1. The role of the processor in the operation of the tablet and its characteristics

The processor is the heart of the tablet, it determines the speed of operation, the ability to work with heavy applications, energy consumption and many other factors. The level of processor flow Rate is determined not only by the frequency or number of cores, but also by the architecture, process technology and interaction with other components of the device.

Architecture (ARM vs x86)

Most tablets use energy-efficient ARM architecture, when often all system elements are soldered on a single crystal. However, Windows tablets with x86 processors from Intel and AMD are also available for sale. They provide compatibility with desktop applications, but are often inferior to ARM in terms of autonomy.

Number and types of cores

Budget models are equipped with processors with 4-6 cores, flagship models – with 8 or more. In general, the more, the more powerful. At the same time, the cores themselves are usually divided into two types - powerful cores like Cortex-A78 and X3 are used under high loads, and energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores save battery power in background tasks.

Clock speed and process technology

The clock frequency (GHz) nominally indicates the processor speed, but in modern ARM chips it no longer plays a decisive role. The process technology is much more important - the thinner it is (for example, 4 nm instead of 7 nm), the higher the energy efficiency and lower the heating. Budget CPUs are often made using 12-28 nm, and flagships like Snapdragon 8 Gen or Apple M2 are made using 4-7 nm process technology.

In addition to the processor, it is also important to evaluate the overall configuration of the device. The amount of RAM affects multitasking - 4 GB is suitable for basic tasks, 6 - 8 GB - for comfortable work, and 12 - 16 GB - for resource-intensive applications. Built-in memory (UFS 2.1 / 3.1 or NVMe in iPad) determines the speed of loading files and applications. For working with graphics, video editing and music, it is critical to choose models with fast storage and sufficient memory.

In the next part of the material, we will talk about all the main manufacturers of mobile processors and analyze the features of their model range.

2. Apple: Powerful and energy-efficient solutions for iPad

Apple has made significant progress with the M-series processors.

Apple manufactures its own processors for its equipment, and over almost 20 years, its engineers have gained unprecedented experience in developing single-chip SoC processors. And using its own iPadOS allows you to customize the interaction of hardware and software as precisely as possible without dependence on third-party manufacturers. Thanks to this, even a six-year-old A12 maintains decent flow Rate in everyday tasks, and the top M-series chips demonstrate outstanding results in professional applications. They handle 4K video editing and launch modern games like Death Stranding and Resident Evil Village without any problems.

Main lines of Apple processors:

  • A-Series: Reliable chips for regular iPad and iPad Mini, designed for most everyday and work tasks. Provides good flow Rate, but falls short of flagship solutions in resource-intensive scenarios.
  • M-series: High-flow Rate chips for iPad Pro and iPad Air, which are also used in the company's professional PCs and laptops. Aimed at designers, editors, musicians, and other creative people.
Popular Apple tablets

3. Qualcomm: Trendsetter in the Android Tablet Market

Qualcomm has made an impressive leap with its Snapdragon Elite processors.

The American company Qualcomm occupies one of the leading positions in the mobile processor market, offering solutions for Android and Windows tablets. Its chips combine high flow Rate, energy efficiency and active implementation of advanced technologies. The range covers devices of all levels - from basic models to powerful professional solutions. In 2021, Qualcomm updated the naming system, replacing the usual designations like Snapdragon 680 with Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, where the first digit indicates the processor class, and Gen denotes the generation.

Main lines of Qualcomm processors:

  • Snapdragon 4: Entry level for simple tasks, without claims to high power.
  • Snapdragon 6: Mid-range chips for everyday use.
  • Snapdragon 7: Mid-range with an emphasis on flow Rate.
  • Snapdragon 8: Flagship processors with maximum power and support for the latest technologies.
  • Snapdragon X Elite/Plus: Powerful solutions for Windows tablets with a focus on power efficiency and high flow Rate in AI tasks.
Popular tablets with Snapdragon processor

4. MediaTek: balanced solutions for the mass market

MediaTek has recently been producing processors for Samsung tablets.

Taiwanese company MediaTek started out as a supplier of affordable processors for budget Android tablets, but over time it has grown into a serious player. Today, its chips combine low cost with decent flow Rate. The launch of the Dimensity series in 2020 was an important step forward - the company abandoned controversial practices like inflated benchmarks and focused on energy efficiency and the real capabilities of chips.

Main lines of MediaTek processors:

  • MT series: Affordable entry-level chips, often used in children's and ultra-budget tablets, as well as in rugged tablets from Doogee and Oukitel.
  • Helio A: Budget processors for inexpensive tablets and smartphones.
  • Helio P: An older series represented by models like the Helio P95 (2020). Now superseded by Dimensity and not updated.
  • Helio G: Mid-range CPU optimized for gaming and multimedia tasks.
  • Dimensity: The main line, covering both top models like the Dimensity 9400 and sub-flagships like the Dimensity 8300, designed for mid-range devices.
Popular tablets with MediaTek processor

5. Unisoc: budget processors for simple devices

Unisoc is a new player in the Android tablet market.

The Chinese company Unisoc (formerly Spreadtrum) is actively developing the mobile processors sector, focusing on budget Android tablets and smartphones. Its chips offer decent flow Rate for little money, often exceeding expectations in their class. This is a great option for tech looking for an inexpensive but fast tablet. In recent years, Unisoc has been trying to gain a foothold in the mid-range segment, releasing more powerful processors with support for 5G and other relevant technologies.

Main lines of Unisoc processors:

  • Tiger: Budget and mid-range chips widely used in tablets and smartphones from Doogee, Blackview, Hotwav and other second-wave Chinese brands.
  • Tanggula: Performance solutions with 5G support and improved graphics. Competes with Dimensity 600 and Snapdragon 6.

6. Intel: Powerful x86 Processors for Windows Tablets

Intel has long collaborated with Microsoft, producing processors for Surface tablets.

Intel, the recognized leader in processor manufacturing, has successfully adapted its x86 Intel Pentium/Core/Ultra chips to the Windows tablet market, providing users with high flow Rate in tasks where the ARM architecture can no longer provide the necessary power. Intel tablets provide a full, extremely high level of flow Rate and full compatibility with DaVinci Resolve, Cocos Reaper, Bitwig, Premiere Pro and dozens of other professional applications on Windows OS. Overall, this is an excellent choice for tech looking for a tablet that combines the functions of a laptop.

Main processor lines:

  • Core i3/Core Ultra 3: Entry level with 4–8 cores, suitable for office tasks and simple work.
  • Core i5/Core Ultra 5: Mid-range is a balanced choice for tech who find the Core i3 too weak, while the Core i7 is too expensive and powerful.
  • Core i7/Core Ultra 7: Professional chips for resource-intensive tasks: editing, sound design, 3D modeling and other complex projects.
Popular tablets with MediaTek processor

7. Which processor is better suited for specific tasks?

iPad is often chosen for creativity.

For simple work with documents, any inexpensive Android tablet with a simple CPU from Mediatek, Unisoc and Rockchip will suffice. If you don’t want to waste time loading heavy tables and presentations, it’s better to look at mid-range ones like Snapdragon 680, Helio G85 or Unisoc Tiger T606. A used iPad with a conditional A12 can also be an excellent alternative. Even after years, Apple tablets cope with office tasks with dignity, although very rare options may remain without an annual update due to their age.

For creative tasks, iPad and iPad Pro with A17 Pro or M2 chips are ideal, as Apple has a great balance between hardware and software. There are many professional apps available on iPadOS: Logic Pro and Cubasis for music, Photoshop and Lightroom for design, Final Cut and Resolve for video editing. M-series processors can handle even 4K editing, not inferior to the powerful Intel Core i9 or Ryzen 9. Alternatively, you can use the Samsung Galaxy Tab with a Snapdragon 870 chip for drawing with the S Pen, or Windows tablets with an Intel i5 processor for working with x86 programs like Adobe Premiere.

For multimedia tasks (video, music, streaming), display quality and battery life are more important, but the processor must ensure uninterrupted content playback. Budget chips like MediaTek Helio G80 or Snapdragon 662 handle Full HD video and streaming without any problems, but for higher-resolution content, it is better to choose more productive and modern processors like Snapdragon 732G and Dimensity 6020, which support the latest H.265 and VP9 codecs. Also, the simplest iPad of the previous generation with a still fast A12 processor and an excellent Retina screen is suitable for watching movies and TV series.

For games, the most important characteristics of the processor are the type of cores (powerful Cortex-A78/A76 or Apple A Bionic), high clock frequency of the cores (from 2 GHz) and powerful integrated graphics (Adreno, Mali, Apple GPU). The specifics depend on the game: casual mobile games like Candy Crush do not need powerful hardware at all, you can play it even on a coffee maker with Unisoc SC7731E. For more demanding mobile games like PUBG Mobile, you ideally need a mid-range mobile processor like Snapdragon 732G or something more powerful. Well, in the case of Death Stranding, Resident Evil 4 and other ports of popular AAA projects, only the most modern iPad Pro with M3 or M4 will do. The first generations of Apple M processors had weak integrated graphics, tangible progress has only recently emerged.

8. Conclusion

Unlike PC builds, where the customer can choose the components themselves, the tablet processor is integrated with the device and its components, which makes the choice more dependent on the operating system, manufacturer preferences and intended use. In short: Qualcomm offers universal solutions for Android and Windows tablets, Apple - premium products for creative tasks, MediaTek - affordable options with potential, Unisoc and Rockchip - an entry ticket to the Android platform, and Intel - powerful chips for professionals working with Windows.