ARM has unveiled CSS for Mobile 2, its next-generation mobile platform featuring the new C2 CPU family and Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU. The upgrade focuses on CPU and GPU performance, power efficiency, and stronger on-device AI capabilities.
C2 CPU: Up to 38% Lower Power Consumption
The new C2 CPU lineup consists of two cores:
- C2-Ultra — designed for maximum performance
- C2-Pro — focused on improved power efficiency
Compared with the previous C1-Ultra, ARM claims the new generation delivers:
| Metric | Improvement |
| Single-core performance | +15% |
| AI performance | up to 1.7× |
| Web browsing | +15% |
| App launches | +12% |
| Multi-core performance | +12% |
| Power consumption at the same performance | up to −38% |
The figures show improvements across both peak performance and efficiency. In particular, ARM says C2 can consume up to 38% less power at the same performance level compared with the previous generation.
AI performance is also significantly higher, with ARM claiming an improvement of up to 1.7×.
Mali G2-Ultra NX Gets Dedicated Neural Hardware
The Mali G2-Ultra NX introduces one of the biggest changes in the new platform. It is ARM's first mobile Mali GPU with a dedicated neural accelerator.
ARM claims:
- up to 4× better performance per watt for AI workloads
- 14% higher traditional gaming performance
- 70% better ray-tracing efficiency
This means the GPU upgrade isn't limited to conventional graphics performance. ARM is also adding dedicated hardware specifically intended to accelerate neural workloads.
At the same time, traditional gaming and ray-tracing workloads receive performance and efficiency improvements.
On-Device AI Becomes a Bigger Focus
Both major components of CSS for Mobile 2 include improvements targeting AI workloads. The C2 CPU offers up to 1.7× higher AI performance, while Mali G2-Ultra NX introduces a dedicated neural accelerator and promises up to 4× better AI performance per watt.
Alongside those AI improvements, ARM is increasing performance in everyday workloads including web browsing, app launches, multi-core processing and gaming.
What It Means for Future Mobile Chips
CSS for Mobile 2 provides ARM's latest CPU and GPU technologies for future mobile SoCs.
The C2 generation brings up to 15% higher single-core performance and up to 38% lower power consumption at equivalent performance, while Mali G2-Ultra NX combines higher gaming performance with substantially improved ray-tracing efficiency and dedicated neural acceleration.
These technologies are expected to provide the foundation for upcoming flagship smartphone processors, with ARM placing a much stronger emphasis on on-device AI alongside traditional CPU and GPU performance.
