Helio G36 vs G25: Specs and Benchmarks

The MediaTek Helio G36 and Helio G25 are both entry-level 4G gaming-oriented processors, but the G36 is a modestly revised version of the G25 with a slightly higher CPU clock speed and a newer, more efficient 12nm manufacturing process. In real-world benchmarks and daily use, the G36 typically scores about 5–10% higher than the G25 in CPU-bound tests, while GPU performance remains nearly identical because both use the same Imagination PowerVR GE8320 graphics core. This article breaks down the full specifications, benchmark results, and what the differences actually mean for a budget smartphone buyer.

Background: Two Chips, One Family

The Helio G25 launched in mid-2020 as MediaTek’s entry-level gaming chip, found in phones like the Redmi 9A and various budget models. The Helio G36 arrived in early 2023 as a refresh, not a true successor. Both chips share the same octa-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU architecture, the same GPU, and the same modem. The G36 is essentially a G25 with a higher maximum CPU clock speed (2.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz) and a slightly more efficient 12nm process (the G25 was also 12nm, but the G36 uses a refined version). MediaTek markets the G36 as offering better sustained performance and improved power efficiency, but the hardware changes are minimal.

Specification Comparison: G36 vs G25

Here is the side-by-side breakdown of the key specifications:

• CPU: Both have 8x ARM Cortex-A53 cores. G36: up to 2.3 GHz. G25: up to 2.0 GHz.
• GPU: Both use the Imagination PowerVR GE8320, running at 650 MHz (same clock on both).
• Process: Both are 12nm FinFET (TSMC). The G36 is a slightly refined version, but the node is the same.
• Memory: Both support LPDDR4x RAM up to 6GB, and eMMC 5.1 storage. No UFS support.
• Display: Both support HD+ (720p) resolution at up to 60Hz. No 90Hz or 1080p support officially.
• Connectivity: Both have 4G LTE (Cat-7 download, Cat-13 upload), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS.
• Camera: Both support up to 21MP single camera or 13MP+8MP dual camera, with basic AI features.
• Charging: Both support 10W (5V/2A) charging only. No fast charging.

The only real differences are the CPU clock speed and the process refinement. Everything else—GPU, modem, memory support, camera ISP—is identical.

Benchmark Results: What the Numbers Show

In synthetic benchmarks, the G36 consistently outperforms the G25, but the gap is small. Based on aggregated scores from popular benchmark databases (AnTuTu, Geekbench, and GFXBench):

• AnTuTu v9/v10: G36 scores around 110,000–115,000. G25 scores around 100,000–105,000. The difference is mostly in the CPU subscore (about 8–12% higher), while the GPU subscore is nearly identical.
• Geekbench 5: G36: single-core ~180, multi-core ~950. G25: single-core ~165, multi-core ~870. That’s a ~9% improvement in multi-core.
• GFXBench (Manhattan 3.1 offscreen): Both chips score around 10–12 fps. The GPU is the same, so the results are within the margin of error.

In real-world usage, you will not notice the difference. App loading times are identical, and gaming frame rates are the same for any game that runs on both chips. The G36’s higher clock speed only helps in short bursts of CPU-intensive tasks, like opening a large PDF or processing a photo, but the difference is often less than half a second.

Gaming Performance: The Real Test

Both chips are marketed as “gaming” processors, but that is a stretch. The PowerVR GE8320 is a very weak GPU by modern standards. Here is what you can expect:

• PUBG Mobile: Runs at “Smooth” graphics and “Medium” frame rate (30 fps). Both chips maintain around 25–30 fps, with occasional drops to 20 fps in heavy fights.
• Mobile Legends: Runs at “High” graphics and “High” frame rate (60 fps). Both chips can hit 60 fps in open areas, but drop to 40–50 fps in team fights.
• Genshin Impact: Unplayable on both. You can launch the game, but it will run at 15–20 fps on the lowest settings, making it a slideshow.
• Asphalt 9: Runs at “Low” graphics and “30 fps” mode. Both chips maintain around 25–30 fps, but the G36 may hold 30 fps slightly more consistently due to the CPU boost.

The G36’s extra CPU clock speed helps in games that are CPU-bound (like MOBAs), but the GPU is the bottleneck in most modern titles. If you are buying a phone for gaming, even a Helio G80 or G85 would be a significant upgrade.

Thermals and Battery Life

Both chips are 12nm, which is an older process compared to the 8nm or 6nm used in mid-range chips. They run relatively cool under light loads, but under sustained gaming, they can get warm. The G36’s refined process is claimed to improve efficiency, but in practice, battery life is nearly identical. A typical 5000mAh battery phone with either chip will last about 1.5–2 days with light use, and about 5–6 hours of screen-on-time during gaming. The G36 might run 1–2°C cooler under sustained load, but that is within the margin of error for most thermal testing.

How to Choose Between the Two

In practice, you will rarely choose between a G36 and G25 phone directly. The G36 is used in newer budget phones (like the Redmi 12C), while the G25 is used in older models (like the Redmi 9A). Here is how to decide:

• If you are buying new: The G36 is the better choice because it is slightly faster and may come with newer software support. The price difference is usually negligible.
• If you are buying used: The G25 is still a capable phone for basic tasks. If the price is significantly lower, it is worth considering.
• If you are comparing specs: The G36 is the winner on paper, but the real-world difference is small. Do not pay a premium for it.

For most users, the G25 is perfectly adequate for calls, social media, YouTube, and light gaming. The G36 offers a marginal improvement that you will likely not notice unless you are running benchmark apps side by side.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the G36 is a “new generation” chip. It is not. It is a rebadged G25 with a clock bump. Another misconception is that both chips support fast charging—they do not. Both are limited to 10W, so charging a 5000mAh battery takes about 2.5 hours. A frequent issue with both chips is that they struggle with 720p+ video recording; they can record 1080p at 30fps, but the footage may have dropped frames in low light. Also, both chips lack support for Wi-Fi 6 and 5G, so if you need those, look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helio G36 worth upgrading from the G25?

No, not on its own. The performance difference is around 5–10% in benchmarks, which is not noticeable in daily use. Only upgrade if you need a new phone for other reasons, like a better camera or more RAM.

Can the Helio G25 or G36 run 90Hz displays?

No. Both chips officially support only 60Hz displays at 720p resolution. Some manufacturers have enabled 90Hz on custom ROMs, but it is not stable and can cause overheating.

Which chip is better for battery life?

They are nearly identical. The G36’s refined process is slightly more efficient, but the higher clock speed can offset that. In real-world tests, both chips give similar battery life.

Do these chips support 4K video playback?

Yes, they can decode 4K video (H.264 and H.265), but they cannot record 4K video. The camera ISP is limited to 1080p at 30fps.

Are there any phones with the G36 that have fast charging?

No. MediaTek’s official spec for both chips is 10W charging. Some manufacturers might implement a proprietary fast charging hack, but that is rare and not officially supported.

Is the G36 good for emulation?

For light emulation (Game Boy, SNES, PS1), yes. For heavier emulation (N64, PSP, GameCube), no. Both chips lack the GPU power for demanding emulators.

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