The quality of the processor is crucial for the functioning of the phone. A processor is the most critical element of the smartphone.
A processor is the brain of the smartphone that handles all the functions of the smartphone. The only names that pop into our heads are Mediatek or Snapdragon. These are the best processors for smartphones.
Key Takeaways
- MediaTek processors prioritize affordability, while Snapdragon processors emphasize performance and power efficiency.
- Snapdragon processors support better graphics and gaming experiences than MediaTek processors.
- MediaTek processors are found in budget and mid-range devices, while Snapdragon processors appear in high-end devices.
MediaTek vs Snapdragon
MediaTek is a fabless semiconductor company based in Taiwan that provides chips for televisions, handheld mobile devices, wireless communication, navigation systems, and multimedia products. Snapdragon is a chip semiconductor product that is designed by Qualcomm Technologies using the ARM architecture.
MediaTek is an affordable chipset primarily found in Sony, and the device with a Mediatek processor is a middle-level or a startup model.
The rapid warming and high temperature are drawbacks to the chip. The performance is better than the chips in the same price range.
Qualcomm processors are known as the Snapdragon series. A premium processor in most premium phones. The premium advantage of the processor is the low energy consumption and an improvement in the graphics capabilities.
A secured chipset with minimal power consumption is considered the best chipset.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | MediaTek | Snapdragon |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | It was established in 1997 in Hsinchu, Taiwan. | It was established in 1985 in San Diego. |
| Battery Life | The battery life is short. | The battery life is longer. |
| Heating | The Heating is intense in MediaTek. | The heating is controlled in snapdragon. |
| Cost | MediaTek is part of low-end phones. | Snapdragon is part of expensive handsets. |
| Performance | MediaTek is good at functioning and reliability. | Snapdragon has superior performance as compared to MediaTek. |
General Information
The table below provides a brief introduction to both MediaTek and Snapdragon. It includes information such as their founding year, country of origin, and parent company.
| Parameter of Comparison | MediaTek | Snapdragon |
|---|---|---|
| Year Established | 1997 | 1985 |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan | USA |
| Parent Company | MediaTek Inc. | Qualcomm |
| Major Customers | Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo | Samsung, LG, Sony |
| Focus | Budget and Mid-Range Devices | Mid-Range and High-End Devices |
Chipset Comparison
The following table compares some popular chipsets from MediaTek and Snapdragon. It provides a side-by-side comparison of their specifications, which can help readers determine which might be best for their needs.
| Parameter of Comparison | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Snapdragon 888 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Technology | 6nm | 5nm |
| CPU Configuration | 1 x 3.0 GHz – Cortex-A78, 3 x 2.6 GHz – Cortex-A78, 4 x 2.0 GHz – Cortex-A55 | 1x 2.84 GHz – Cortex-X1, 3x 2.42 GHz – Cortex-A78, 4x 1.80 GHz – Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 660 |
| Memory Support | LPDDR4x, 2133MHz | LPDDR5, 3200MHz |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes |
Performance Comparison
The performance of a processor depends on many factors, including its core architecture, clock speed, and manufacturing process. This table compares the performance of MediaTek and Snapdragon chipsets based on some commonly used benchmarks.
| Parameter of Comparison | MediaTek Helio P70 | Snapdragon 730G |
|---|---|---|
| Antutu Benchmark Score | 194,000 | 266,123 |
| Geekbench 5 Single-Core Score | 365 | 547 |
| Geekbench 5 Multi-Core Score | 1420 | 1639 |
| GPU Benchmark Score (GFXBench) | 20 fps | 31 fps |
| AI Benchmark Score | 5250 | 5910 |
Power Efficiency Comparison
One of the critical considerations when choosing a processor is its power efficiency. It affects battery life and the device’s temperature during heavy use. The following table compares MediaTek and Snapdragon chipsets based on power efficiency.
| Parameter of Comparison | MediaTek Dimensity 1000 | Snapdragon 865 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 7nm | 7nm |
| Power Consumption (Idle) | 5mW | 6mW |
| Power Consumption (Moderate Use) | 750mW | 850mW |
| Power Consumption (Heavy Use) | 2.2W | 2.6W |
| Thermal Throttling Performance | 90% | 87% |
Feature Comparison
Different chipsets come with different features. Some may support advanced AI capabilities or offer better connectivity options. This table compares the features of two popular MediaTek and Snapdragon chipsets.
| Parameter of Comparison | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Snapdragon 888 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Engine | APU 3.0 (6 TOPS) | Hexagon 780 (26 TOPS) |
| Image Signal Processor | 5-core HDR-ISP (200MP) | Spectra 580 (200MP) |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Wi-Fi Version | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| 4K HDR Video Support | Yes | Yes |
What is MediaTek?
MediaTek is the 4th largest semiconductor company in the world and processes over 2 billion devices annually. A Taiwan-based MediaTek plays second fiddle to Qualcomm, but the chips are the most found in smartphones.
MediaTek uses a standard Arm CPU for its processor and has not made any modifications for development.
MediaTek has started utilizing Imagimatation technology in the new Helio P90, and the company claims it is a big move compared to the earlier chips.
The Helio P60 chipset dedicates the AI processing unit(APU) to mid-range phones. It has enhanced the features of the mid-range phone, like facial and smart screen recognition.
The Mediatek phones have had a bad reputation in a couple of years over poor performance and the company’s policy of releasing source code.
It is not as transparent as the US chipmakers. The company is operating on resolving this issue. Mediatek chips deplete more power and decrease the battery power.
The system updates are tardy as the chips are part of the low-end brands that lack the resources to update the phones. It did cost Mediatek brand its reputation, and the company has faced the brunt of it.
MediaTek is a prominent fixture in every entry-level phone. Mediatek does not deal with flagship chipsets but concentrates on the sub-flagship segments.
The Mediatek Helio G directs an emphasis on entertainment and results. The Helio G90 and G90T are chips with octa-core CPUs.
It has technology in addition to the A76 core plus six Cortex-A55 cores, and this technology cutting-edge predicts fantastic onscreen results on screen and in sports.
The Mediatek processor is part of many mobiles, and they are enhancing their products to meet the market requirements.
What is Snapdragon?
The Snapdragon processor design is for fast, intelligent, secure, and quality graphics. The processor enables an excellent augmented reality experience, a brilliant camera, and exceptional 4G and 5G connectivity.
Snapdragon chips are completely optimized and high-end tech powered by Qualcomm.
- Snapdragon 8 Series Mobile Platform:
The Snapdragon 8 series platform has a multi-core CPU and can expand all the possibilities. Ultimate performance, power efficiency, and 4G connectivity.
- Snapdragon 7 Series Mobile Platform:
It supports in-demand features like ‘Artificial Intelligence Engine’ with advanced camera features.
- Snapdragon 6 Series Mobile Platform:
The Snapdragon 6 series mobile platform design is to enhance performance, efficiency, and versatility. It offers a superior quality experience to the users in the embedded features of smartphones and tablets.
- Snapdragon 4 Series Mobile Platform:
The Snapdragon 4 Series Mobile Platform design is to support popular smartphones. They include cutting-edge camera technology, Full HD displays, and high-quality audio.
- Snapdragon 2 Series Mobile Platform:
The Snapdragon 2 Series Mobile Platform design is for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). They provide services for consumers as they require quality, reliable, and affordable mobile networks.
The snapdragon has brilliant imagery and advanced 8K video capture. It enhances the battery life and keeps the device cool.
Main Differences Between MediaTek and Snapdragon
- Mediatek processors are high on power-consuming, which limits the battery life. Snapdragon processor is more energy efficient.
- Mediatek processors do perform well and are good at multitasking. Snapdragon has a better-performing processor and handles intensive tasks and gaming.
- Mediatek processors are easily prone to heating. The Snapdragon processor keeps the device cool.
- Mediatek processor mobile phones are reasonably priced. The Snapdragon processor handsets are on the higher end of pricing.
- MediaTek is a Taiwanese international semiconductor company founded in 1997. The Snapdragon processor by Qualcomm was founded in 1985 in California.
Architectural Differences
Design Philosophy
You’ll notice differences in their design philosophies when comparing MediaTek and Snapdragon. MediaTek processors are designed with affordability in mind, making them suitable for budget and mid-range devices. On the other hand, Snapdragon processors prioritize performance and power efficiency, so they are found in high-end devices.
This design approach also translates to the gaming experience, as Snapdragon processors offer better graphics and gaming support than their MediaTek counterparts.
Process Technology
MediaTek and Snapdragon exhibit variations in their implementation of ARM architecture and corresponding CPU cores. Qualcomm, the company behind Snapdragon, designs its own brand of central processing units. These include the 64-bit processor Kryo core and the 32-bit Krait core. This focus on custom cores allows Snapdragon processors to perform better in certain scenarios. Meanwhile, MediaTek relies on ARM’s standard core designs, which emphasize efficiency and cost savings.
Regarding process technology, both companies adopt advanced manufacturing processes to stay competitive. For example, MediaTek’s Dimensity 9000+ and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 utilize cutting-edge fabrication technologies to optimize performance, power consumption, and thermal management.
However, depending on the target market and price points, each company’s product lineup may differ in node sizes and process technologies.
Power Efficiency
Qualcomm, the company behind Snapdragon processors, designs their chips with custom Kryo cores, which are made to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency. Their processors manage power consumption effectively and have shown to deliver better battery life in many smartphones. Qualcomm chips also support Quick Charge technology, ensuring faster charging times without stressing the battery.
On the other hand, MediaTek focuses on providing cost-effective solutions with competitive performance. Their Dimensity series of processors offers powerful performance with a mix of Cortex-A and Cortex-X cores. While these chips deliver impressive results, they might be slightly less power-efficient than their Snapdragon counterparts.
To optimize your device’s battery life and performance, choosing a processor that suits your usage patterns is essential. Power-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing might require a chip with a higher focus on performance. At the same time, casual use and browsing may benefit from the power efficiency of Snapdragon processors.
Device Support and Compatibility
MediaTek-powered devices are known for their budget-friendly pricing and wide range of options, especially in the lower to mid-end smartphone markets. Most Android smartphones that utilize MediaTek processors come from Chinese manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo. As a result, you may find more options available at affordable prices when considering MediaTek-based devices.
On the other hand, Snapdragon processors are found across various smartphone brands and price ranges. Major companies like Samsung, OnePlus, and LG frequently utilize Snapdragon processors in their flagship devices, providing high performance and support for the latest features. Furthermore, some of these companies’ popular mid-range and entry-level devices also use Snapdragon processors, ensuring a broad choice of models.
Regarding compatibility with various operating systems, both MediaTek and Snapdragon offer excellent support for Android. However, you may find that Snapdragon-based devices receive more frequent system updates due to the close partnership between Qualcomm and Google. This means your Snapdragon-powered device may receive the latest Android features and security patches more quickly than MediaTek alternatives.
Both companies provide chips with support for 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth technologies for connectivity options. However, Snapdragon processors offer superior performance in terms of connectivity, as they include more advanced modems and better energy efficiency.
Cost Breakdown
MediaTek: MediaTek processors are known for their affordability, making them a popular choice for budget and mid-range smartphones. The company provides chipsets catering to various price points, making it easier for consumers to find a device that fits their budget.
Snapdragon: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors are found in higher-end smartphones due to their performance capabilities. While they also cater to mid-range devices, flagship smartphones carry a higher price tag due to the premium features and better performance offered by Qualcomm chips. It’s worth noting that in the past, some flagship devices opted to use mid-range chips to avoid the higher costs associated with top-tier Snapdragon processors.
Gaming Experience
When it comes to gaming experience, Qualcomm Snapdragon processors provide better performance than their MediaTek counterparts. Snapdragon chipsets feature Adreno GPUs, which are known for their powerful performance in graphic-intensive games. On the other hand, MediaTek processors use Mali GPUs, which can sometimes lag behind their Adreno counterparts, especially in higher-end games.
However, this does not necessarily mean that MediaTek processors are unsuitable for gaming. They still offer good performance in budget and mid-range phones, enabling users to enjoy a decent gaming experience. In terms of affordability, MediaTek excels by offering good value for money.
Overall Responsiveness
In terms of overall responsiveness, Snapdragon processors tend to outperform MediaTek processors. This can be observed in daily usage, such as app loading times, multitasking capabilities, and overall device smoothness. Snapdragon chips deliver a snappier and more seamless user experience, particularly in flagship and mid-range devices.
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/2791321.2791334
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6912148/
Last Updated : 11 September, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
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