Intel could have an edge in Android's 64-bit era

Currently, all Android apps developed are essentially 32-bit apps. This means Intel's performance advantage does not shine through on Android as its processors are optimised for higher performance 64-bit apps.On the flipside, ARM based system-on-chips (SoCs) from Qualcomm, Samsung, Mediatek and Nvidia are better optimised for 32-bit applications. This is set to change with Android L, which will have native 64-bit app support with its new ART runtime environment.

In addition to this, all Intel SoCs are 64-bit ready, while there is not even a single smartphone in the market running Android with an ARM chip, which supports 64-bit applications.

In fact, Qualcomm has just started shipping its first 64-bit enabled chipset, like the one found in the HTC Desire 510.

Samsung will soon unveil its new 64-bit chips and even its most advanced device, the Galaxy Note 4 doesn't feature a 64-bit chipset.

In comparison, every Intel powered smartphone or tablet, which receives an update to Android L later this year, will have the ability to run 64-bit applications.What does this mean for the end user?

Well, basically, apps that are more capable will be released as they will have the ability to leverage the power of 64-bit chipsets. They will also have access to more RAM and higher registers. In turn, this will equate to desktop like performance or something close, even if already we are seeing that on mobile device.

Already Intel's new Silvermont architecture based Mooresfield and Merryfield quad-core and dual-core chipsets represent a major leap in performance on 32-bit systems are on par with the best of ARM. On a 64-bit system, the performance will be even better.

Of course, Qualcomm, Nvidia, Samsung and Mediatek are quickly ramping up their 64-bit capabilities, but when one combines Intel's 14nm 3D transistor technology, it will at least, have the advantage for the near future. Currently, Intel's chips are based on a 22nm process, while most ARM chips are based on a 28nm manufacturing process, however, the latest A8 processor used on the iPhone 6 uses a 20nm manufacturing process based SoC.

The only ARM based mobile products that have a 64-bit architecture are Apple's iPhone 5S, iPad Air and iPad mini with retina display and will be soon joined by the iPhone and the iPhone 6 Plus.While, the performance advantages of 64-bit chipsets and apps are not evident yet, the latest A8 chip found on the iPhone 6 is leveraging such advanced processing architectures. In comparison, the Apple SoC utilises a 20nm process.

Rumour has it that Google is utilising an Intel chip for its next Nexus tablet, which will almost certainly leverage the 64-bit architecture support found in Android L.

Like ARM, for the new ART runtime environment, Intel also has made open source contributions. This is a first for the company, which should further its Android ambitions.

Intel's performance advantage on mobile devices has not been obvious in the past few years; however, this should change with the release of Android L in the coming months.