Quick Answer
The MediaTek Helio G85 and Helio G50 are both 4G mobile processors designed for budget-friendly smartphones. The Helio G85 is generally the more capable chipset, offering superior CPU and GPU performance, while the Helio G50 is positioned as a more entry-level option with a focus on basic functionality and power efficiency.
MediaTek Helio G85 vs MediaTek Helio G50: A Detailed Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the capabilities of its processor, which acts as the brain of the device. In the budget and mid-range segments, MediaTek’s Helio G-series chipsets are common. This comparison breaks down the differences between the Helio G85 and the Helio G50, two popular 4G options. By examining their architecture, performance, and features, you can gain a clearer picture of what each chipset typically offers in a smartphone.
CPU and Performance
The core processing power is where a significant gap between these two chipsets exists.
- Helio G85: Features an octa-core CPU with two performance-oriented ARM Cortex-A75 cores clocked at up to 2.0GHz and six efficiency-focused Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. This “big.LITTLE” configuration is designed to handle more demanding tasks smoothly.
- Helio G50: Utilizes an octa-core CPU as well, but it is based entirely on ARM Cortex-A55 cores, with four clocked at 2.0GHz and four at 1.8GHz. This homogeneous design is typically sufficient for everyday apps but may show limitations in more intensive applications.
In practice, the Helio G85 generally provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and more complex applications due to its higher-performance A75 cores.
GPU and Gaming
Graphics performance is crucial for gaming and is a key differentiator in the Helio G-series.
- Helio G85: Equipped with an ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. This is a more modern and capable graphics processor that can handle many popular mobile games at medium to low graphics settings.
- Helio G50: Uses an older PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This GPU is adequate for casual gaming and light titles but may struggle with graphically intensive games, often requiring settings to be set to low for a playable frame rate.
The “G” in the series name stands for Gaming, and the G85 lives up to this designation more effectively than the G50, offering a better foundation for gaming performance.
Camera and Display Support
These specifications dictate the hardware limits for cameras and screens on devices using these chipsets.
- Camera Support:
- Helio G85: Can support a single camera up to 48MP, or dual 16MP + 16MP setups. It also supports features like multi-frame noise reduction.
- Helio G50: Supports a single camera up to 25MP or a dual 13MP + 8MP configuration.
- Display Support:
- Helio G85: Typically supports HD+ (1600 x 720) displays at up to a 90Hz refresh rate, which can make scrolling feel smoother.
- Helio G50: Supports HD+ (1600 x 720) displays as well, but usually at a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
Connectivity and Manufacturing
Both chipsets share similar foundational connectivity but differ in their fabrication process.
- Connectivity: Both are 4G LTE chipsets with support for dual 4G VoLTE. They include standard options like Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Manufacturing Process:
- Helio G85: Built on a 12nm fabrication process.
- Helio G50: Also built on a 12nm process.
The similar process node means power efficiency characteristics are comparable, though the G50’s simpler CPU/GPU design may sometimes lead to lower power consumption during basic tasks.
Comparison Table: MediaTek Helio G85 vs Helio G50
| Feature | MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Helio G50 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x Cortex-A75 @ 2.0GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz) | Octa-core (4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz + 4x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz) |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G52 MC2 | IMG PowerVR GE8320 |
| Manufacturing Process | 12nm | 12nm |
| Max Display Support | HD+ (1600×720) @ 90Hz | HD+ (1600×720) @ 60Hz |
| Max Camera Support | Single: 48MP Dual: 16MP + 16MP |
Single: 25MP Dual: 13MP + 8MP |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 | LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| AI Processing Unit (APU) | MediaTek APU (Basic AI tasks) | Not specified / Basic AI via CPU |
| Typical Device Segment | Lower mid-range / Budget performance | Entry-level / Budget basic |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Helio G85 and G50?
The primary difference lies in the CPU and GPU. The Helio G85 uses a more powerful configuration with two high-performance Cortex-A75 cores and a Mali-G52 GPU, while the G50 uses only Cortex-A55 cores and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This makes the G85 generally better for performance and gaming.
Can a phone with a Helio G50 chipset handle gaming?
Phones with the Helio G50 can handle casual and light gaming. For more demanding 3D games, users will typically need to set the graphics quality to low settings to achieve a playable frame rate.
Which chipset supports a better camera system?
The Helio G85 supports higher-resolution camera sensors (up to 48MP single) compared to the G50’s 25MP limit. This allows smartphone manufacturers to pair the G85 with potentially better camera hardware.
Do both chipsets support fast refresh rate displays?
The Helio G85 can support displays with refresh rates up to 90Hz, while the Helio G50 is typically limited to 60Hz. A 90Hz display can offer smoother visual motion.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Helio G85 and Helio G50 serve distinct tiers within the budget smartphone market. The Helio G85 is positioned as a more performance-oriented option, offering advantages in CPU tasks, gaming potential, and support for higher-end camera and display features. The Helio G50, on the other hand, is tailored for essential smartphone functions, focusing on reliable performance for everyday tasks with an emphasis on power efficiency. The choice between devices powered by these chipsets typically depends on the user’s performance needs and budget considerations, with the G85 catering to those seeking a bit more capability and the G50 suiting users with more basic requirements.