Quick Answer
The MediaTek Helio G85 and Helio G37 are smartphone processors designed for different market segments. The Helio G85 is a more capable chipset, offering significantly better CPU and GPU performance, while the Helio G37 is an entry-level processor focused on providing basic functionality and efficiency.
MediaTek Helio G85 vs MediaTek Helio G37: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating smartphones, the processor is a core component that influences overall performance, efficiency, and feature support. MediaTek’s Helio G-series chipsets are popular in the budget and mid-range segments. This comparison examines two distinct processors from the series: the Helio G85 and the Helio G37. Understanding their differences in architecture, performance, and supported technologies can help clarify which types of devices they are typically suited for and what a user can generally expect from each.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
The fundamental difference between these two chipsets lies in their construction and design philosophy.
- Helio G85: Built on a 12nm manufacturing process. It features an octa-core CPU with two performance-oriented ARM Cortex-A75 cores and six efficiency-focused ARM Cortex-A55 cores.
- Helio G37: Utilizes a slightly older 12nm process as well. Its CPU configuration is a quad-core setup, consisting of four ARM Cortex-A53 cores, which are designed for basic tasks and power efficiency.
The G85’s hybrid core design (big.LITTLE) allows it to handle more demanding applications by using the powerful A75 cores, while the G37’s uniform A53 cores are geared towards consistent, low-power operation for everyday light tasks.
Graphics and Gaming Performance
This is a key area of differentiation, highlighted by the “G” in their names, which stands for Gaming.
- Helio G85: Equipped with an ARM Mali-G52 MC2 GPU. This GPU, combined with MediaTek’s HyperEngine technology, aims to enhance gaming experiences by managing resources and connectivity for smoother gameplay in popular titles.
- Helio G37: Features an IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This GPU is sufficient for casual gaming, basic UI animations, and lightweight applications but is not typically intended for graphically intensive 3D games at higher settings.
The G85 generally provides a noticeably better graphical performance, making it a more common choice for budget-friendly gaming phones.
Camera, Display, and Memory Support
The capabilities of a processor also determine what kind of hardware features a smartphone can support.
Camera
- Helio G85: Can support camera setups up to 48MP for a single sensor or 16MP+16MP for dual cameras. It also supports features like multi-frame noise reduction.
- Helio G37: Typically supports up to a 25MP single camera or a 13MP+8MP dual-camera system, catering to more basic photography needs.
Display
- Helio G85: Supports displays with resolutions up to Full HD+ (2520 x 1080) and refresh rates of up to 60Hz.
- Helio G37: Supports HD+ (1600 x 720) resolution displays at 60Hz refresh rates.
RAM and Storage
- Helio G85: Supports faster LPDDR4x memory and eMMC 5.1 storage.
- Helio G37: Supports LPDDR3 or LPDDR4x memory and eMMC 5.1 storage.
Connectivity and AI Features
Both chipsets include standard connectivity options but differ in their advanced capabilities.
- Connectivity: Both integrate 4G LTE modems. The Helio G85 often comes with support for dual 4G VoLTE and may offer slightly better LTE category speeds. Both typically include Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0.
- AI Processing: The Helio G85 includes a dedicated AI Processing Unit (APU) to accelerate tasks like camera scene detection. The Helio G37 handles AI tasks through the CPU and GPU, which is generally less efficient for dedicated AI workloads.
Comparison Table: MediaTek Helio G85 vs Helio G37
| Feature | MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Helio G37 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 12nm | 12nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core: 2x Cortex-A75 @ 2.0GHz + 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz | Quad-core: 4x Cortex-A53 @ 2.3GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G52 MC2 @ 1GHz | IMG PowerVR GE8320 @ 680MHz |
| Max Display Support | Full HD+ (2520×1080) @ 60Hz | HD+ (1600×720) @ 60Hz |
| Max Camera Support | 48MP single / 16MP+16MP dual | 25MP single / 13MP+8MP dual |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 | LPDDR3/LPDDR4x, eMMC 5.1 |
| AI Acceleration | Dedicated APU | CPU/GPU based |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE Cat-7/Cat-13, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 | 4G LTE Cat-7, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Typical Device Segment | Budget to lower-mid-range, gaming-focused phones | Entry-level, ultra-budget smartphones |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Helio G85 and G37?
The primary difference is performance. The Helio G85 uses a more advanced octa-core CPU with powerful Cortex-A75 cores and a Mali-G52 GPU, making it significantly more capable for multitasking and gaming than the quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU and PowerVR GPU in the Helio G37.
Can a phone with a Helio G37 run heavy games?
Phones with the Helio G37 are generally intended for casual gaming and basic use. While some lightweight or older 3D games may run, graphically intensive titles will typically experience performance limitations or may need to run on very low settings.
Which chipset supports a better camera system?
The Helio G85 supports higher-resolution camera sensors (up to 48MP) and includes a dedicated AI Processing Unit (APU) for enhanced camera features, giving it a clear advantage in supported camera hardware and computational photography over the Helio G37.
Do both chipsets support 4G connectivity?
Yes, both the MediaTek Helio G85 and Helio G37 are 4G LTE chipsets and do not support 5G networks. They provide the connectivity standards typical for their market segments in most regions.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Helio G85 and Helio G37 serve distinct purposes within the smartphone ecosystem. The Helio G85 is positioned as a balanced performer for budget-conscious users who may engage in gaming, multitasking, and photography. In contrast, the Helio G37 is a foundational chipset for entry-level devices where basic reliability, battery efficiency, and cost are the paramount concerns. The choice between devices powered by these processors typically depends on an individual’s performance requirements and usage patterns, with the G85 offering a more feature-rich experience and the G37 covering essential smartphone functions.