In the world of mobile technology, processor architecture plays a key role in device performance and software compatibility. When you download heavy games, emulators or specialized applications, the system often requires you to select the APK version that matches your hardware. Understanding which processor is installed in your smartphone or tablet becomes critical for the correct selection of software.
The modern market for Android devices is based primarily on two architectures: ARM and x86. Most smartphones use energy-efficient ARM chips, while x86 is more common in emulators, tablets, and some specific models. Confusion in versions such as armv7, arm64-v8a or x86_64can lead to errors when installing apps, so it is important to be able to accurately identify the CPU type.
There are several proven ways to find out this information, ranging from simple applications from Google Play to advanced methods through ADB commands. In this article, we will analyze each method in detail so that you can confidently determine the characteristics of your gadget. Whether you're a casual user or an enthusiast, this knowledge will help you avoid compatibility issues.
Basic understanding of processor architectures
Before you begin diagnostics, you need to understand the terminology. The processor architecture is the instruction system that the chip “understands.” If you try to run an application compiled for one architecture on a device from another, it simply will not install or will not work correctly. The main types you'll encounter fall into two broad groups: RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) and CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer).
The Android world is dominated by the ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) family. These processors are known for their energy efficiency, which is critical for the autonomy of smartphones. Within this family there is a division into generations. Old 32-bit processors are designated as armeabi-v7a, and modern 64-bit processors are designated as arm64-v8a. The transition to 64 bits made it possible to significantly increase the performance and amount of addressable memory.
The second type is x86 i x86_64. Originally developed by Intel for computers, they are found less frequently in Android devices, mainly in emulators (for example, BlueStacks, Genymotion) or tablets based on Intel Atom.
⚠️ Attention: Applications optimized for x86 may run slower on ARM devices due to code translation, so it is important to choose the native version.Understanding these differences will help you correctly interpret the data received during the test.
Modern flagships almost entirely use 64-bit architecture. If your device is less than 5-7 years old, it is highly likely arm64. However, budget models or specific gadgets may still run on 32-bit cores. Accurate knowledge of the processor model allows you not only to select the correct APK files, but also to evaluate the potential of the device for emulating consoles or running heavy games.
Using specialized applications
The easiest and most accessible way for the average user is to install a specialized application from the Google Play Store. There are many utilities that read system files and display information about the hardware in a convenient form. This does not require root access and complex manipulations with the command line.
One of the most popular apps is CPU-Z. After installation, launch the application and go to the System or Devicetab. There you will see the line Kernel Architecture or Instruction Sets. This is where the searched value is displayed. If you see aarch64 or arm64, then you have a 64-bit system. The value armv7l indicates a 32-bit architecture.
Another powerful tool is AIDA64. This combine provides comprehensive information. In the section CPU pay attention to the list of supported instructions.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications may show only the main architecture, ignoring support for other sets of instructions, so it is better to double-check the data in different sources.Also useful are the apps DevCheck i Hardware Info, which often provide a more detailed breakdown of cores.
When using such utilities, it is important to pay attention to advertising blocks that may block useful information. Additionally, some smartphone manufacturers (such as Xiaomi or Samsung) may hide the exact name of the processor in the default settings, but third-party apps usually bypass these restrictions. Data in applications is updated in real time, which allows you to track the load on each core.
If an application shows several values (for example, armv8 and aarch64), focus on the newest one - this is the main architecture of your system.
Checking through the developer settings and About Phone
You don’t always need to download additional software. In some cases, information can be found deep in system settings, although Android is not always willing to share this data explicitly. The standard path often leads to a dead end, but there are workarounds through the “About phone” menu.
Try going to Settings → About phone → Software information. Often the processor model is indicated there (for example, Snapdragon 888 or MediaTek Dimensity). Knowing the model, you can easily find its specification on the Internet and find out the architecture. However, this method requires additional steps and does not give an instant response in the form of the string “arm64”.
A more advanced option is to use hidden engineering testing menus. On many devices, typing the code ##4636## in the dialer opens the testing menu. In the Device information section you can sometimes find a line Platform or Boardthat indirectly indicates the architecture. For example, the mention of qcom (Qualcomm) almost always means ARM, and intel — x86.
It is worth remembering that the shell interfaces (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS) are very different. What is on “pure” Android may be hidden or renamed by the manufacturer.
⚠️ Attention: The testing menu interface may differ depending on the Android version and the manufacturer. Do not change the settings in the engineering menu if you are not sure of their meaning.If standard methods do not produce results, move on to more reliable methods through a computer or file system.
What to do if the code ##4636## does not work?
On many modern smartphones (especially Xiaomi and Huawei), access to the engineering menu via the USSD code is closed by the manufacturer. In this case, try downloading the “Activity Launcher” application from the Play Market, find “Testing” or “Device Info” in the list and launch the hidden activity directly.
Analyzing system files without root access
The Android file system stores all configuration information in text files. Even without superuser rights (root), you can access some of them using file managers with access to system folders or special property viewers.
One reliable method is to use a file manager that supports viewing system partitions (for example, MT Manager or Solid Explorer with plugins). You need to follow the path /system/lib i /system/lib64. The presence of a folder lib64 and files inside it (especially with the extension .so) is almost guaranteed to indicate a 64-bit architecture (arm64 or x86_64).
You can also use online services or applications that read the file build.prop. This file contains the key properties of the system. Find the line ro.product.cpu.abi. The value of this line is the answer to your question. For example, arm64-v8a or x86. The key marker is the ending: “v8a” means 64-bit ARM, “v7a” - 32-bit. ARM.
To view build.prop without root access, you can use terminal applications that can emulate the cat command, or specialized “Prop Viewer”. Simply enter the request “build prop viewer” in the Play Market search. This will allow you to see the contents of the file in a structured form, where it is easy to find the necessary CPU ABI parameters.
☑️ Check via build.prop
Diagnostics via computer and ADB
For users who are not afraid of the command line, the method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is the most accurate and professional. It allows you to receive direct information from the system core, bypassing possible interface distortions. To do this, you will need a PC, a USB cable and USB debugging enabled on your smartphone.
After connecting the device to the computer and setting up ADB, open a terminal (CMD or PowerShell on Windows, Terminal on macOS/Linux). Enter the command to get a list of supported architectures. The system will return the list in order of priority. The first line usually indicates the native architecture of the device.
adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abiThis command will display the native architecture. If you want to see all supported options (since 64-bit processors can often run 32-bit code), use the command:
adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abilistThe result may look like arm64-v8a,armeabi-v7a,armeabi. This means that the device is natively 64-bit, but is compatible with older 32-bit applications.
⚠️ Attention: For ADB to work, you must install drivers for your device and confirm debugging permission on the smartphone screen when you first connect.This method is indispensable when developing applications or deeply customizing the system.
Android architecture comparison table
To systematize the knowledge gained and quickly navigate the meanings, use the table below. It will help compare technical terms with the actual characteristics of the processor.
| Value (ABI) | Architecture | Bit | Where it occurs |
|---|---|---|---|
arm64-v8a |
ARM | 64-bit | Modern smartphones (2015+) |
armeabi-v7a |
ARM | 32-bit | Old state employees, tablets |
x86_64 |
Intel/AMD | 64-bit | Emulators, Intel tablets |
x86 |
Intel/AMD | 32-bit | Old netbooks, emulators |
As can be seen from the table, the division is not only by brand (ARM vs Intel), but also by bit capacity. 64-bit systems are capable of processing more data per clock and address more than 4 GB of RAM, which is standard for modern Android devices. 32-bit versions are gradually becoming a thing of history, but are still supported for the sake of compatibility with older software.
When choosing APK files on third-party resources (for example, APKMirror or w3bsit3-dns.com), always focus on the first line from your check. If you download the version x86 for an ARM smartphone, the installation will be interrupted by a package syntax error. Universal APKs (Universal) contain code for all architectures, but weigh more.
For 95% of modern smartphones, the correct architecture is arm64-v8a. Download files with this label if you are not sure of the details.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to run an x86 application on an ARM processor?
Technically, directly - no. However, Android has a mechanism for translating binary files (Native Bridge), which allows you to run some x86 applications on ARM. But this does not always work, requires the presence of appropriate libraries in the system and often leads to reduced performance and increased battery consumption.
Why is it written in CPU-Z aarch64 and not arm64?
aarch64 and arm64 are essentially the same thing. aarch64 is the technical name 64-bit ARM architecture in the Linux kernel and many system utilities. arm64-v8a is the name of the ABI (Application Binary Interface) used in Android to classify libraries. Both terms indicate a 64-bit ARM processor.
Does the architecture affect the speed of games?
Yes, directly. If a game is optimized for 64-bit architecture (arm64), it will run faster and more stable on a 64-bit processor. Running a 32-bit version of the game on a 64-bit device is possible, but does not use the full potential of the processor. Conversely, running a 64-bit game on a 32-bit device is impossible.
Where can I find a universal APK so as not to choose an architecture?
Look for files marked universal or all in the name. Such packages contain libraries (.so files) for all popular architectures (arm64, arm, x86). During installation, the system itself will select the required part of the code. The disadvantage of such files is that their size can be 2-3 times larger than the regular version.