Quick Answer
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Helio G96 are both mid-range mobile platforms designed for affordable smartphones. The Snapdragon 695 generally offers more power-efficient performance and superior 5G connectivity, while the Helio G96 typically provides slightly stronger GPU performance for gaming and supports higher-resolution camera sensors.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 vs MediaTek Helio G96: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the capabilities of the processor inside. In the competitive mid-range segment, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Helio G96 are two commonly encountered chipsets. This comparison aims to break down their technical specifications, performance characteristics, and feature sets to help clarify their differences. We will examine aspects like CPU and GPU performance, connectivity, camera support, and efficiency to provide a clear picture of what each platform offers.
Performance & CPU Architecture
The core computing power of a chipset is defined by its CPU design and manufacturing process.
- Snapdragon 695: Built on a 6nm manufacturing process, it features an octa-core CPU with two ARM Cortex-A78 performance cores (up to 2.2 GHz) and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores (up to 1.8 GHz). This modern architecture and process node typically contribute to good power efficiency.
- Helio G96: Manufactured on a 12nm process, it uses an octa-core CPU configuration with two ARM Cortex-A76 cores (up to 2.05 GHz) and six Cortex-A55 cores (up to 2.0 GHz). The older A76 cores and 12nm design can result in higher power consumption under load compared to more modern 6nm designs.
In terms of raw CPU performance, they are often considered to be in a similar tier for everyday tasks, but the Snapdragon 695’s more advanced manufacturing process generally provides an advantage in sustained performance and battery life.
Graphics & Gaming (GPU)
GPU performance is crucial for gaming and smooth visual interactions.
- Snapdragon 695: Utilizes the Qualcomm Adreno 619 GPU. It delivers reliable performance for popular mobile games at medium to high settings and supports displays with refresh rates up to 120Hz.
- Helio G96: Equipped with the ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. In many benchmarks, this GPU can show slightly higher peak graphics performance compared to the Adreno 619 in the Snapdragon 695, which is a focus of MediaTek’s “G” series for gaming.
While the Helio G96 may have a slight edge in some GPU-intensive tasks, the overall gaming experience also depends on factors like software optimization and thermal management implemented by the phone manufacturer.
Connectivity & Modem
This is one of the most distinct differences between the two platforms.
- Snapdragon 695: Includes an integrated Snapdragon X51 5G modem. This provides support for both sub-6GHz 5G networks and 4G LTE. 5G connectivity is a key differentiator for this chipset.
- Helio G96: Features an integrated 4G LTE modem only. It does not support 5G connectivity. It does support dual 4G SIM standby and relatively fast 4G LTE Cat-13 speeds.
For users in regions with expanding 5G coverage, the Snapdragon 695 offers more future-proof connectivity.
Camera & Multimedia Support
Both chipsets support capable camera setups found in mid-range phones.
- Snapdragon 695: Its Spectra 346T ISP (Image Signal Processor) can handle camera configurations up to a single 108MP sensor or dual 16MP sensors. It supports video capture up to 1080p at 120fps or 720p at 240fps for slow-motion.
- Helio G96: Its ISP supports higher single-camera resolutions, up to 108MP, and can also manage dual-camera setups with 16MP+16MP sensors simultaneously. For video, it supports recording at 1080p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps.
The Helio G96 offers support for 4K video recording, which the Snapdragon 695 lacks. However, final camera quality is heavily dependent on the actual sensor, lens, and software tuning used by the phone maker.
Display & Memory Support
These specifications influence the type of screens and memory that can be used in devices.
- Snapdragon 695: Supports displays with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz at FHD+ (2520 x 1080) resolution. It is compatible with LPDDR4x RAM (up to 2133 MHz) and UFS 2.2 storage.
- Helio G96: Also supports 120Hz displays at FHD+ (2520 x 1080) resolution. It supports LPDDR4x RAM (up to 2133 MHz) and eMMC 5.1 / UFS 2.2 storage types.
Both chipsets provide similar high-refresh-rate display support, which is a common feature in modern mid-range phones.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | MediaTek Helio G96 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 12nm |
| CPU Cores | 2x Cortex-A78 (2.2 GHz) 6x Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz) |
2x Cortex-A76 (2.05 GHz) 6x Cortex-A55 (2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | ARM Mali-G57 MC2 |
| 5G Support | Yes (Integrated X51 Modem) | No (4G LTE Only) |
| Max Display Support | FHD+ @ 120Hz | FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| Max Camera Resolution | Single: 108MP Dual: 16MP+16MP |
Single: 108MP Dual: 16MP+16MP |
| Max Video Capture | 1080p @ 120fps | 4K @ 30fps |
| RAM Support | LPDDR4x (up to 2133 MHz) | LPDDR4x (up to 2133 MHz) |
| Storage Support | UFS 2.2 | eMMC 5.1 / UFS 2.2 |
| Key Differentiator | 5G connectivity, 6nm efficiency | 4K video recording, gaming-focused GPU |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between Snapdragon 695 and Helio G96?
The most significant difference is connectivity: the Snapdragon 695 has an integrated 5G modem, while the Helio G96 is limited to 4G LTE. The Helio G96 also supports 4K video recording, which the Snapdragon 695 does not.
Which chipset is better for gaming, the Snapdragon 695 or Helio G96?
The MediaTek Helio G96, part of MediaTek’s gaming-focused “G” series, typically shows slightly stronger peak GPU performance in benchmarks. However, the Snapdragon 695’s more power-efficient 6nm design can help with sustained performance during longer gaming sessions by managing heat better.
Does the Helio G96 support 5G?
No, the MediaTek Helio G96 does not support 5G networks. It is equipped with a 4G LTE modem. For 5G connectivity in this performance tier, the Snapdragon 695 is a common alternative.
Which processor is more power-efficient?
Generally, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 is considered more power-efficient due to its newer 6nm manufacturing process compared to the Helio G96’s 12nm process. This can often translate to better battery life in similarly equipped devices.
Final Thoughts
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 and MediaTek Helio G96 cater to slightly different priorities within the mid-range smartphone market. The Snapdragon 695’s strengths lie in its modern 6nm architecture, integrated 5G support, and generally efficient performance, making it a choice for those seeking modern connectivity and good battery life. The Helio G96, while lacking 5G, offers capable 4G performance, a slight edge in GPU tasks for gaming, and the added feature of 4K video recording support. The decision between the two often comes down to whether future-proof 5G connectivity or specific multimedia features like 4K recording are more important to the user, alongside the overall implementation and pricing of the smartphone they are found in.