Smartphone GPU Ranking List (Updated 2024)

A graphics processing unit or GPU is one of the main components of the device processing unit. Basically, GPU is a specialized electronic circuit built to swiftly manipulate and alter memory to fasten the formation of images in a frame buffer designed for output to a display device. GPUs are used in smartphones, embedded systems,  personal computers, workstations, and game consoles. There are various types and natures of GPU. The smartphones with a higher price tag will have a better GPU and vice versa. A better GPU adds to the overall performance of the smartphone. Therefore, we are going to jot down the smartphone GPU ranking list which contains all the GPUs that have been launched till now.

Smartphone GPU Ranking List (Updated 2024)

How does our grading system work?

Our grading list includes A+, A, B, C, and D grades.

A+ grade:

The A+ grade is entitled to the best GPUs like A15 bionic GPU, Adreno 660, etc. They come along with flagship processors and boost the overall performance of the smartphone.

A grade:

The A-grade GPUs are also designed on the basis of high-end technology. However, they can’t compete with the A+ grade GPUs but still, they are considered as the top-notch GPUs which boost the overall performance like gaming, videography, etc.

B grade:

The B grade consists of the normal GPUs that work just fine. You can enjoy a good gaming experience though and are mostly used in lower midrange phones. These GPUs include PowerVR 7XT GT7600 Plus, Adreno 618, etc.

C grade:

The C grade is entitled to the cheap GPUs that are used in budget smartphones. It provides a mediocre gaming experience. The GPUs in this category include Mali-G72 MP3, Adreno 430, etc.

D grade:

The D grade GPUs consist of the cheapest, old and low-quality GPUs that come in the low budget segment smartphone. The D grade GPUs consist of PowerVR G6430, Adreno 505, etc.

Types of GPUs:

1) Adreno:

Adreno is one of the most famous GPU brands and all the tech geeks must have read its name somewhere. The Adreno GPUs are build by Qualcomm and are mostly utilized in their Snapdragon Processor lineup. Previously, Adreno was called Imageon when it was first designed by ATI Technologies and it was later got bought by AMD. AMD. After some time, it was acquired by Qualcomm and they renamed it Adreno.

2) Apple’s GPUs

Apple had designed the GPU for the first time with the launch of A11 Bionic and A12 Bionic chipsets. The overall performance of Apple’s Graphics Processors is remarkable and undoubtedly Apple is doing a great job with its SOCs.

3) PowerVR

Imagination Technologies design the PowerVR GPUs and they provide the license to manufacturers such as Apple, MediaTek, Samsung, Intel, Spreadtrum, etc. However, Apple iPhones have also used the PowerVR GPUs till their Apple A10 Fusion SOC.

4) ARM-Mali:

The ARM Holdings provides a license of the Mali GPU architecture to a number of chip manufacturers such as Huawei HiSilicon, MediaTek, and Samsung. These manufacturers then incorporate the Mali Architecture and embed them in their processing units.  The number mentioned behind Mali Chip illustrates the number of cores. For instance, the “Mali-T880 MP12” has a dozen cores. However, architecture plays the most important role in their performance, and the number of cores and frequency also does affect the performance.

Factors Affecting the GPU Performance:

Clock Frequency:

IF we talk about the direct relation between the GPU and frequency, we would say the higher the GPU frequency is, the better will be the overall performance of the GPU. A couple of GPUs with a similar architecture may have a variable clock frequency, however, it won’t influence the performance that much.

GPU Architecture:

Undoubtedly, the GPU that is based on a modern flagship architecture will have a better overall performance. In a Mali GPU, the number which comes next to Mali corresponds to the specific architecture or design it is using.

Better Fabrication:

In simple words, a better fabrication process results in a better GPU. This is quite significant when we talk about gaming. Some older chips that encompass the 28nm Node often overheat on extended gaming.

Number of Cores/Processing Units

Though the companies like Apple and Qualcomm do not unveil the number of cores in their GPUs, the others do. Two GPUs with similar architecture but a variable number of cores can have a great impact on the performance.

**Note: ARM-Mali G925 and G720 are two of the latest and high end GPUs, however, they haven’t been used in any smartphone as of yet.

Conclusion:

The above-mentioned smartphone GPU ranking list is made after hours of research work. If you like our article or have any queries regarding it, do tell us in the comment section!

Check out? Smartphone Processors Ranking List (Updated 2021)