How to tell how fast a phone is?

When shopping for or evaluating a smartphone, performance is one of the most crucial aspects to consider. A phone's speed directly impacts how quickly apps open, how smoothly games run, and how efficiently it handles multitasking. But how do you actually determine how fast a phone is? Several factors contribute to a phone's speed, and understanding each one can help you make an informed decision.

Here's a breakdown of the key elements that influence phone performance and how to assess them:

1. Processor (Chipset)

The processor is often the most critical factor in determining how fast a phone will perform. It determines how quickly the phone can execute tasks and handle multiple operations at once.

• What to look for: The processor is usually identified by its name and model number, such as Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Qualcomm), Apple A16 Bionic (Apple), or Exynos 2200 (Samsung). Each of these has different performance levels depending on their generation and core configuration.

• Clock Speed: Processor clock speeds, measured in GHz, tell you how fast each core of the processor operates. A higher clock speed generally means better performance, but it’s not the only factor. For example, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is more powerful than an older Snapdragon 855, even at similar clock speeds.

• Core Count: More cores (e.g., 6, 8, or even 12 cores) mean the phone can handle more simultaneous tasks. This is particularly important for gaming, multitasking, and running intensive apps.

• Example: A phone with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor or Apple A16 Bionic will generally be much faster than one with Snapdragon 750G or Mediatek Helio G85, which are aimed at mid-range phones.

2. RAM (Memory)

RAM allows your phone to store and quickly access data while performing tasks. The more RAM you have, the more apps and processes your phone can handle at once without slowing down.

• What to look for: Modern smartphones typically come with anywhere from 4GB to 16GB or more of RAM. More RAM allows for better multitasking, especially when switching between apps, running games, or using demanding applications like photo/video editing tools.

• How it affects speed: Having more RAM means your phone will have fewer slowdowns when opening multiple apps or switching between them. Phones with 6GB or more of RAM are ideal for a smooth multitasking experience, while 8GB or 12GB are often reserved for high-performance tasks.

• Example: A phone with 6GB RAM will run most apps smoothly, but if you're into gaming or need to run many apps in the background, 8GB or 12GB may be better.

3. Storage Type and Speed

The type of storage used in the phone also impacts its speed. Phones with faster storage will load apps and files faster, making the phone feel more responsive.

• What to look for: Phones use UFS 2.1, UFS 3.0, or UFS 3.1 for faster read and write speeds. UFS 3.1 is currently one of the fastest standards for mobile storage, meaning apps open and load more quickly, and files transfer faster.

• How it affects speed: Phones with UFS 3.1 or UFS 3.0 offer faster data transfer, reducing lag and improving app load times. Phones with older storage types like eMMC will feel slower, especially when transferring large files or opening heavy apps.

• Example: A phone with UFS 3.1 storage (like the Samsung Galaxy S23) will feel faster than a phone with eMMC storage (common in budget phones).

4. Display Refresh Rate

The refresh rate measures how many times per second the display updates, affecting how smooth animations, scrolling, and interactions feel. A higher refresh rate results in smoother visuals, which contributes to the perception of speed.

• What to look for: Phones come with 60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz, or even 144Hz displays. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the user experience will feel, especially when scrolling, navigating menus, or playing games.

• How it affects speed: A higher refresh rate makes the phone feel more responsive, and games or apps that support higher refresh rates will look and feel smoother. While the refresh rate doesn’t directly impact the phone’s processing speed, it definitely affects the overall smoothness of the experience.

• Example: A phone with a 120Hz or 144Hz display, like the OnePlus 11 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, will feel noticeably faster than a phone with a 60Hz display, even if the processors are similar.

5. Battery Life and Efficiency

Battery life doesn’t directly correlate with speed, but how efficiently the phone uses its power can impact performance. If a phone is constantly running out of power or throttling its performance to conserve energy, it will feel slower.

• What to look for: Phones with battery optimizations, such as intelligent power management and fast charging technologies (e.g., Quick Charge or Warp Charge), allow for a better balance between performance and power efficiency.

• How it affects speed: If a phone’s performance is throttled to save battery, it will run slower. Some smartphones automatically reduce clock speeds when the battery is low, which can impact speed during gaming or other intensive tasks.

• Example: The iPhone 14 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 are designed to balance power consumption and performance efficiently, delivering consistent speed without draining the battery quickly.

6. Software Optimization and Updates

The software running on a phone also affects its speed. Optimized software is faster and more efficient, ensuring the phone runs smoothly over time, even as apps and the OS get updated.

• What to look for: Phones with stock Android (like Google Pixel) or well-optimized custom UIs (like Samsung One UI or OxygenOS) tend to perform better than those with less optimized interfaces.

• How it affects speed: Over time, phones with poorly optimized software may become slower due to bloatware or inefficient management of system resources. Regular software updates can help maintain or improve speed, especially for security patches and bug fixes.

• Example: The Google Pixel 8 runs pure Android, which tends to be faster and more responsive compared to phones with heavily customized Android skins.

7. Benchmark Scores

To get a more objective measure of how fast a phone is, you can look at its benchmark scores. These scores are generated by running synthetic tests that evaluate CPU, GPU, and overall system performance.

• What to look for: Common benchmarking tools include Geekbench, AnTuTu, and 3DMark. These scores give you an idea of how well the phone performs in tasks like gaming, multitasking, and handling intensive apps.

• How it affects speed: Benchmark scores provide a direct comparison between phones, giving you a numerical representation of a phone's raw performance. Keep in mind that real-world use may differ slightly from benchmark scores, depending on how the phone handles thermal throttling, background tasks, etc.

• Example: The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max scores significantly higher on Geekbench and AnTuTu than the Samsung Galaxy A54 due to its faster A17 Bionic chip.

Conclusion: How to Tell How Fast a Phone Is

To gauge how fast a phone is, consider the following:

1. Processor (Chipset): Look for high-performance chips like the Apple A-series, Snapdragon 8 Gen series, or Dimensity 9000.
2. RAM: At least 6GB of RAM is recommended for smooth performance, with 8GB or 12GB being ideal for more demanding tasks.
3. Storage Type: Prefer UFS 3.0 or UFS 3.1 for faster read/write speeds.
4. Display: Higher refresh rates like 90Hz or 120Hz improve the perceived smoothness and responsiveness.
5. Battery and Efficiency: Look for phones with efficient power management to avoid throttling performance.
6. Software Optimization: Phones with optimized software, like stock Android or well-optimized UIs, offer better performance over time.
7. Benchmark Scores: Check Geekbench, AnTuTu, and 3DMark to compare raw performance numbers.

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision about how fast a phone is, and how well it will meet your needs for everyday use, gaming, multitasking, and more.