and Sony Xperia Z Ultra.
Nowadays, there are many types of high-quality, fast processors for tablets. Among them it is quite difficult to choose something suitable for yourself. Any model must satisfy the buyer’s conditions in terms of performance. This is exactly what numerous gamers, and ordinary people too, are betting on. Many people are also interested optimal ratio prices and quality.
If you want to choose for yourself best tablet processor in 2017, then our information will be most useful to you. Our rating consists of 3 models. Each of them will definitely please you with its characteristics.
Samsung Exynos 7420 Octa
This model appeared on the market only in 2015. It was then that Samsung began releasing its latest series of progressive gadgets. The model has 8 cores. Four of them have a clock speed of 2.1 gigahertz, and the remaining four have a clock speed of 1.5 gigahertz. Here, a 64-bit memory controller was used for the first time. The processor is designed to reduce power consumption. At the same time, the energy efficiency of the equipment is high. This is the optimal solution for games of any complexity. This processor was developed using 14 nm technology. One of the most progressive to date.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994
Another interesting model. True, it can already be called classic. This is the optimal solution for all lovers of high-speed tablets. It is also equipped with eight cores with a clock frequency of 2 gigahertz. They provide highest performance in any conditions. Classic 20 nm technology was used here. This high-quality tablet processor requires the use of a huge amount of wireless technologies. The energy efficiency of the device is really high.
MediaTek MT6595 Turbo
This model becomes our winner today. It is great for both tablets and smartphones. Excellent quality makes many people prefer tablets with this model. You will be pleased with the clock frequency, which is 2.5 gigahertz. The model operates on a 28 nm process technology. I'm glad that it can support a huge number of wireless technologies. Works with a 2-cluster PowerVR G6200 graphics card, clocked at 600 MHz.
