Performance matters when it comes to smartphones. With phones now rivaling computers in processing power, you‘ll want to make sure you‘re getting the speed you paid for. This is where benchmark apps come in handy.
Benchmark apps put your phone through a series of intensive tests to gauge different aspects of its performance. Instead of just taking a manufacturer‘s word for it, you can objectively measure CPU speed, graphics capabilities, storage read/write speeds, and more.
The scores generated by benchmarks allow you to compare the performance of your device versus others on the market. You can also use benchmarks to check if your phone maintains peak performance over time.
Here are 12 of the top Android benchmark apps and what you can learn by using them:
CPU Performance
1. Geekbench 5
Geekbench 5 is a cross-platform benchmark that analyzes CPU and compute performance. It measures both single-core and multi-core CPU speeds to provide deeper insight compared to just a single overall score.
The benchmark stresses your CPU with workloads like compression, encryption, image processing, physics simulations, and machine learning. This gives you a good idea of how fast your phone can handle intensive tasks.
Geekbench also checks what governor is set for your device‘s CPU (performance, on-demand, powersave modes) and identifies any thermal throttling limiting sustained performance.
2. AnTuTu Benchmark
AnTuTu Benchmark is the world‘s most popular Android benchmark app with over 100 million downloads. It tests both overall system performance and specific hardware components.
The CPU tests evaluate both single-core and multi-core speeds using algorithms modelled after real-world workloads. This includes image processing, data compression, memory operations, and other intensive tasks.
AnTuTu‘s overall benchmark score gives you a single number to compare different phones. You can view detailed sub-scores for individual components as well.
Graphics
3. 3DMark
3DMark is considered the gold standard for benchmarking gaming graphics performance on Android. It uses advanced game-like graphics simulations to measure the capabilities of your device‘s GPU.
The benchmark runs graphics tests at different levels of intensity. For high-end phones, there is the Wild Life Extreme stress test with enough effects and load to cripple most devices.
3DMark even checks CPU performance during graphics workloads. This shows if your phone‘s processor becomes a bottleneck for gaming.
4. GFXBench
GFXBench focuses strictly on intensive graphics. It supports both OpenGL and Vulkan APIs for a platform-agnostic evaluation of GPU performance potential.
The car chase, 1440p Manhattan, and Aztec ruins graphics simulations will make any phone sweat. In-depth benchmarks analyze graphics characteristics including texture and geometry detail, fill rate, number of polygons displayed, and frames per second.
Battery life is also tested by running benchmarks repeatedly until your phone dies. This reveals how long you can expect to game on a full charge.
Storage Speed
5. AndroBench
AndroBench exclusively tests internal and external storage speeds. It measures sequential and random read/write performance critical for loading apps, files, and games.
You can dive into low-level IO performance details including SQLite inserts, updates, and deletes. AndroBench will reveal if a phone‘s hardware is too slow to keep up with its stated storage specifications.
This storage benchmark tool also keeps a history of all tests completed. This allows you to spot any degradation in storage speeds over time.
6. Disk Speed
As the name suggests, Disk Speed offers a simple and fast way to measure storage throughput. It detects all available storage locations on a device and lets you effortlessly benchmark internal memory, SD cards, or even attached USB drives.
Read and write performance metrics help identify slow storage that causes lag when accessing photos, videos, apps, and other file operations. Responsiveness bottlenecks are easily spotted.
You can slider to control the storage load size during testing. This shows performance under different real-world conditions.
Comprehensive Benchmarking
7. PCMark for Android
While most benchmark apps focus on stressing components in isolation, PCMark takes a more holistic approach. It runs performance tests based on real-world applications and workloads.
The benchmark measures your device‘s capabilities browsing websites, editing photos, manipulating data, writing documents, and other daily tasks. This reveals actual usability rather than just pushing hardware to unrealistic limits.
PCMark even provides detailed monitoring of CPU, storage, memory, and battery during the benchmarks. You see exactly how different components impact real-world experience.
8. Antutu 3DBench
As Antutu‘s dedicated benchmark for graphics, 3DBench specifically targets gaming performance analysis. It leverages cutting-edge APIs like Vulkan and OpenGL ES 3.1+ for future-proof stress testing.
The benchmark renders extremely detailed 3D graphics simulations with intense visual effects. Performance is rated on metrics like average FPS, stability, screen saturation, and texture details.
3DBench features a battery test to complement its graphics gauntlet. This reveals how long you can continuously game before needing a recharge.
Battery Benchmarking
9. Geekbench 5
While best known for processor analysis, Geekbench 5 also benchmarks battery performance. The battery test measures total life over a continuous intensive workload mimicking real-world usage.
By standardizing screen brightness, processor state, and workload across devices, Geekbench gives comparable battery life results. This allows you to determine the endurance you can expect for tasks like mobile gaming or video streaming.
Battery wear levels are also checked to identify capacity degradation compared to the original factory state.
10. PCMark for Android
PCMark’s battery test complements its real-world application performance benchmarks. It repeatedly cycles through workloads like web browsing, video conferencing, writing documents, until the battery is drained.
This reveals actual battery life for common daily usage. PCMark factors in system utilization patterns from real apps. The standardized test accurately compares endurance across different phones.
As PCMark runs, you can inspect detailed monitoring telemetry illustrating battery drain characteristics. This helps identify apps or components placing excess strain on your battery.
Best Practices for Benchmarking
To get fair and consistent benchmark results, keep these tips in mind:
- Close all other apps before running tests to isolate full system resources
- Disable battery optimizations for benchmark apps to prevent CPU throttling
- Restart your phone and close background processes to minimize interference
- Repeat tests several times under consistent conditions for stability
- Use benchmarks for device comparisons rather than determining absolute "real-world" experience
Use Benchmarks to Make Informed Buying Decisions
Benchmark apps provide objective metrics to evaluate Android phone performance beyond marketing hype. They can quantify whether a phone delivers on promised CPU speeds, graphics capabilities, storage responsiveness, and battery life.
Comparing benchmark test results gives you a data-driven method to identify the best value devices actually matching your performance needs. This allows making informed buying decisions to maximize satisfaction with your next phone upgrade.
