Ranking of the best processors for tablets

In 2018, the market for mobile processors is oversaturated. Almost all manufacturers produce their own chips, both those specializing in similar components (such as Qualcomm, MediaTek or Intel), and electronics developers (Huawei, Samsung). In this case, too much depends on the processor to take the tablet, without looking at this parameter.

We picked up the rating of the best processors that uniquely turn the tablet into a convenient and practical device.

A little about the processors for mobile devices

If processors in computers perform only one function - they are considered according to the algorithms laid down in the chip beforehand, then they play a crucial role in smartphones and tablets. In fact, a mobile processor is only partly a processor. Yes, he also believes as the desktop, but at the same time performs many more functions.

In fact, all sorts of Snapdragon and MediaTek processors are not. This is a SoC - system on a chip (System-on-Chip). Their design includes:

1. Computational kernels. Determine the performance of the tablet when performing complex tasks and multitasking;

2. Graphic accelerator. A sort of "video card" that processes the "picture" on the screen;

3. Modem. Determines the speed of the mobile Internet;

4. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth controllers. Determine the speed of data transmission over these wireless networks;

5. Charge controllers. Needed for fast charging technology;

6. Image processor. Determines the quality of photos;

Thus, the purchase of a device on a slow processor turns not only into the general “brakes” of the tablet, but also the inadequate work of other functions. And some opportunities may simply not be.

For example, no device on the Intel Atom supports fast charging technology. This is because the chip developer company did not put this function in it.

How was the rating processors for tablets

When compiling the rating, we used only “non-manufacturer-tied” processors from three companies - Qualcomm, MediaTek and Intel. The chips released by Huawei (HiSilicon Kirin line), Apple and Samsung (Exynos series) were not taken into account. They are used in tablets only from these manufacturers.

Also, models from Rockchip, Allwinner and Spreadtrum were not included in the rating. These chips are characterized by low productivity and functionality, so it is better to refrain from buying devices equipped with them.

In addition, we decided to refrain from adding individual processor models to the rating. There are too many of them. Instead, we compared the processor line - the more so that the differences within the series may be minimal.

Ranking of the best processors for tablets

Nomination	a place	Name of product	Rating
The best processors for premium tablets	1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (800, 810, 820, 825, 830, 835)	4.9
	2	Intel Core m (m3, m5) and Intel Core i (i3, i5)	4.8
	3	MediaTek Helio X (X10 and X20)	4.6
The best processors for tablets of the average price segment	1	Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 (600, 615, 625, 650 and newer)	4.9
	2	MediaTek Helio P (P10, P20, P23, P25, P30 and P60)	4.7
	3	Intel Atom x (x3, x5)	4.7
The best processors for low-cost tablets	1	MediaTek MT87XX (MT8752, MT8732)	4.6
	2	MediaTek MT86XX (MT8693, MT8685 models)	4.5

The best processors for premium tablets

Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Series (800, 810, 820, 825, 830, 835)

Rating: 4.9

Why the first place: Maximum performance and the latest technology.

Description: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series includes the most advanced, flagship and powerful processors. The manufacturing company implements in them its newest technologies, which provide the best quality of mobile communication, maximum performance and - most importantly for some users - photo processing mechanics. Pictures on devices equipped with these processors are really high-quality.

The series includes four SoC chips with four clusters. Therefore, each computational module can work separately. This is important, for example, when performing undemanding applications - the chip does not heat up and consumes a minimum of energy.

All cores in the SoC QS800 have the same frequency. In the models of 2016 and newer, the technology of double-stream computing per core is implemented. Built-in powerful graphics accelerators Adreno support augmented and virtual reality.

 

Intel Core m (m3, m5) and Intel Core i (i3, i5) Series

Rating: 4.8

Why second place: Maximum performance, but only for Windows-tablets.

Description: Intel fourth generation processors - and newer - generations can be used not only in desktops and laptops, but also in tablets. These chips, if properly configured by the manufacturer, can work with passive cooling and therefore do not need coolers. However, they retain almost desktop performance.

However, the processor architecture (x86 and x64) does not allow them to be used with mobile operating systems, such as Android. Equipped with their tablets are exclusively running Windows 10.

Depending on the specific chip model, processors can be equipped with 2 or 4 cores, as well as an integrated Intel HD Graphics card. All implemented dual-stream computing technology, three levels of cache and other technologies that increase performance.

It should be noted separately that these are the only processors in the rating - namely processors, and not SoC.

 

MediaTek Helio X Series (X10 and X20)

Rating: 4.6

Why third place: Optimum performance and low power consumption.

Description: MediaTek Helio X series includes flagship chips from this Chinese manufacturer. The company-developer in them has accomplished the almost impossible: installed 10 cores. However, it is worth noting that they are combined into three clusters of 2 or 4 modules, and the clock frequency varies between them.

For example, the flagship MediaTek Helio X20 has 10 cores - 2 at 2.5 GHz, 4 at 2 GHz and 4 at 1.4 GHz. Because of this, overall processor performance is rather average. But on the other hand, the power consumption of the system is minimal — in the Doze deep sleep mode, only 1.4 GHz cores are activated, artificially limiting battery consumption.

However, the performance of the Helio X series processors is higher than that of the other MediaTek chips. That is why they entered our rating. In addition, Helio X implements modern technologies, for example, video shooting in 4K resolution.

 

The best processors for tablets of the average price segment

Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Series (600, 615, 625, 650 and later)

Rating: 4.9

Why the first place: High performance and powerful graphics accelerator.

Description: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 series includes high-performance processors in the mid-range category. They are most often installed in flagship tablets, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and S3. High performance of such processors ensures smooth operation, moreover, both in multitasking and single-tasking modes.

But the main advantage of the Snapdragon 600 series processors is a powerful graphics accelerator. It supports high resolution screens, including Retina-like, and AR Augmented Reality technology.

The processor architecture includes 8 cores. But in a row of chips, they work separately, while in models 650 and 652 they are clustered and differ in clock frequency. Nevertheless, regardless of the architecture, the performance of these processors remains high, due to which they are at the top of the chip rating for devices in the middle price segment.

 

MediaTek Helio P Series (P10, P20, P23, P25, P30 and P60)

Rating: 4.7

Why second place: High performance, but limited manufacturer support.

Description: The MediaTek Helio P series, which ranked second in the ranking, includes processors designed for tablets and smartphones in the middle price segment. Nevertheless, it includes powerful enough chips with a balanced architecture. The design of processors includes 8 cores Cortex ARM64, which can have the same clock frequency or cluster in depending on the specific model.

The main advantage of processors is support for high-speed LTE. For example, the model P23 supports two 4G-communication modules at once, which will be appreciated by amateur electronics from Chinese manufacturers. They often install two SIM trays and separate modems for each in their tablets.

The P30 model supports HDR, telephoto and wide-angle video shots, and the MediaTek Helio P60 chip is compatible with artificial intelligence technologies.

Intel Atom x (x3, x5) series

Rating: 4.7

Why third place: Processors that provide optimal performance for tablets and hybrid laptops on the Windows operating system.

Description: Closes the rating of processors for middle-class devices, the Intel Atom x series. Despite the fact that the chips belong to the budget price segment, they are better suited for tablets on Windows than Celeron or Pentium. Atom X processors run on a 22-nanometer process technology (or even less), so they do not need active cooling - just a wide heatsink.

Depending on the specific model, the series processors are equipped with two or four cores, and the average clock frequency is 1.5 GHz. The chips are complemented by Intel HD Graphics integrated graphics accelerator, which provides sufficient performance even for some fairly old games.

Like the chips from the Core m series, Atom x are just processors, not full-fledged SoC systems. Therefore, the work of the other components of the tablet depends on the manufacturer's installed components.

 

The best processors for low-cost tablets

MediaTek MT87XX Series (MT8752, MT8732)

Rating: 4.6

Why first place: High performance and support for 16 megapixel cameras.

Description: As mentioned earlier, the processors determine not only the performance of the tablet, but also its functionality. Therefore, it is not worth expecting anything more or less powerful from the chips included in this rating. For example, even topping the list MediaTek MT8752 only supports 16 megapixel cameras.

But it is compatible with the latest H.265 software compression codec, thanks to which chips equipped with this processor can shoot Full HD video at a frequency of 60 fps, and the finished file will weigh significantly less than usual.

MT8752 is based on an eight-core architecture and has a clock frequency of 1.7 GHz. The junior model - MT8732 - is equipped with four cores with a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz. Nevertheless, both chips work fast enough and provide high smoothness even in multitasking mode.

 

MediaTek MT86XX series (MT8693, MT8685 models)

Rating: 4.5

Why second place: Optimum performance, but noticeable heat.

Description: Processors, which occupy the second place in the rating, are installed in most tablets of the budget and "lower middle" price category. Model MT8693 is equipped with six processing cores, combined into two clusters (2 to 2.0 GHz and 4 to 1.6 GHz). The younger chip, MT8685, has in its architecture already 4 cores at 1.5 GHz, operating separately.

Both models support quite relevant technologies - 13-megapixel cameras, software-hardware codecs H.265, cache LPDDR3, 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. Good optimization provides a quick cold start for wireless modules.

However, the processors significantly heat up during operation, as a result of which they need good cooling. If the tablet maker does not provide for it, there is a noticeable throttling, which manifests itself in a drop in the speed of the entire operating system.

 

 

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.