Over the past decade, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. With their ever-growing capabilities and utility, smartphones are now packed with a variety of advanced hardware components under the hood. In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at the key hardware elements that make up a modern smartphone.
Display
The display is arguably the most important component of a smartphone, as it is the primary interface we interact with continuously. There are two main types of displays used in smartphones today:1.LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
LCD displays work by modulating the intensity of light passing through liquid crystals. They require a backlight for illumination.Pros of LCD:
- Mature technology that is inexpensive to manufacture
- Provides good image quality
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Mature technology that is inexpensive to manufacture
- Provides good image quality
- Available in a wide range of sizes
2.OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
OLED displays work by passing electricity through thin organic material that emits light. They do not require a backlight. Pros of OLED:
- Better contrast ratios and deeper blacks
- Faster refresh rates, lower latency
- More power efficient for some use cases
Modern smartphones come equipped with large, high-resolution displays ranging from 5.5 inches to well over 6 inches diagonally.
- Better contrast ratios and deeper blacks
- Faster refresh rates, lower latency
- More power efficient for some use cases
Modern smartphones come equipped with large, high-resolution displays ranging from 5.5 inches to well over 6 inches diagonally.
Key specs to look at for a smartphone display include:
- Screen size
- Aspect ratio (taller 19.5:9 becoming popular over 16:9)
- Display type (LCD vs. OLED)
- Resolution (Full HD, QHD, 4K)
- Pixel density (PPI) - higher is sharper
- Refresh rate (60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz)
- Peak brightness
- Color depth
The touchscreen layer uses a grid of electrodes to detect finger touches and gestures. Underneath the display, strengthened glass or polymer is used to provide protection from drops and scratches. Sapphire crystal glass is highly durable but expensive, while Gorilla Glass is chemically strengthened for rigidity.
Key components integrated into the SoC include:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The main processor that handles general computations
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) - Handles graphics rendering
- ISP (Image Signal Processor) - Processes data from camera sensors
- Modem - Handles cellular and wireless communications
- DSP (Digital Signal Processor) - Optimizes audio, video, and image processing
Most leading smartphone brands design their own custom SoCs. Examples include:
- Apple A-Series Bionic chips (A13 Bionic, A14 Bionic)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 888)
- Samsung Exynos processors (Exynos 990, Exynos 2100)
Key specifications to compare in smartphone processors include:
- Manufacturer and model
- CPU cores and configuration (6-core, 8-core, etc.)
- CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz, 2.2GHz, etc.)
- CPU microarchitecture (ARM big. LITTLE)
- GPU model and clock speed
- AI Engine for machine learning
- Fabrication process - lower nm is faster (7nm, 5nm, 4nm)
RAM provides temporary storage that can be accessed quickly by the device's processors.
Key aspects:
- Volatile memory - data is lost when power is removed
- Faster than other forms of storage
- Available in capacities between 1GB to 12GB
- More RAM allows more apps to run simultaneously
- Screen size
- Aspect ratio (taller 19.5:9 becoming popular over 16:9)
- Display type (LCD vs. OLED)
- Resolution (Full HD, QHD, 4K)
- Pixel density (PPI) - higher is sharper
- Refresh rate (60Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz)
- Peak brightness
- Color depth
The touchscreen layer uses a grid of electrodes to detect finger touches and gestures. Underneath the display, strengthened glass or polymer is used to provide protection from drops and scratches. Sapphire crystal glass is highly durable but expensive, while Gorilla Glass is chemically strengthened for rigidity.
Processor
The processor is essentially the brain of a smartphone, responsible for all the computational and logical operations. Modern smartphones do utilize a System-on-Chip (SoC) design, where all core processors and components are integrated into a single chip.Key components integrated into the SoC include:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The main processor that handles general computations
- GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) - Handles graphics rendering
- ISP (Image Signal Processor) - Processes data from camera sensors
- Modem - Handles cellular and wireless communications
- DSP (Digital Signal Processor) - Optimizes audio, video, and image processing
Most leading smartphone brands design their own custom SoCs. Examples include:
- Apple A-Series Bionic chips (A13 Bionic, A14 Bionic)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (Snapdragon 865, Snapdragon 888)
- Samsung Exynos processors (Exynos 990, Exynos 2100)
Key specifications to compare in smartphone processors include:
- Manufacturer and model
- CPU cores and configuration (6-core, 8-core, etc.)
- CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz, 2.2GHz, etc.)
- CPU microarchitecture (ARM big. LITTLE)
- GPU model and clock speed
- AI Engine for machine learning
- Fabrication process - lower nm is faster (7nm, 5nm, 4nm)
Memory
Smartphones contain two types of memory - RAM and ROM:
1.RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM provides temporary storage that can be accessed quickly by the device's processors. 
Key aspects:
- Volatile memory - data is lost when power is removed
- Faster than other forms of storage
- Available in capacities between 1GB to 12GB
- More RAM allows more apps to run simultaneously
2.ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM provides permanent storage for the core operating system, system files, and firmware. Data in ROM is non-volatile and cannot be electronically modified after the manufacture of the smartphone.Key aspects:
- Non-volatile storage - data persists after powering down
- Slower access times than RAM
- Available in capacities between 4GB to 512GB
- Used for photo, video, app, and file storage
For optimal performance, today's smartphones require a minimum of 4GB RAM. However, 6-8GB RAM is recommended for power users, especially for resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. RAM is a type of memory that allows the computer or smartphone to temporarily store and access data immediately. Having more RAM means that more data can be accessed and read almost instantly, as opposed to being written on your hard drive. RAM is considered the main memory in a computer or smartphone, and it is much faster to read from and write to than other kinds of storage, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). For storage, most smartphones start at 64GB ROM and can go up to 1TB with high-end models. Many devices also support expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
When shopping for a smartphone, paying attention to the amount of RAM and ROM is important to get a device tailored to your usage needs.
Common camera hardware components:
- Image sensor - Captures the light information to create the digital image
- Lens - Focuses the light onto the sensor
- Image processor - Processes image data from the sensor
- Camera controller - Interfaces the hardware with the software
Key specifications and features:
- Megapixel count - Higher resolution but not only factor in image quality
- Sensor size - Larger sensors capture more light and detail
- Aperture - Controls the amount of light entering the lens
- Optical image stabilization (OIS) - Reduces blur from handshakes
- Zoom capabilities - Digital, optical, hybrid, and lossless
- Low-light capabilities
Smartphone makers continue to innovate with camera hardware for photography and videography. Larger sensors, wider apertures, improved OIS, and computational photography features like night mode allow users to capture great-looking photos and videos in any lighting condition.
Dual and triple camera setups also provide more versatility:
- Main camera - High resolution with a large sensor
- Ultrawide angle - Captures more scenes in the frame
- Telephoto - Optical zoom for distant subjects
- Depth - For bokeh portrait effects
Modern smartphone batteries are lithium-ion batteries, composed of layered lithium-ion cells to generate electricity.
- Non-volatile storage - data persists after powering down
- Slower access times than RAM
- Available in capacities between 4GB to 512GB
- Used for photo, video, app, and file storage
For optimal performance, today's smartphones require a minimum of 4GB RAM. However, 6-8GB RAM is recommended for power users, especially for resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. RAM is a type of memory that allows the computer or smartphone to temporarily store and access data immediately. Having more RAM means that more data can be accessed and read almost instantly, as opposed to being written on your hard drive. RAM is considered the main memory in a computer or smartphone, and it is much faster to read from and write to than other kinds of storage, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). For storage, most smartphones start at 64GB ROM and can go up to 1TB with high-end models. Many devices also support expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
When shopping for a smartphone, paying attention to the amount of RAM and ROM is important to get a device tailored to your usage needs.
Camera
Smartphone cameras have become a key selling point for high-end phones as they continue to rival dedicated point-and-shoot cameras. Most smartphones today feature dual or even triple camera configurations, with each lens and sensor tailored for different scenarios.Common camera hardware components:
- Image sensor - Captures the light information to create the digital image
- Lens - Focuses the light onto the sensor
- Image processor - Processes image data from the sensor
- Camera controller - Interfaces the hardware with the software
Key specifications and features:
- Megapixel count - Higher resolution but not only factor in image quality
- Sensor size - Larger sensors capture more light and detail
- Aperture - Controls the amount of light entering the lens
- Optical image stabilization (OIS) - Reduces blur from handshakes
- Zoom capabilities - Digital, optical, hybrid, and lossless
- Low-light capabilities
Smartphone makers continue to innovate with camera hardware for photography and videography. Larger sensors, wider apertures, improved OIS, and computational photography features like night mode allow users to capture great-looking photos and videos in any lighting condition.
Dual and triple camera setups also provide more versatility:
- Main camera - High resolution with a large sensor
- Ultrawide angle - Captures more scenes in the frame
- Telephoto - Optical zoom for distant subjects
- Depth - For bokeh portrait effects
Battery
The battery is an important component of smartphones. After all, without sufficient battery life, even the most powerful and specced-out phone becomes useless.Modern smartphone batteries are lithium-ion batteries, composed of layered lithium-ion cells to generate electricity.
Key battery specifications include:
- Battery capacity measured in milliamp-hours (mAh)
- Voltage (volts)
- Watt-hours indicating overall energy storage
- Battery life (hours of usage per charge)
- Recharge cycles before degradation
Higher battery capacity generally indicates longer battery life, but optimization of hardware and software also plays a key role.
Fast charging capabilities are also important to look for in smartphones, including:
- Quick Charge (Qualcomm)
- USB Power Delivery
- SuperVOOC (Oppo)
- Battery capacity measured in milliamp-hours (mAh)
- Voltage (volts)
- Watt-hours indicating overall energy storage
- Battery life (hours of usage per charge)
- Recharge cycles before degradation
Higher battery capacity generally indicates longer battery life, but optimization of hardware and software also plays a key role.
Fast charging capabilities are also important to look for in smartphones, including:
- Quick Charge (Qualcomm)
- USB Power Delivery
- SuperVOOC (Oppo)
- Warp Charge (OnePlus)
These can deliver a 50% charge in 30 minutes or less for supported devices. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are other conveniences being built into modern smartphones.
In the pursuit of longer battery life, manufacturers continue to utilize:
- More efficient OLED displays
- Optimized power management chips
- AI to optimize battery usage
- Larger capacity batteries
- Fast charging capabilities
With heavy use, most smartphone batteries provide at least a full day of usage per charge. Battery innovations remain an area of focus for delivering the best battery life experience.
Connectivity
Smartphones come equipped with a range of wired and wireless connectivity options that allow you to access cellular networks and Wi-Fi, transfer data, and pair with other devices. Key connectivity hardware includes:
- 5G - Next-gen high-speed cellular
- Nano SIM slot - Holds SIM card for cellular service
- MIMO - Multi-input, multi-output for better connections
Having the latest connectivity hardware allows you to take full advantage of 5G speeds, fast Wi-Fi connectivity, high-quality wireless audio, and precise location tracking wherever you go.
Many flagship phones now include support for the latest 5G and Wi-Fi 6 standards. Multiple antennas are packed into the chassis to allow for strong connections even in poor coverage areas. Connectivity is a key consideration for any smartphone purchase.
- Can produce different vibration patterns
- Bottom-firing or front-firing stereo speakers for audio
- Facial recognition sensors for face unlock
- Gyroscope for rotational movements
- Proximity sensor for screen blanking during calls
- Gorilla Glass protection for the display
Smartphone hardware components go beyond the camera and include other components that play a role in delivering a premium smartphone experience. For example, the vibration motor allows for better haptic feedback when typing. Many smartphones provide multiple microphones to provide background noise reduction for clearer voice calls.
Smartphone OEMs carefully select each component to fit within tight design constraints while delivering robust performance.
Screens keep advancing with almost bezel-less, HDR-ready flexible OLED screens at 120Hz refresh rates. The latest SoCs use top-notch 5nm fabrication and AI speed for desktop-level power. AI-driven computational photography gets superb photos from phone cameras.
At the same time, batteries, memory, and connectivity solutions offer greater capacity and faster speeds than ever before. Biometric sensors, environmental sensors, and haptics further augment the hardware capabilities.
1.Cellular
- 2G/3G/4G LTE - For data over a cellular network- 5G - Next-gen high-speed cellular
- Nano SIM slot - Holds SIM card for cellular service
2.Wi-Fi
- 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac - Supports different Wi-Fi standards- MIMO - Multi-input, multi-output for better connections
3.Bluetooth
- Bluetooth 5.0 or higher - For wireless audio, transfers, tethering4.GPS
- GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou - For accurate location and navigation5.NFC
- Near-field communication - For mobile payments and proximity-based activities6.USB
- USB Type-C port - For charging, data transfer, and audioHaving the latest connectivity hardware allows you to take full advantage of 5G speeds, fast Wi-Fi connectivity, high-quality wireless audio, and precise location tracking wherever you go.
Many flagship phones now include support for the latest 5G and Wi-Fi 6 standards. Multiple antennas are packed into the chassis to allow for strong connections even in poor coverage areas. Connectivity is a key consideration for any smartphone purchase.
Other Components
Beyond the major internal components covered already, here is a look at some other hardware elements that make up a modern smartphone:Vibration Motor
- Provides tactile feedback for taps and notifications- Can produce different vibration patterns
Speakers
- Earpiece speaker for calls- Bottom-firing or front-firing stereo speakers for audio
Biometrics
- Fingerprint reader for security- Facial recognition sensors for face unlock
Environmental Sensors
- Accelerometer for orientation and motion sensing- Gyroscope for rotational movements
- Proximity sensor for screen blanking during calls
Materials
- Aluminum, glass, and plastic for frame and body- Gorilla Glass protection for the display
Resistance Ratings
- IP67 or IP68 for dust and water resistanceMicrophone
- Multiple mics for noise cancellation during callsSmartphone hardware components go beyond the camera and include other components that play a role in delivering a premium smartphone experience. For example, the vibration motor allows for better haptic feedback when typing. Many smartphones provide multiple microphones to provide background noise reduction for clearer voice calls.
Smartphone OEMs carefully select each component to fit within tight design constraints while delivering robust performance.
Conclusion
Today's smartphones combine advanced hardware with sleek designs. Each part works together for a great mobile experience – display, processor, memory, camera, battery, and connectivity.Screens keep advancing with almost bezel-less, HDR-ready flexible OLED screens at 120Hz refresh rates. The latest SoCs use top-notch 5nm fabrication and AI speed for desktop-level power. AI-driven computational photography gets superb photos from phone cameras.
At the same time, batteries, memory, and connectivity solutions offer greater capacity and faster speeds than ever before. Biometric sensors, environmental sensors, and haptics further augment the hardware capabilities.
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