Quick Answer
The MediaTek Helio G36 and Helio G35 are both entry-level mobile processors designed for budget smartphones. The Helio G36 is a newer iteration that generally offers a slightly higher CPU clock speed and support for a higher display refresh rate compared to the Helio G35. In most other aspects, such as manufacturing process and core GPU architecture, the two chipsets are quite similar.
MediaTek Helio G36 vs MediaTek Helio G35: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating entry-level smartphones, the system-on-chip (SoC) is a central component that influences overall performance and capability. The MediaTek Helio G35 and its successor, the Helio G36, are common choices in this segment. This comparison aims to detail the specifications, features, and typical performance differences between these two processors. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify what to expect from devices powered by each chipset, particularly in areas like gaming, display support, and daily task handling.
Performance & CPU Architecture
Both chipsets are built on a 12nm manufacturing process and feature an octa-core CPU configuration based on Arm’s Cortex-A53 architecture, which is designed for power efficiency.
- Helio G35: Features eight Cortex-A53 cores with a maximum clock speed of 2.3 GHz.
- Helio G36: Also uses eight Cortex-A53 cores but increases the maximum clock speed to 2.4 GHz. This minor bump can result in marginally faster app launches and smoother navigation in basic tasks.
It’s important to note that both processors are positioned for essential computing tasks. For more demanding applications or intensive multitasking, performance limitations typical of entry-level chips may be observed with both.
Graphics & Gaming
The gaming experience on these chipsets is geared towards casual gaming rather than high-fidelity, graphically intensive titles.
- GPU: Both the Helio G35 and G36 integrate the same IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This means their raw graphical processing power is fundamentally identical.
- Gaming Features: MediaTek’s “HyperEngine” gaming technologies are present in both, focusing on resource management for a more stable connection and load times. The key difference lies in display support: the Helio G36 adds support for displays with a 90Hz refresh rate, which can make motion appear smoother in supported games and the general UI, compared to the 60Hz maximum of the Helio G35.
Camera & Multimedia Support
The imaging capabilities facilitated by these processors are quite comparable, targeting single or dual-camera setups common in budget phones.
- Single Camera: Both support a single main camera sensor up to 25MP.
- Dual Camera: Both can accommodate a dual-camera system with a 13MP + 8MP configuration.
- Features: Standard features like electronic image stabilization (EIS) and basic AI-camera enhancements are supported. Video encoding is typically capped at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second for both chipsets.
The actual camera performance will depend heavily on the specific sensor, lens, and software tuning implemented by the smartphone manufacturer.
Display & Connectivity
This is one area where a clear generational difference is evident, primarily affecting the user experience through screen smoothness.
- Display Support: The Helio G35 supports HD+ (1600×720) resolution displays with a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz. The Helio G36 supports the same HD+ resolution but increases the maximum refresh rate to 90Hz.
- Connectivity: Both chipsets integrate a 4G LTE Cat-7 modem, offering similar cellular data speeds. They also support dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, providing standard connectivity for the segment.
Comparison Table
| Feature | MediaTek Helio G35 | MediaTek Helio G36 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Q2 2020 | Q1 2023 |
| Manufacturing Process | 12nm | 12nm |
| CPU | Octa-core Cortex-A53 up to 2.3GHz | Octa-core Cortex-A53 up to 2.4GHz |
| GPU | IMG PowerVR GE8320 | IMG PowerVR GE8320 |
| Max Display Resolution & Refresh Rate | HD+ (1600×720) @ 60Hz | HD+ (1600×720) @ 90Hz |
| Camera Support | 25MP single / 13MP + 8MP dual | 25MP single / 13MP + 8MP dual |
| Video Encoding | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 | LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 |
| Cellular Modem | 4G LTE Cat-7 | 4G LTE Cat-7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Gaming Technology | HyperEngine | HyperEngine |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Helio G36 and G35?
The primary differences are the slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.4GHz vs. 2.3GHz) and the support for 90Hz display refresh rates on the Helio G36, whereas the G35 is limited to 60Hz.
Is the Helio G36 better for gaming than the G35?
The GPU is identical, so raw gaming performance is very similar. However, the Helio G36’s support for 90Hz displays can provide a smoother visual experience in games that support higher frame rates, assuming the smartphone’s display also supports it.
Do phones with Helio G36 support 5G connectivity?
No, neither the MediaTek Helio G36 nor the Helio G35 includes a 5G modem. They are both 4G LTE processors.
Which processor is more power-efficient?
Since both are built on the same 12nm process and use the same CPU architecture, their power efficiency is generally comparable. Real-world battery life will depend more on the smartphone’s battery capacity, display, and software optimization.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Helio G36 represents an incremental update over the Helio G35. The enhancements, such as the marginally faster CPU clock and the addition of 90Hz display support, are focused on improving the user experience in specific areas like general responsiveness and screen smoothness. For core specifications like GPU, camera support, and connectivity, the two chipsets remain closely aligned. When considering a smartphone with either processor, the presence of a 90Hz screen would be a tangible differentiator favoring the G36, while other factors like RAM, storage, and overall device build will also play a significant role in the final user experience.