Helio G70 vs G36: Which Chipset Is Faster?

The MediaTek Helio G70 is faster than the Helio G36 in real-world use, mainly because it pairs a similar CPU with a stronger GPU and better memory support. The G36’s higher clock speed on paper does not translate to better gaming or overall performance, as the G70’s Mali-G52 GPU and LPDDR4x RAM support give it a clear edge.

Background: Where These Chips Sit

Both the Helio G70 and G36 are entry-level 4G chipsets from MediaTek, aimed at budget smartphones. The G70 launched in early 2020, while the G36 arrived in early 2023 as a refresh of the older G35. They share the same 12nm manufacturing process and the same octa-core CPU layout: two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. The key difference is that the G36 bumps the CPU clock speed slightly, but cuts back on GPU and memory capabilities to keep costs down.

Spec Comparison: G70 vs G36

• CPU: Both have 2x Cortex-A75 + 6x Cortex-A55. The G36 runs at up to 2.3 GHz, the G70 at 2.0 GHz.
• GPU: G70 uses Mali-G52 MC2 at 820 MHz; G36 uses Mali-G52 MC2 at 680 MHz.
• Memory: G70 supports LPDDR4x up to 1800 MHz; G36 supports LPDDR4x up to 1600 MHz.
• Storage: Both support eMMC 5.1, but the G70 also supports UFS 2.1.
• Display: Both support 90 Hz refresh at 720p+ and 60 Hz at 1080p.
• Connectivity: Both have 4G LTE with dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0.
• Camera: Both support up to 48 MP single camera or 16+5 MP dual.

Real-World Performance: Why the G70 Wins

Benchmarks and practical usage show the G70 is noticeably faster in gaming and app loading. The G36’s higher CPU clock (2.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz) helps in single-threaded tasks like opening apps, but the GPU clock is 20% lower (680 vs 820 MHz), which directly impacts frame rates in games. The G70 also supports faster RAM and UFS storage, reducing lag when multitasking and loading large files. In AnTuTu v9, the G70 scores around 220,000, while the G36 scores around 190,000–200,000. In Geekbench 5, the G70 typically gets ~350 single-core and ~1,300 multi-core, while the G36 gets ~360 and ~1,400 – so the CPU is nearly identical, but the GPU gap is significant.

How to Choose Between Them

If you are buying a budget phone and care about gaming, the G70 is the better choice. The extra GPU performance and faster memory make it handle games like PUBG Mobile at balanced settings more smoothly. If you only use your phone for calls, social media, and light browsing, the G36 is fine and may even feel slightly snappier in everyday tasks due to the higher clock speed. However, the G36 is often found in even cheaper devices, so the price difference might sway you. In short: pick the G70 for gaming, the G36 for basic use or if you find a significantly better deal.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that a higher clock speed always means a faster chip. That’s not true – the G36’s 2.3 GHz CPU is offset by a weaker GPU and slower memory. Another issue is thermal throttling: both chips are 12nm, so they heat up under sustained load, but the G70 tends to throttle less because it runs at a lower clock. Some users also confuse the G36 with the older G35 – the G36 is a minor refresh with slightly higher CPU clocks, but the GPU is the same. If you see a phone listed with ‘Helio G36’ and another with ‘Helio G70’, the G70 will generally be the better performer for gaming.

Cost and Value

Phones with the G36 are typically cheaper than those with the G70, often by $20–$40. The G36 is aimed at the ultra-budget segment, while the G70 sits just above it. For the extra money, you get a better gaming experience and faster storage, which can make the phone feel more responsive over time. If you are on a very tight budget, the G36 is acceptable, but if you can stretch, the G70 offers better value for performance.

Alternatives to Consider

If you are open to other chipsets, the MediaTek Helio G80 and G85 are slightly faster than the G70, with higher GPU clocks and better AI features. On the Qualcomm side, the Snapdragon 662 is comparable to the G70, though its Adreno 610 GPU is a bit weaker. For a significant step up, the Helio G88 or Snapdragon 680 offer better gaming and camera support, but cost more. Always check the full phone specs, as RAM, storage type, and software optimization also affect real-world speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helio G36 good for gaming?

It can run casual games and older titles at low settings, but for modern games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile, you’ll get low frame rates and stutter. The G70 is a better choice for gaming.

Does the G70 support 5G?

No, both the G70 and G36 are 4G LTE chipsets. If you need 5G, look at the Helio G70’s 5G siblings like the Dimensity series.

Which chipset has better battery life?

The G36 may have a slight edge because its GPU is slower, but the difference is minimal. Both are 12nm, so battery life depends more on the phone’s battery size and screen.

Can the G36 be overclocked?

No, MediaTek does not allow official overclocking, and custom kernels are rare for budget phones. You are stuck with the stock clocks.

Is the G70 worth the extra money?

If you play games or use demanding apps, yes. The GPU and storage improvements are noticeable. For basic use, the G36 is sufficient.

Related

• Multi-Agent Systems for Node.js Devs
• Compare Two Workbooks: Side-by-Side Methods
• Is an Intel Core i3 Good Enough for Zoom?