As the third part of the Android CPU review, this month we cover the most popular Android smartphone CPUs. Custom Android devices which use a smartphone chipset generally require mobile data support and have a screen size smaller than 6.5 inches. Some smartphone CPUs will support a larger screen size and make their way into tablet size devices.
When tablet-size devices use smartphone chipsets it’s usually a cost driven decision. Using a smartphone CPU in a tablet only works for tablets which have lower resolution screens. The main difference between CPUs for tablets which support mobile data and smartphones CPUs is their resolution support. Smartphone CPUs don’t support as high of a screen resolution as tablet CPUs.
There’s a big price difference between 4G and 5G CPUs. 4G meets the demands of most custom Android devices, so that’s still the prevalent choice for Hatch’s customers and why we focus on them. Even though mainstream consumer models use 5G, smartphone CPU manufacturers still release 4G models.
Due to Mediatek’s overall competitive advantages, including the ease of customizing hardware and firmware, this list includes exclusively Mediatek chips. Here’s the list of the most common Android smartphone CPUs we consider for new projects:
MediaTek MT8766
The MediaTek MT8766 is a quad-core processor designed for entry-level smartphones and tablets. It features four ARM Cortex-A53 cores clocked at up to 2.0 GHz, providing efficient performance for everyday tasks. Manufactured using a 12nm process, the MT8766 balances power efficiency with adequate processing capabilities. The integrated IMG PowerVR GE8300 GPU supports basic graphics rendering, suitable for standard applications and media playback. The chipset supports LPDDR3 and LPDDR4X memory types, ensuring compatibility with various device configurations. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0, catering to essential communication needs. The MT8766 supports camera resolutions up to 13MP and video playback at 1080p, making it suitable for basic photography and video consumption. Its design focuses on delivering a cost-effective solution for budget-friendly devices without compromising on essential features.
MediaTek Helio G36
The MediaTek Helio G36 is an entry-level octa-core processor launched in March 2023. It comprises four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.2 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency. Built on a 12nm process, the G36 is optimized for budget smartphones, providing reliable performance for daily tasks. The integrated IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU, clocked at 680 MHz, supports graphics rendering for casual gaming and media playback. The chipset accommodates LPDDR4X memory up to 8GB and eMMC 5.1 storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and data handling. Connectivity features include 4G LTE Cat-7, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0, facilitating seamless communication. The G36 supports camera configurations up to 50MP and video capture at 1080p, catering to basic photography and videography needs. Its design emphasizes affordability while delivering essential smartphone functionalities.
MediaTek Helio G37
The MediaTek Helio G37 is an entry-level octa-core processor introduced in June 2020, designed for budget-friendly smartphones. It features four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz, delivering efficient performance for everyday tasks. Manufactured using a 12nm process, the G37 ensures a balance between power efficiency and performance. The integrated PowerVR GE8320 GPU, operating at 680 MHz, supports graphics rendering suitable for casual gaming and media playback. The chipset supports LPDDR4X memory up to 8GB and eMMC 5.1 storage, facilitating smooth multitasking and data handling. Connectivity options include 4G LTE Cat-7, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable communication. The G37 supports camera configurations up to 50MP and video capture at 1080p, catering to basic photography and videography needs. Its design emphasizes affordability while delivering essential smartphone functionalities.
MediaTek Helio G81
The MediaTek Helio G81 is a mid-range octa-core processor launched in August 2024, designed for gaming and multimedia applications. It comprises two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, providing a balance between performance and power efficiency. Built on a 12nm process, the G81 ensures optimal energy consumption. The integrated Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, clocked at 950 MHz, delivers enhanced graphics performance for gaming and media tasks. The chipset supports LPDDR4X memory up to 8GB and storage types including eMMC 5.1 and UFS 2.1, facilitating smooth multitasking and faster data access. Connectivity features encompass 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring reliable communication. The G81 supports camera configurations up to 48MP and video capture at 2K resolution, catering to advanced photography and videography needs. Its design emphasizes delivering robust performance for gaming enthusiasts and multimedia consumers.
MediaTek Helio G99
The MediaTek Helio G99 is a high-performance octa-core processor introduced in May 2022, targeting mid-range smartphones with gaming capabilities. It features two Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz, offering a blend of performance and efficiency. Manufactured using a 6nm process, the G99 ensures superior power efficiency and thermal management. The integrated Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, clocked at 1100 MHz, delivers robust graphics performance for gaming and multimedia applications. The chipset supports LPDDR4X memory up to 12GB and UFS 2.2 storage, enabling swift multitasking and rapid data access. Connectivity options include 4G LTE Cat-13, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring seamless communication. The G99 supports camera configurations up to 108MP and video capture at 2K resolution, catering to high-quality photography and videography. Its design focuses on delivering top-tier performance for gaming and multimedia enthusiasts in the mid-range segment.
Comparison Matrix
| Specification | MT8766 | Helio G36 | Helio G37 | Helio G81 | Helio G99 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Launch Date |
2020 |
March 2023 |
June 2020 |
August 2024 |
May 2022
|
|
CPU Cores |
4x Cortex-A53 |
8x Cortex-A53 |
8x Cortex-A53 |
2x A75 + 6x A55 |
2x A76 + 6x A55
|
|
Max CPU Frequency |
2.0 GHz |
2.2 GHz |
2.3 GHz |
2.0 GHz |
2.2 GHz
|
|
Process Technology |
12nm |
12nm |
12nm |
12nm |
6nm |
|
GPU |
PowerVR GE8300 |
PowerVR GE8320 |
PowerVR GE8320 |
Mali-G52 MC2 |
Mali-G57 MC2
|
|
Max GPU Frequency |
660 MHz |
680 MHz |
680 MHz |
950 MHz |
1100 MHz |
|
Max Display Res |
1920×1200 |
2400×1080 |
2400×1080 |
2520×1080 |
2520×1080 |
|
Max Camera Res |
13MP |
50MP |
50MP |
48MP |
108MP |
|
Memory Type |
LPDDR3/LPDDR4X |
LPDDR4X |
LPDDR4X |
LPDDR4X |
LPDDR4X |
|
Max Memory Size |
4GB |
8GB |
8GB |
8GB |
12GB |
|
Storage Type |
eMMC 5.1 |
eMMC 5.1 |
eMMC 5.1 |
eMMC 5.1 / UFS 2.1 |
UFS 2.2
|
|
Video Capture |
1080p @ 30fps |
1080p @ 30fps |
1080p @ 30fps |
2K @ 30fps |
2K @ 30fps |
|
Video Playback |
1080p @ 30fps |
1080p @ 30fps |
1080p @ 30fps |
2K @ 30fps |
2K @ 30fps |
|
Connectivity |
4G, Wi-Fi 5, BT5 |
4G Cat-7, Wi-Fi 5, BT5 |
4G Cat-7, Wi-Fi 5, BT5 |
4G, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.4 |
4G Cat-13, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.2
|
|
AI Processor (NPU) |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
TDP (est.) |
~2W |
~2.2W |
~2.2W |
~5W |
~5W |
