Phone launches often mention a chip's size in nanometres, and a smaller number sounds better.
Once a real measurement
Decades ago the number described the size of a feature inside the transistor.
Now a generation label
Today it mainly names a manufacturing generation. Companies' numbers aren't directly comparable with each other.
What newer usually brings
Each new process generally packs more transistors into the same space, which can mean faster or more efficient chips.
What matters more
For everyday use, battery life and real-world speed tests tell you more than the nanometre figure.
Series · Part 3 of 4Tech, Plainly
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