In the ever-evolving landscape of smartphones, the importance of selecting the right mobile processor cannot be overstated. These tiny chips play a pivotal role in determining the overall performance, responsiveness, and capabilities of your device, whether you're engaging in intensive gaming, multitasking between applications, or simply browsing the web. As we step into December 2023, let's explore and rank the 15 best mobile processors based on benchmarks, real-world usage, and reviews.

1. Apple A16 Bionic – The Leading Best Mobile Processor

At the forefront of mobile processing power is the Apple A16 Bionic, powering the latest iPhone 14 Pro models. Utilizing an advanced 5nm fabrication process, this processor boasts a 6-core CPU and a 5-core GPU, delivering unparalleled performance. Scoring over 17,000 points in benchmarks, the A16 stands as the fastest mobile processor available, ensuring swift and responsive real-world usage. Its industry-leading performance, coupled with great power efficiency and a fast neural engine, makes it a dominant force in the mobile processing arena.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: Apple iPhone 15, Apple iPhone 14 Pro

2. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – The Upcoming Android Champion

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 emerges as the powerhouse for Android devices in 2023. Built on a cutting-edge 4nm process, this processor features an octa-core Kryo CPU and a high-performance Adreno GPU, promising lightning-fast speeds and advanced AI capabilities. Though official reviews are pending, leaked benchmarks suggest a score surpassing 15,000 points, making it significantly faster than its predecessor. With integration into flagship Androids like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G and OnePlus Open, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is poised to dominate the Android processing realm.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G, OnePlus Open

3. MediaTek Dimensity 9200 – Impressive Mid-Range Option

MediaTek enters the fray with the Dimensity 9200, a mid-range powerhouse constructed on a 4nm process. Boasting an octa-core CPU and a Mali-G715 GPU, this processor achieves around 13,000 points in benchmarks, surpassing many older flagship chips. Its prowess extends to gaming, where the Mali-G715 GPU renders rich graphics smoothly. With 5G integration and a price range of $600-$800, the Dimensity 9200 offers flagship-grade performance at a more affordable price, making it an excellent choice for non-flagship phones.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: OPPO Find N3 Flip, Vivo X90 Pro

4. Samsung Exynos 2300 – Made for Mobile Gaming

Samsung's Exynos 2300 introduces AMD's RDNA 2 graphics to mobile, providing a substantial boost in gaming performance. Fabricated on a 4nm process, its octa-core CPU and AMD mRDNA GPU contribute to benchmark scores exceeding 12,000 points. Designed for gaming-focused Samsung phones, the Exynos 2300 ensures smooth 120Hz+ frame rates in demanding games, establishing itself as a formidable force in the mobile gaming arena.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: [List of gaming phones to be added once available]

5. Apple A15 Bionic – Still Going Strong

While the A16 Bionic takes the spotlight, the A15 Bionic from 2021 remains a force to be reckoned with. With a 5nm fabrication process, hexa-core CPU, and quad-core GPU, the A15 achieves over 11,000 points in benchmarks, outpacing many 2023 Android processors. Excelling in CPU-based tasks, photo editing, and gaming, the A15 Bionic, present in iPhones like the Apple iPhone 14, continues to deliver fast and responsive performance in 2023.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: Apple iPhone 14, APPLE iPhone 14 Plus

6. Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 – Iterative Improvement

Building upon the success of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 offers incremental improvements, including higher clock speeds on the octa-core CPU and enhanced power efficiency. With benchmark scores above 11,500 points, this processor ensures zippy performance, improved heat control, and a flagship-level experience for premium Android phones.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: iQOO Neo 7 Pro, OnePlus 11R

7. Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 – Qualcomm’s 2022 Flagship

Powering most top Android phones of 2022, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 boasts an octa-core CPU based on a 4nm process. With scores over 11,000 points in benchmarks, it delivers speedy performance, excellent gaming frame rates, and blazing fast 5G connectivity. Although not the most power-efficient, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 sets a high standard for Android phone performance, evident in flagship devices like the Samsung Galaxy S22 and realme GT 2 Pro 5G.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: Samsung Galaxy S22, realme GT 2 Pro 5G

8. MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ – Improving Efficiency

MediaTek's Dimensity 9000+ builds upon its predecessor with boosted clock speeds and architectural tweaks for better power efficiency. With a 4nm octa-core CPU and Mali-G710 GPU, it achieves benchmark scores around 11,000 points, offering high-end performance comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Notably, it strikes a balance between speed and efficiency, ensuring smooth gaming, solid AI capabilities, and improved battery life.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: OnePlus Nord 3 5G, TECNO Phantom X2 5G

9. Apple A14 Bionic – Legendary Longevity

While two generations behind, the A14 Bionic from 2020 remains relevant, outperforming many 2022 and 2023 chipsets. Fabricated on a 5nm node, its hexa-core CPU and quad-core GPU achieve benchmark scores over 10,000 points. With impressive speed, efficiency, and long battery life, the A14 Bionic powers iPhones like the Apple iPhone 12, offering a compelling option for users in the $499+ price range.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: Apple iPhone 12, [Other relevant iPhone models]

10. Snapdragon 888 – Aging Gracefully

Surpassing the two-year mark, the Snapdragon 888 may not match the performance of newer chipsets but remains a robust contender. With a 5nm octa-core CPU and Adreno 660 GPU, it manages over 10,000 points in benchmarks, delivering responsive performance across gaming, apps, and AI. Supporting WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, the Snapdragon 888 offers flagship-caliber performance at an affordable price, as seen in phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023 and Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G.

Recommended Phones with this Processor: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 2023, Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G