Every smartphone has several key components, each playing a crucial role in its functionality. Here’s a breakdown of the main components

1. Processor (SoC – System on Chip)

The processor is the smartphone’s brain, integrating the CPU, GPU, AI engine, and connectivity modules. Every smartphone has a processor, both iPhone and Android devices.

Examples: Apple A-series (A17 Pro) for the iPhone 15 series and A18 Pro for the iPhone 16 series.

For Samsung, Qualcomm Snapdragon (8 Gen 3), MediaTek Dimensity, Samsung Exynos.

The processor enables a seamless gaming experience.

2. Memory (RAM)

This component enables smooth multitasking, with your device hanging unnecessarily.

Temporary storage for active processes, affecting multitasking and speed.

Common sizes: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, 16GB LPDDR5X.

3. Storage (ROM)

This component is responsible for the storage of your smartphone—internal storage for apps, files, and system data.

Common types: UFS 3.1, UFS 4.0, NVMe (in iPhones).

Sizes range from 64GB to 1TB.

4. Display

The display is the screen size and the material of your smartphone.

Types of display: LCD (IPS), OLED, AMOLED, LTPO.

Key factors: Refresh rate (60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz), resolution (FHD+, QHD+), brightness (nits), HDR support.

5. Camera System

This component is one of the most important components of any smartphone. One of the reasons people buy major flagship smartphones is because of the uniqueness of various model cameras. For instance, one of the major selling points of iPhones is the camera.

There are rear and front cameras for photography and video recording.

Factors: Megapixels (12MP, 50MP, 200MP), sensor size, aperture, OIS, AI processing.

Additional features: Periscope zoom, ultra-wide, macro, and depth sensors.

6. Battery

This is the life of every smartphone. Capacity measured in mAh (e.g., 4000mAh, 5000mAh).

Charging technologies: Wired fast charging (e.g., 120W), wireless charging, reverse wireless charging.

Battery chemistry: Li-ion, Li-Po.

7. Operating System (OS)

This is the software controlling the smartphone

Examples: Android (One UI, MIUI, OxygenOS), iOS (Apple).

8. Modem & Connectivity

Handles cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections.

It supports 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi 6/6E/7, and Bluetooth 5.3.

GPS, NFC, UWB (Ultra Wideband).

9. Sensors

Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, magnetometer, barometer.

Biometric sensors: Fingerprint scanner (under-display, side-mounted), Face ID.

10. Speakers & Audio

Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support.

3.5mm headphone jack (rare in flagships), USB-C or Lightning for audio.

11. Build & Materials

Frame: Aluminum, stainless steel, plastic.

Back panel: Glass, ceramic, plastic.

Protection: Gorilla Glass, IP rating (water and dust resistance).

Titanium premium material was introduced for Apple flagship devices, starting from the iPhone 15 Pro and the Pro Max. Even Samsung now creates their flagship device with a titanium material, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 ultra.

12. Cooling System

Vapor chamber cooling, graphite sheets, thermal paste, active cooling (gaming phones).

Each component influences the smartphone’s overall performance, user experience, and cost.

In conclusion, without these components, your smartphone is completely worthless. Any missing component wouldn’t give you a seamless mobile phone experience. They are all vital in the same way that sensitive organs in the human body are important.

Check out this video about major smartphone components.