Android Processor Architectures: What You Need to Know

Android smartphones and tablets can feature various processor architectures: arm64-v8a, armeabi-v7a, x86, or x86_64. This diversity arose historically, as Android was originally designed as an open system intended to run on a wide array of hardware.

The average user usually doesn't need to worry about their phone's architecture. However, if you install APK files manually (bypassing Google Play) or engage in custom ROM flashing, knowing your device's architecture becomes crucial.

Core Android Architectures

As of late 2025, the Android ecosystem primarily supports two main processor families: ARM (arm64-v8a, armeabi-v7a) and x86 (x86 or x86_64). The older MIPS platform is now obsolete and not used in modern devices.

Let's take a closer look at each architecture and its key characteristics:

ARMv8 / ARM64 (arm64-v8a, 64-bit)

This is the 64-bit evolution of ARM, commonly known as ARM64. First appearing in mobile chips in 2010, it quickly became the standard for all new smartphones. The benefits of ARM64 include support for larger memory addressing, improved performance, and enhanced system security. Crucially, ARMv8 maintained backward compatibility: phones with this architecture can run older (ARMv7) apps alongside native 64-bit applications. However, this versatility is gradually disappearing—the newest chips and OS versions are beginning to drop 32-bit support entirely. ARM64 currently dominates the market; the vast majority of devices use arm64-v8a.

ARMv7 (armeabi-v7a, 32-bit)

This is the 32-bit ARM architecture that served as the standard for Android devices for many years. ARMv7 processors dominated the market until the mid-2010s, offering decent performance and energy efficiency for their time. Today, ARMv7 is considered legacy technology. Most modern gadgets have transitioned to 64-bit chips, and 32-bit versions are only found in very budget-friendly or old models. Nevertheless, a significant number of apps still include 32-bit versions for backward compatibility.

x86 / x86_64 (Intel/AMD)

Android supported the x86 architecture from the start, leading to the release of some smartphones and tablets based on Intel Atom. Due to lower power efficiency and app compatibility issues, this hardware didn't catch on, and Intel halted its mobile division in 2016. Today, x86 is mainly found in emulators and PC-based Android builds, while ARM reigns supreme in the mobile device sector.

Compatibility Across Architectures

The main rule is simple: the app's architecture must match the device's processor architecture.

• ARM64 (arm64-v8a): Modern ARM64 phones typically run both 64-bit and 32-bit (armeabi-v7a) apps. However, some newer flagship models are 64-bit only.
• ARM32 (armeabi-v7a): Older or budget devices running ARMv7 can only execute 32-bit APKs. They cannot install 64-bit packages (arm64-v8a).
• x86 (32-bit Intel/AMD): These devices only work with x86 app builds. ARM apps will not run on this hardware.
• x86_64 (64-bit Intel/AMD): Compatible with x86_64 builds and typically support 32-bit x86 programs. ARM builds, again, are not supported without emulation.

In practice, the choice comes down to: arm64-v8a for the vast majority of modern phones, armeabi-v7a for older models, and x86/x86_64 for emulators or specific Intel-based devices.

How to Find Your Device's Architecture

Determining your gadget's processor type and ABI is straightforward. Here are a few reliable methods:

Using Dedicated Apps

The easiest approach is to install a system diagnostics utility. Free apps like AIDA64, CPU-Z, Device Info, or Droid Hardware Info are excellent choices. Download any of them, open the "System" or "CPU" tab, and look for the line specifying the architecture (e.g., "Instruction Set" or "ABI").

Checking within Telegram

If you use Telegram, you can check your architecture without installing extra software. Simply open the Telegram Settings and scroll all the way to the bottom. Where the app version is listed, you will also see your device's architecture (e.g., arm64-v8a).

Searching by Model

You can look up your smartphone's technical specifications online. Manufacturers sometimes list the architecture in the detailed description on their official website or in the manual. This information is also often included in detailed reviews of the model. However, this method is less convenient and takes more time than using a dedicated app.