Why Do Smartphone Manufacturers Not Use Older Powerful Processors in Mid-Range Devices?

Many people often wonder why smartphone manufacturers do not use older, yet still powerful, processors in mid-range devices. They argue that it would save costs and improve efficiency. However, the truth is more complex than that, driven by a combination of technological advancements and practical considerations. Let's dive deeper into this topic.

The Myth Behind Processor Performance

Some believe that a smartphone's performance is solely determined by its processor. However, in the Android ecosystem, numerous components such as WiFi, Bluetooth, performance, battery reliability, NFC, camera, video charging, audio, and USB and cellular connectivity are all integrated into the processor. For instance, the Snapdragon chipset from Qualcomm packages Quick Charge and AI alongside other features, making the idea of using older, similar chips essentially pointless. Let's explore why.

Performance Comparison: Snapdragon 855 vs. Snapdragon 765G

A common example for comparison between older and newer processors is the Snapdragon 855 and Snapdragon 765G. Despite the latter being somewhat aged compared to the latest models, its performance scores remain highly competitive. For instance, the Snapdragon 845, released a year ago, boasts comparable performance to the Snapdragon 765G, both benchmarked using the popular Antutu and Geekbench tests.

Other Factors Influencing Choice of Processors

While performance scores are an important factor, other considerations also play a significant role. For example, fabrication process technology is a critical determinant of battery life and power efficiency. The Snapdragon 765G uses a more advanced 7nm process, while the earlier 845 uses a 10nm process. This results in better overall battery performance, especially when it comes to longer gaming sessions and extended device usage.

A better GPU in the 765G offers enhanced gaming capabilities, which is a major selling point for mid-range devices. Additionally, the AI Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on the 765G is significantly more advanced, providing superior AI performance without compromising on features. Even though a few features like 120fps playback and 60fps capture are missing, these are minor differences that do not greatly impact the average mid-range user.

An important aspect to consider is 5G support. The 765G integrates 5G support, whereas older processors do not have this capability. Many mid-range users prefer to use 5G despite the higher upfront cost. The fact that 4G LTE is still widely used and accepted means that the absence of 5G support is not a compelling reason for mid-range manufacturers to use older processors.

Technological Limitations of Older Processors

It is also important to note that modern smartphone processors are not simply old desktop CPUs in miniature form. Current processors designed for smartphones have significantly more computing capabilities compared to earlier generations. For example, the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 boasts advanced features and performance that far exceed older desktop processors. Running such a chip would require considerable power, which would result in overheating and reduced battery efficiency. A processor designed for a desktop is not equipped to handle the steep power requirements and portability constraints of a smartphone. The concept of running a Pentium processor in a smartphone would be akin to attempting to power a large server with a small, low-power module—it just doesn't work.

Conclusion

Choosing processors for smartphones is a delicate balance between performance, power efficiency, and feature integration. Older processors, while still powerful, often lack the advancements in design, efficiency, and integration that modern processors offer. Manufacturers carefully consider these factors to ensure that their mid-range devices offer the best balance of performance and value to their customers without compromising on key functionalities like 5G and AI.