Helio G36 vs G35: Chip Specs & Performance

To compare the MediaTek Helio G36 and Helio G35, focus on the chipset specs that directly affect daily performance: CPU cores, GPU, manufacturing process, and supported memory/storage standards. The Helio G36 is a minor revision of the G35, offering the same CPU and GPU but with slightly higher clock speeds and support for faster RAM and eMMC storage, resulting in a small but measurable performance improvement in everyday tasks.

Background: The G-series Lineage

MediaTek’s Helio G-series is designed for budget and entry-level gaming phones. The G35 launched in 2020 as a popular choice for sub-$150 devices, and the G36 arrived in 2023 as a refresh. Both chips are built on a 12nm process, which is older compared to the 6nm or 7nm chips found in mid-range phones, but it keeps costs low. The G36 is not a generational leap; it’s a tweaked version of the G35, similar to how car manufacturers release a “2023 model” with minor updates.

Key Specs Side-by-Side

Here is the direct comparison of the core specifications:

• CPU: Both have 8 cores (2x Cortex-A75 at up to 2.2 GHz on G36 vs 2.0 GHz on G35, plus 6x Cortex-A55 at 1.8 GHz). The G36’s higher prime-core clock is the main difference.
• GPU: Both use the IMG PowerVR GE8320. The G36 runs it at up to 680 MHz, while the G35 runs it at 650 MHz. This is a marginal difference.
• Process: Both are TSMC 12nm FinFET.
• Memory: G36 supports LPDDR4x at 1800 MHz (up to 8GB); G35 supports LPDDR4x at 1600 MHz (up to 6GB).
• Storage: G36 supports eMMC 5.1; G35 also supports eMMC 5.1, but the G36’s controller is slightly optimized for faster read/write.
• Connectivity: Both support 4G LTE (Cat-7 downlink), Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. No 5G on either.

How the Specs Translate to Real Performance

In day-to-day use, the G36 and G35 feel nearly identical. The 10% CPU clock bump and 4.6% GPU clock bump mean the G36 scores about 5-8% higher in synthetic benchmarks like AnTuTu (roughly 110,000 vs 105,000). In real terms, this translates to:

• App opening times: 0.1-0.2 seconds faster on the G36.
• Web browsing: no noticeable difference.
• Gaming: Both handle PUBG Mobile at “Balanced” 30fps and Call of Duty Mobile at “Low” 30fps. The G36 may hold 30fps more consistently in longer sessions due to the slightly higher GPU clock.
• Multitasking: The G36’s support for 8GB RAM (vs 6GB on G35) means fewer app reloads if the phone has that much memory.

How to Compare Phones with These Chips

When comparing two phones with these chips, don’t just look at the chip name. Check the full spec sheet:

1. RAM and storage: A G35 phone with 6GB RAM will outperform a G36 phone with 4GB RAM in multitasking.
2. Screen: Both chips support 90Hz displays, but if a phone uses a 60Hz panel, you won’t get the smoother scrolling.
3. Cooling: A phone with a vapor chamber (rare at this price) will sustain performance better than one without.
4. Software: A lighter UI (like stock Android) will feel faster than a heavy skin (like some Chinese OEMs).
5. Battery: Both chips are efficient enough for a full day, but a 5000mAh battery will last longer than 4000mAh.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that the G36 is a “new generation” chip and therefore significantly better. It is not. It’s a refresh. Another issue: some buyers confuse the G36 with the Helio G37 or G80, which are actually different (G80 has a Mali GPU and is faster). Also, both chips are prone to thermal throttling under sustained load, so a phone with poor cooling may perform worse than a G35 phone with better cooling.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you are choosing between two phones where the only difference is the chipset, pick the G36 for the slightly better RAM support and clock speeds. However, if the G35 phone is cheaper, has more storage, or a better screen, it is often the smarter buy. For most users, the difference is not worth paying a premium. These chips are for basic tasks and light gaming; if you need more performance, look for a Helio G88 or Snapdragon 680.

Cost and Value Considerations

Phones with these chips typically cost between $100 and $150. The G36 is usually found in slightly newer models, sometimes with a $10-20 premium. Always check the current market price, but as a rule, the G36 is not worth more than a $15 premium over an equivalent G35 phone. The real cost difference is often in other features like camera quality, build material, and charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helio G36 better than the G35 for gaming?

Yes, but only slightly. The GPU clock is 30 MHz higher, which gives a few extra frames per second in light games. In heavy games, both will run at the same low settings, and the G36 may sustain 30fps a bit longer before throttling.

Can the G36 handle 90Hz displays?

Yes, the G36 supports 90Hz displays. However, the GPU is not powerful enough to render most games at 90fps, so you’ll only see the benefit in UI scrolling and light apps.

Does the G35 support 8GB RAM?

Officially, the G35 supports up to 6GB LPDDR4x. Some manufacturers have shipped 8GB variants, but that is not guaranteed to work at full speed. The G36 officially supports 8GB.

Which chip has better battery life?

Both are equally efficient since they use the same 12nm process and similar cores. The G36’s higher clocks may use slightly more power under load, but the difference is negligible. Battery life is more dependent on screen size and battery capacity.

Is the G36 worth upgrading from a G35 phone?

No. If you already own a G35 phone, the G36 is not worth upgrading for. The performance difference is under 10%, and you won’t notice it in daily use. Save your money for a phone with a mid-range chip.

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