The ARM Cortex series of processors are widely used in mobile devices and embedded systems. With so many different Cortex versions available, it can be challenging to understand the key differences between them and determine which is best for your project. This article provides a detailed comparison of the most popular ARM Cortex processors to help you select the right option.
Key Factors in Comparing ARM Cortex Processors
When comparing ARM Cortex processors, some of the key factors to consider include:
- Architecture – The core architecture (e.g. Cortex-A, Cortex-R, Cortex-M) determines the overall capabilities and target applications.
- Performance – Processing speed, clock speeds, benchmarks scores.
- Power efficiency – Power consumption and battery life impacts.
- Features – On-chip components like GPU, NPU, DSP, etc.
- Cost – Processor unit cost and licensing fees.
- Software support – Toolchain and operating system support.
The following sections provide a detailed comparison of popular ARM Cortex processors across these key factors.
ARM Cortex-A Series
The Cortex-A series targets high-performance, power-efficient applications like smartphones, tablets, TVs, auto infotainment and more. Key members of the Cortex-A family include:
Cortex-A5
- Released in 2010
- In-order dual-issue 32-bit RISC processor
- Up to 1 GHz clock speed
- Superscalar pipeline with dual-issue capabilities
- Integrated NEON SIMD engine
- Small footprint suitable for cost-sensitive devices
- Used in low-end smartphones, wearables, home automation
Cortex-A9
- Released in 2008
- Out-of-order dual-issue superscalar processor
- Up to 2 GHz clock speed
- NEON SIMD engine and VFPv3 floating point
- L1/L2 cache support
- Used in smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, automotive
Cortex-A15
- Released in 2011
- Out-of-order superscalar pipeline
- Up to 2.5 GHz clock speed
- NEON SIMD and VFPv4 floating point
- Large L1/L2 caches
- Used in high-end mobile devices and networking equipment
Cortex-A53
- Released in 2012
- In-order dual-issue 64-bit processor
- Up to 2 GHz clock speed
- NEON SIMD and CRC extensions
- Small footprint and high power efficiency
- Used in mid-range smartphones, embedded devices
Cortex-A57
- Released in 2012
- Out-of-order superscalar 64-bit processor
- Up to 2.5 GHz clock speed
- NEON SIMD engine
- Large L1/L2 caches
- Used in high-end mobile SoCs and network equipment
Cortex-A72
- Released in 2015
- Out-of-order superscalar 64-bit processor
- Up to 2.5 GHz clock speed
- NEON SIMD and optional Crypto extensions
- Large L1/L2 caches
- Enhanced performance and efficiency over A57
- Used in high-end mobile devices, networking, automotive
Cortex-A73
- Released in 2016
- Out-of-order superscalar 64-bit processor
- Up to 2.8 GHz clock speed
- NEON SIMD and optional Crypto extensions
- Large L1/L2 caches
- Further improved efficiency over A72
- Used in flagship mobile devices, VR headsets, networking
ARM Cortex-R Series
The Cortex-R series focuses on high-reliability applications like automotive, industrial, medical devices and real-time analytics. Key Cortex-R processors include:
Cortex-R4
- Released in 2010
- In-order dual-issue processor with lockstep capability
- Superscalar pipeline
- NEON SIMD engine
- Designed for functional safety applications
- Used in automotive engine control units and driver assistance systems
Cortex-R5
- Released in 2012
- In-order dual-issue processor with lockstep capability
- Higher performance than Cortex-R4
- NEON SIMD engine
- Designed for functional safety applications
- Used in automotive, industrial, medical, and networking systems
Cortex-R8
- Released in 2015
- Real-time 64-bit dual-issue processor
- NEON SIMD engine
- Lockstep and loose asymmetric multiprocessing modes
- Used in automotive ADAS, industrial control, real-time analytics
Cortex-R52
- Released in 2018
- 64-bit dual-issue real-time processor
- Up to 1 GHz clock speed
- RAS (reliability, availability, and serviceability) features
- Functional safety certification up to ASIL-D
- Used in autonomous driving, robotics, medical devices
ARM Cortex-M Series
The Cortex-M series targets deeply embedded applications like IoT devices, wearables, smart home, etc. Key members include:
Cortex-M0
- Released in 2009
- 32-bit RISC processor optimized for small footprint
- Up to 200 MHz clock speed
- Very low power consumption
- Used in simple IoT sensors, wearables, smart home devices
Cortex-M3
- Released in 2004
- 32-bit processor with DSP instructions
- Up to 250 MHz clock speed
- Low power with advanced peripherals
- Used in industrial, automotive, and consumer devices
Cortex-M4
- Released in 2010
- 32-bit processor with DSP and FPU
- Up to 250 MHz clock speed
- Floating point unit for advanced math
- Used in motor control, industrial automation, gateways
Cortex-M7
- Released in 2015
- 32-bit processor with DSP, FPU, MPU
- Up to 300 MHz clock speed
- Memory protection unit for OS support
- Used in industrial control, automation, automotive systems
Cortex-M23
- Released in 2014
- 32-bit processor optimized for small footprint
- Up to 50 MHz clock speed
- Even lower power than Cortex-M0
- Used in extremely cost sensitive IoT devices
Cortex-M33
- Released in 2016
- 32-bit processor with TrustZone security
- Up to 100 MHz clock speed
- Integrated security features
- Used in IoT devices requiring advanced security
Cortex-M55
- Released in 2019
- 32-bit real-time processor
- Up to 150 MHz clock speed
- Deterministic real-time behavior
- Used in industrial automation, robotics, automotive systems
Summary and Key Differences
In summary, the key differences between ARM Cortex processors include:
- Cortex-A series targets high performance mobile and embedded applications.
- Cortex-R series focuses on high reliability real-time applications.
- Cortex-M series optimizes for deeply embedded IoT and edge devices.
- Within each series, newer generations deliver improved performance and efficiency.
- Cortex-A53 and A55 provide a good balance of performance and power efficiency.
- Cortex-M0, M3 and M4 are popular choices for low-power IoT devices.
- Cortex-R52 brings functional safety to autonomous systems.
When selecting an ARM Cortex processor, key considerations include performance requirements, power budget, cost, software support, and target application. This article summarized the capabilities and target applications of the most widely used Cortex versions to help guide your decision.
