What is a chipset? Chipset is an important component in smartphones. The term chipset may be familiar to you Android and iPhone cellphone users. This important component is an important factor in assessing how fast a smartphone’s performance is.
Understanding Chipset and Its Functions on Android & iPhone Cellphones
Whether a cellphone’s performance is fast or not does not depend on the clock speed (usually expressed in GHz units) or the number of cores
Understanding Chipsets
The chipset is an important component consisting of several microchips whose job is to manage commands and carry out the functions of a smart cellphone (smartphone). The chipset functions as a bridge between software and hardware so that the cellphone functions as desired.
Inside there is a CPU and GPU. The CPU functions to manage commands from software so that they are executed by hardware. Meanwhile, the GPU functions to manage tasks related to image graphics.
Chipset Functions on Smartphones
The function of the chipset is to regulate the work of each application and component on the cellphone. Its function is the same as the processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit) on a PC. Chipset is usually referred to as SoC or System on Chip.
The chipset on a smartphone has more functions than the CPU on a computer. In a computer, the CPU is only responsible for controlling memory, graphics, sound and computing functions.
Meanwhile, on smartphones, the chipset’s function is to manage various tasks, such as: controlling the processor (CPU), processing graphics via GPU, controlling memory, managing port functions, managing battery management, managing various sensors, and managing WiFi, 3G, network connectivity. 4G LTE, 5G, and so on.
Because it has more tasks, smartphone chipsets have more cores than CPU processors on computers. Currently, most cellphone processors are equipped with 8 cores, more than PC or computer processors which usually only have 4 or 6 cores.
How Chipsets Work on Android Phones and iPhones
The way the chipset works is very complex, similar to the human brain. Inside the chipset there are many components. For example in the latest Snapdragon 675. Inside this chipset there are:
- 8 core Kryo CPU with clock speed up to 2.0 GHz
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) engine component, artificial intelligence designed by Qualcomm
- Snapdragon X12 modem that supports 4G LTE
- Aqstic and aptX audio components from Qualcomm
- Display supporting components, support up to Full HD+ resolution screens
- The 6th generation Adreno GPU functions to manage graphics so that gaming is smoother
- The 6th generation Hexagon DSP functions to manage sound, video, temperature, pressure and cellphone position sensors
- Qualcomm Spectra ISP, Image Signal Processor functions to regulate camera functions and process images captured by the camera
- Charging component, to process battery resources, regulate energy efficiency, and speed up the battery recharging process.
All of these components work simultaneously and are regulated by the CPU. The role of the CPU is very vital because it will determine how smoothly the cellphone performs. Apart from that, the CPU function is also to ensure that each feature runs as it should.
Components and Functions
In general, the chipset components on Android phones and iPhones consist of:
- CPU, its function is to manage all the components below it. The role of the CPU determines how fast the overall performance of the cellphone is. The faster and more efficient the CPU works, the higher the performance of your Android cellphone or iPhone
- The GPUfunctions to process commands and translate them in graphical form. The GPU component is integrated directly so that power consumption is more efficient. GPU determines how good the visual quality you see when playing games.
- DSP, the function of the DSP on the chipset is to translate information in the form of sound, video, temperature, cellphone position, rotation, and tilt angle obtained from the sensor. DSP ensures applications or features that require data from sensors run well
- ISP, acts as an image sensor on a smartphone. Its function is more or less the same as the image sensor on a digital camera
- The modemsupports WiFi, GSM and GPRS or 4G LTE data networks, allowing smartphones to connect to the internet via SIM card provider services.
- Memory, regulates the performance of RAM memory and internal storage memory so that it can be used to accommodate application data
- Display, allows image information to be displayed properly according to the screen resolution
- Audioplays an important role in managing sound information so that the audio produced by the smartphone sounds perfect.
The Best Chipset Brands in the World
Currently there are 2 chipset brands that are most widely used in the world, namely Mediatek and Snapdragon. Regarding the performance and price comparison, you can check the Mediatek vs Snapdragon article.
Both have many choices of models and types. For example, Mediatek has the Helio G Series processor for gaming cellphones and the Helio P series for mid-range cellphones.
Meanwhile, Snapdragon has more models, starting with the 400 series for low-end class cellphones, the 600 series for mid-range, the 700 series for gaming, and the 800 series for flagship cellphones.
Apart from Mediatek and Snapdragon, the most widely used chipset brands are Exynos made by Samsung, Kirin made by Huawei, and Apple A Series which is only available on iPhones, and Spreadtrum Unisoc which is mostly used by locally made Indonesian cellphones such as Advan.