If you are using one of the most popular budget and mid-range Android smartphones on the market right now, I am sure you’ve come across the term Helio Processor. Personally, I first learnt about it when I was using a Redmi phone.
A Helio Processor refers to a series of processors made by MediaTek, a Taiwan-based company that designs and manufactures semiconductors and telecommunications equipment, including a system on a chip (SoC) for mobile devices, home entertainment, network and connectivity, automated driving, and IoT.
By definition, a processor in a mobile phone is a component that controls the key functions and actions of a device. Also known as a chipset, a smartphone processor functions as the central nervous system of the device. It can be dubbed the “brain” of a mobile device because of its central role in executing instructions and performing calculations, including correctly interpreting input from the touch screen.
On the other hand, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) is a complete processing system that includes both hardware and software in one single package for smartphones, unlike a computer’s single processor chip package, widely known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which always requires parts like memory, timers, and other components outside of the CPU to do their work.
In other terms, an SoC is a minicomputer on a chip that includes the processor, along with other hardware and software components, forming a complete and functional standalone processing system.
What is a Helio Processor in simple terms?
A Helio Processor is a system-on-a-chip (SoC) mobile processor from MediaTek, offering good performance for mid-range Android smartphones and other technology devices.
As an SoC, it forms an integrated circuit, combining all the chipset features and other components of an electronic system onto a single usable chip in those devices.
MediaTek Helio Processors are designed to be highly efficient in their energy use, with powerful AI processing capabilities to enhance the user experience. A second-generation Intelligent Multi-Network Prediction engine enables smartphones to efficiently transfer the massive amounts of data needed for 5G communication, run AI applications, support graphically demanding games, record and play ultra-high-resolution videos, and more.
“MediaTek Helio chipsets use tightly integrated, advanced eight-core and ten-core processing to ensure that content delivery and display interaction are fast and seamless,” MediaTek states. “Different processing cluster configurations ensure that when you reach for your phone, it is ready to roar.”
Types of MediaTek Helio Processors
Here are some types of MediaTek Helio processors:
- Helio G100: Includes a 4G LTE modem and “Elevator Mode” to reestablish a connection quickly
- Helio G99: A powerful 4G chip
- Helio G90: A chip that supports 64MP AI camera and multi-camera framework
- Helio G85: Includes voice wakeup capability to optimize power use
- Helio G36: A processor that supports up to 50MP cameras and has a hardware depth engine for portrait photos
- Helio P35: An octa-core 4G chip
- Helio X30: A 10nm smartphone chipset that uses 10 cores (Deca-core) with a 4G LTE-Advanced WorldMode modem
The other types of MediaTek Helio processors are Helio G96, Helio G95, Helio G90T, Helio G88, Helio G80, Helio G70, Helio G37, and Helio G25.
Phones that use Helio Processors
MediaTek Helio processors are designed to enable Android smartphones with features like high-end cameras, vibrant MiraVision Displays, high-definition multimedia streaming, power efficiency, and gaming technologies.
Some of the popular smartphones powered by MediaTek Helio are:
- Infinix Hot 30i (MediaTek Helio G37)
- Motorola One Macro (MediaTek Helio P70)
- Realme Narzo N55 (MediaTek Helio G88)
- Redmi 11 Prime (MediaTek Helio G99)
- Vivo V15 (MediaTek Helio P70)
- Vivo Y02 (MediaTek Helio P22)
MediaTek processors are also used in other devices, including TVs, voice assistants, Chromebooks, fitness equipment, and Wi-Fi routers.
