MediaTek is a leading chipset manufacturer known for producing innovative mobile processors that power various mobile phones. Their Helio series has played a crucial role in advancing mobile technology by offering affordable yet powerful solutions for smartphones and tablets. These processors are designed to enhance user experiences by improving performance, power efficiency, and connectivity features. MediaTek’s Helio chipsets have become popular in mid-range and budget devices, enabling manufacturers to deliver advanced technology at competitive prices. Their impact on the mobile industry grows as they introduce more cutting-edge innovations.
What is MediaTek Helio Processor?
The MediaTek Helio processor series is designed to deliver efficient performance, particularly for budget and mid-range mobile phones. As part of MediaTek’s product lineup, Helio processors balance performance and affordability, making advanced mobile technology accessible to more users. Compared to the Dimensity series, which targets higher-end and 5G-enabled devices, the Helio series is optimised for 4G connectivity and everyday usage, such as gaming, multimedia, and app performance. Its efficient architecture ensures smoother experiences without compromising energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for manufacturers in the mid-range market.
Versions of Mediatek Helio Versions
MediaTek Helio X Series (Flagship)
The Helio X series, launched in 2015, was MediaTek’s flagship lineup designed to power higher-end smartphones with advanced features. Key models include the Helio X30, X25, and X20, which offer multi-core processing and premium features like improved camera capabilities and faster performance. Although these models are now less common in newer devices, they were initially known for providing top-tier processing power, especially for demanding tasks in older flagship models.
MediaTek Helio A Series (Affordable Entry-level)
The Helio A series was introduced in 2018 to offer affordable smartphones with efficient performance. Models like the Helio A22 and A25 are designed for basic tasks and everyday smartphone use, prioritising energy efficiency. The A series processors are well-suited for budget-conscious consumers. They deliver enough performance for essential apps and features without draining battery life, making them a popular choice in low-cost devices.
MediaTek Helio P Series (Performance)
The Helio P series, introduced in 2018, is known for its balanced performance, catering to users seeking strong smartphone functionality. Key models such as the Helio P95, P90, P70, and P60 stand out for their AI enhancements and improved camera capabilities. These processors are designed to handle multitasking efficiently while maintaining power usage. The P series has become a go-to choice for mid-range devices, offering a solid combination of performance, energy efficiency, and smart features.
MediaTek Helio G Series (Gaming-focused)
The Helio G series, launched in 2019, is focused on mobile gaming and provides smooth and responsive gameplay experiences. Key models in this lineup include the Helio G90T, G85, G80, G70, G35, and G25. These processors are equipped with MediaTek’s HyperEngine technology, optimising gaming performance by enhancing resource management and connectivity. The G series delivers higher frame rates, reduced latency, and a more immersive gaming experience, making it popular for gamers on budget devices.
Key Features of MediaTek Helio Processors
Core Architecture
MediaTek Helio processors utilise advanced CPU architectures, often featuring ARM Cortex cores in octa-core configurations. This setup allows for efficient multitasking and performance optimisation with a mix of high-performance and power-efficient cores. The architecture is designed to handle complex tasks while maintaining energy efficiency, making it suitable for everyday usage and high-demand activities like gaming and multimedia consumption.
GPU
The MediaTek Helio processor’s graphics performance is optimised by integrated GPUs such as the Mali series for smooth gaming experiences. These GPUs support high frame rates, vivid visuals, and reduced latency, making them ideal for mobile gaming. Combining a powerful GPU with MediaTek’s HyperEngine technology ensures seamless gameplay, even on budget and mid-range devices.
AI Capabilities
Helio processors have smart AI processing capabilities that enhance various smartphone functions. These include AI-enhanced photography, which automatically adjusts settings for better photos, and AI-powered voice assistants that improve user interactions. The AI features also extend to gaming, where they manage resources for better performance and power efficiency.
Battery Efficiency
MediaTek Helio processors are designed with power-saving technologies that optimise battery usage. Features like intelligent resource management and power-efficient cores help reduce battery drain during everyday use. These processors also implement dynamic power management, adjusting performance levels based on the task, significantly extending mobile device battery life.
Connectivity
Helio processors provide strong connectivity support, including 4G LTE, VoLTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. These connectivity features ensure fast and reliable mobile data speeds, clear voice calls over LTE, and seamless pairing with other devices. Helio processors are also designed to support dual SIM functionality and ensure strong connectivity in various regions.
Imaging
MediaTek Helio processors offer advanced camera capabilities, supporting multi-camera setups and AI-enhanced photography. These processors are designed to improve photo quality, enabling features like enhanced low-light photography, real-time beautification, and high-resolution image capture. Helio processors also support 4K video recording and advanced imaging features, making them well-suited for smartphones focused on photography.
MediaTek HyperEngine Technology
MediaTek’s HyperEngine technology optimises gaming performance and enhances the overall user experience by intelligently managing smartphone resources. It improves network latency by ensuring stable connections during online gaming while optimising CPU and GPU performance for smoother graphics rendering. HyperEngine manages power efficiently, allowing longer gaming sessions without compromising performance. It also intelligently allocates system resources, ensuring minimal disruptions even during high-demand activities. This technology makes gaming on mid-range and budget devices more immersive and responsive.
Advantages of MediaTek Helio Processors
- Affordable Pricing: MediaTek Helio processors offer a cost-effective solution for manufacturers, enabling them to produce smartphones competitively while providing powerful performance for consumers.
- Balanced Performance: Helio processors are well-suited for various tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and daily smartphone use, ensuring a smooth user experience across different applications.
- Battery Optimisation: With advanced technologies like HyperEngine, Helio processors optimise power usage, balancing performance and battery life, which results in longer device usage without compromising on speed or efficiency.
Devices Powered by MediaTek Helio Processors
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro – Powered by Helio G90T
- Realme C3 – Powered by Helio G70
- Vivo Y20 – Powered by Helio G35
- Xiaomi Redmi 9 – Powered by Helio G80
- Realme Narzo 20 – Powered by Helio G85
- Oppo A31 – Powered by Helio P35
- Nokia 2.4 – Powered by Helio P22
- Xiaomi Redmi 6 – Powered by Helio P22
- Infinix Hot 10 – Powered by Helio G70
- Tecno Spark 6 – Powered by Helio A25
- Vivo Y12 – Powered by Helio P22
- Oppo A5s – Powered by Helio P35
- Lenovo K10 Note – Powered by Helio P70
- Sony Xperia XA1 – Powered by Helio P20
- Micromax IN 1 – Powered by Helio G80
MediaTek Helio vs Competitors
| Category | MediaTek Helio | Qualcomm Snapdragon | Samsung Exynos |
| Performance | Offers balanced performance, ideal for budget and mid-range devices. Focuses on gaming with HyperEngine technology. | High performance, especially in flagship models. Known for optimised processing power and GPU performance. | Solid performance with a focus on multitasking and flagship-level processing in high-end devices. |
| Power Efficiency | Optimised for power saving, especially with HyperEngine and efficient CPU cores. | Efficient power management, especially in high-end models, but mid-range can be power-hungry. | Known for energy efficiency, particularly in its high-end models using advanced fabrication processes. |
| Pricing | More affordable for manufacturers, making budget-friendly devices possible. | Higher cost, leading to more expensive devices, especially in flagship models. | Typically positioned between MediaTek and Snapdragon in pricing. Higher-end models are expensive, but mid-range options exist. |
| Pros | Cost-effective, good for gaming, and power-efficient for budget devices. | Superior performance, especially in high-end devices. Great for heavy tasks and gaming. | Great multitasking capabilities, advanced fabrication, and efficient energy use in flagship models. |
| Cons | It is not as powerful as the Snapdragon or Exynos in flagship-level performance. | Higher price, less affordable for budget and mid-range devices. | Higher prices, limited availability in budget devices, and sometimes inferior graphics performance to Snapdragon. |
Conclusion
MediaTek Helio processors stand out for their affordability, balanced performance, and power efficiency, making them an excellent choice for mid-range smartphones. With features like HyperEngine technology and AI enhancements, they provide smooth gaming experiences and advanced functionality at a lower price than competitors. MediaTek’s ability to offer cost-effective solutions without sacrificing essential features has solidified its position in the global chipset market, particularly for budget-conscious consumers and manufacturers. As mobile technology evolves, MediaTek continues innovating and expanding its industry influence.
