Quick Answer
The MediaTek Helio G50 and Helio G36 are both entry-level mobile processors designed for budget smartphones. The Helio G50 is generally the more capable chipset, offering a more modern CPU architecture and better GPU performance. The Helio G36 is typically found in more basic devices, focusing on core functionality with a simpler, older CPU design.
MediaTek Helio G50 vs MediaTek Helio G36: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the capabilities of its processor, which acts as the device’s brain. In the budget segment, MediaTek’s Helio G-series offers several options. This comparison examines two such chipsets: the Helio G50 and the Helio G36. While they share the “G” branding for gaming, they cater to slightly different tiers within the affordable market. This article will break down their specifications, performance, and typical use cases to help clarify their differences and similarities.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The fundamental difference between these two chipsets lies in their construction and design philosophy.
- MediaTek Helio G50: This chip is built on a 12nm manufacturing process. Its CPU configuration uses a hybrid setup with two more powerful ARM Cortex-A75 cores and six power-efficient ARM Cortex-A55 cores. This design, often called big.LITTLE, aims to balance performance and battery life.
- MediaTek Helio G36: This processor utilizes an older 12nm process as well but features a much simpler CPU design. It employs eight identical ARM Cortex-A53 cores. While this allows for multitasking, these cores are less powerful and efficient per clock cycle compared to the newer cores in the G50.
The G50’s more advanced CPU architecture typically provides a noticeable advantage in application launch speeds and overall system responsiveness.
Graphics and Gaming Performance
Both chips include integrated GPUs, but with different performance targets, which affects gaming potential.
- MediaTek Helio G50: It is equipped with an IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This GPU supports modern APIs and can handle casual 3D games and popular titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile at lower graphics settings and resolutions.
- MediaTek Helio G36: This chip uses an IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU as well, but it runs at a significantly lower clock speed. Its gaming capabilities are more restricted to very light 3D games and 2D titles. Demanding games may struggle with playable frame rates.
The Helio G50 is generally considered the more competent option for light gaming, while the G36 is suited for basic graphical tasks.
Camera, Display, and Connectivity Support
The image signal processor (ISP) and modem define what features a smartphone using these chips can support.
- Camera Support: The Helio G50’s ISP supports single-camera setups up to 48MP or dual-camera configurations (16MP + 16MP). The Helio G36 supports a single camera up to 50MP or a dual-camera system (13MP + 13MP). Video recording is capped at 1080p for both, but the G50 may offer more stable encoding.
- Display Support: The Helio G50 can drive displays with a resolution up to Full HD+ (2520 x 1080) at a 90Hz refresh rate. The Helio G36 supports HD+ (1600 x 720) resolution at a 90Hz refresh rate, which is common for very budget-friendly phones.
- Connectivity: A key differentiator is cellular connectivity. The Helio G50 integrates a 4G LTE Cat-7 modem for faster download speeds. The Helio G36 uses a 4G LTE Cat-4 modem, which offers slower maximum theoretical speeds. Both lack 5G support.
Performance and Typical Device Tier
These technical differences place the two processors in distinct market segments.
- Helio G50 Performance: Devices powered by the G50 are typically positioned in the lower-mid-range or upper budget segment. They are capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, streaming, and light gaming without major hiccups.
- Helio G36 Performance: Smartphones using the G36 are often found in the entry-level, ultra-budget category. Performance is adequate for basic calls, messaging, and lightweight apps, but it may feel slower with more demanding applications or heavy multitasking.
The choice between them often correlates with the overall price and feature set of the phone they are in.
Comparison Table: MediaTek Helio G50 vs Helio G36
| Feature | MediaTek Helio G50 | MediaTek Helio G36 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | Q3 2020 | Q1 2023 |
| CPU Architecture | 2x Cortex-A75 @ 2.0GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz | 8x Cortex-A53 @ 2.2GHz |
| Manufacturing Process | 12nm | 12nm |
| GPU | IMG PowerVR GE8320 @ 650 MHz | IMG PowerVR GE8320 @ 680 MHz |
| Max Display Support | 2520 x 1080 (FHD+) @ 90Hz | 1600 x 720 (HD+) @ 90Hz |
| Camera ISP | Up to 48MP single / 16MP+16MP dual | Up to 50MP single / 13MP+13MP dual |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 | LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 |
| Cellular Modem | 4G LTE Cat-7 (DL 300 Mbps / UL 150 Mbps) | 4G LTE Cat-4 (DL 150 Mbps / UL 50 Mbps) |
| AI Processing Unit (APU) | No dedicated APU | No dedicated APU |
| Typical Device Tier | Lower Mid-Range / Upper Budget | Entry-Level / Ultra-Budget |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Helio G50 and G36?
The primary difference is in the CPU design. The Helio G50 uses a more modern hybrid architecture with Cortex-A75 and A55 cores, while the G36 uses eight older Cortex-A53 cores. This gives the G50 a general performance advantage.
Which chip is better for gaming, the Helio G50 or G36?
The Helio G50 is generally better suited for light gaming. Although both share the same GPU family, the G50’s faster CPU and higher GPU clock speed allow it to handle 3D games more smoothly than the G36, which is best for very basic games.
Do the Helio G50 and G36 support 5G connectivity?
No, neither the MediaTek Helio G50 nor the Helio G36 supports 5G networks. They are both 4G LTE processors. The G50 has a faster Category 7 LTE modem compared to the Category 4 modem in the G36.
Can phones with these chips have high refresh rate displays?
Yes, both chips officially support displays with a 90Hz refresh rate. However, the Helio G50 supports this at a higher Full HD+ resolution, while the G36 supports it at a lower HD+ resolution.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Helio G50 and Helio G36 serve clear, distinct roles in the budget smartphone landscape. The Helio G50 offers a more balanced experience with its newer CPU cores, better gaming potential, and support for higher-resolution displays and faster LTE speeds. The Helio G36, while newer in announcement, utilizes a simpler, older core design to enable extremely affordable device pricing, focusing on reliable performance for fundamental smartphone tasks. The choice between them ultimately depends on the performance level and feature set one expects from a budget device, with the G50 typically found in slightly more capable models and the G36 in the most cost-conscious options.