Hummingbird and its successor, Exynos, are based on ARM processor technology, which is designed for mobile devices. The main rival to ARM in the processing world is the x86-based processors made by Intel, Advanced Micro Electronics (AMD) and Via Technologies.

Intel continues to reduce power consumption in its Atom line of x86 processors, taking aim at the mobile market with an eye to ensure mobile devices can make use of all the software made for x86-based PCs. Software is written specifically for a chip technology as well as an operating system.