Quick Answer
The MediaTek Helio P35 and Helio G36 are both entry-level smartphone processors. The Helio G36 is generally considered a newer iteration of the P35, offering a slightly higher CPU clock speed and a focus on basic gaming features. In most aspects, however, their core specifications and performance are quite similar.
MediaTek Helio P35 vs MediaTek Helio G36: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating entry-level smartphones, the system-on-chip (SoC) is a critical component that influences overall performance. The MediaTek Helio P35 and the more recent Helio G36 are two processors commonly found in budget-friendly devices. This comparison aims to clarify their specifications, highlight their differences, and explain their typical use cases. Understanding these chips can help in assessing the capabilities of the devices that use them.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
Both chips share a fundamental foundation in terms of their build, which contributes to their positioning in the market.
- MediaTek Helio P35: This chip is fabricated using a 12nm FinFET process. It features eight ARM Cortex-A53 CPU cores, a common design for basic tasks, clocked at up to 2.3 GHz.
- MediaTek Helio G36: The G36 also utilizes a 12nm process. Its CPU configuration is identical, with eight Cortex-A53 cores, but the maximum clock speed is slightly higher at 2.4 GHz. This minor bump is one of the key distinctions between the two.
The shared 12nm process and CPU architecture mean both chips are designed for power efficiency in basic smartphones, with the G36 having a slight edge in peak CPU performance.
Graphics and Gaming Performance
This is a primary area where the “G” series naming implies a focus, though the reality is nuanced for these entry-level parts.
- MediaTek Helio P35: It integrates an IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU, clocked at up to 680 MHz. This GPU is sufficient for casual gaming, lightweight apps, and standard user interface animations.
- MediaTek Helio G36: It uses the same IMG PowerVR GE8320 GPU. MediaTek has typically included features like “HyperEngine” technologies in its G-series chips, which in this case are basic optimizations for a more consistent gaming experience on very low-demand titles, despite the identical GPU hardware.
In practice, the graphical performance between the two is virtually identical. The G36’s “gaming” label primarily refers to software-level optimizations rather than a hardware upgrade for the GPU.
Supported Features and Connectivity
The supported technologies dictate what kind of camera, display, and network features a phone can have.
- Display Support: Both processors typically support HD+ (1600 x 720 pixels) displays at a 60Hz refresh rate. The Helio G36 officially adds support for 90Hz refresh rate panels, though this is often dependent on the phone manufacturer’s implementation.
- Camera Support: The Helio P35 can handle single camera setups up to 25MP or dual 13MP+13MP cameras. The Helio G36 supports a single camera up to 50MP or a 16MP+16MP dual-camera system, offering higher resolution potential for budget devices.
- Connectivity: Both integrate 4G LTE Cat-7 modems, offering similar download and upload speeds. They also support dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Typical Device Positioning and Use Cases
These chips are not designed for high-performance tasks but serve specific roles in the market.
- Helio P35 Devices: Commonly found in entry-level and budget smartphones from several years ago. They are suitable for basic use: calls, messaging, social media, light web browsing, and streaming video.
- Helio G36 Devices: Appears in modern entry-level phones, often marketed as capable of “lite” gaming. It is essentially a refreshed P35 with minor spec bumps and a marketing focus on providing a stable experience for very basic mobile games.
For a user whose needs are strictly fundamental, a device with either chip will generally provide a similar day-to-day experience.
Comparison Table: MediaTek Helio P35 vs Helio G36
| Feature | MediaTek Helio P35 | MediaTek Helio G36 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 12nm FinFET | 12nm FinFET |
| CPU Cores | 8x ARM Cortex-A53 | 8x ARM Cortex-A53 |
| Max CPU Clock Speed | Up to 2.3 GHz | Up to 2.4 GHz |
| GPU | IMG PowerVR GE8320 (680 MHz) | IMG PowerVR GE8320 |
| Max Display Support | HD+ (1600×720) @ 60Hz | HD+ (1600×720) @ 90Hz |
| Max Camera Support | 25MP single / 13MP+13MP dual | 50MP single / 16MP+16MP dual |
| Video Playback | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
| Modem | 4G LTE Cat-7 | 4G LTE Cat-7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Launch Year | 2018 | 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Helio P35 and G36?
The main differences are the launch year and minor specification bumps. The Helio G36, launched later, has a slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.4 GHz vs. 2.3 GHz), official support for 90Hz displays, and higher maximum camera resolution support. The core GPU and process technology remain the same.
Is the Helio G36 better for gaming than the P35?
While the G36 carries a “gaming” series label and includes basic gaming-oriented software optimizations, its GPU hardware is identical to the P35. Performance in games will be very similar, suited only for very lightweight titles. The difference is typically not substantial.
Can a phone with a Helio G36 have a better camera than one with a P35?
Potentially, yes. The Helio G36’s image signal processor (ISP) supports higher-resolution sensors (up to 50MP vs. 25MP). However, the final camera quality depends heavily on the specific sensor, lenses, and software tuning used by the phone manufacturer.
Which chip is more power-efficient?
Both are built on the same 12nm process with similar CPU architectures, so their power efficiency is generally comparable. Real-world battery life in a phone depends more on factors like battery capacity, display technology, and software optimization.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Helio P35 and Helio G36 represent two generations of entry-level mobile processors with more similarities than differences. The Helio G36 can be viewed as a modest refresh, offering slight improvements in clock speed and supported features like display refresh rate and camera resolution. For users considering devices powered by these chips, the overall experience in basic tasks is likely to feel similar. The choice often comes down to the other specifications of the specific smartphone, such as RAM, storage, and battery size, as these will have a more noticeable impact on daily use than the minor differences between these two SoCs.