Helio G70 vs G81: Specs, Benchmarks, Phones

The MediaTek Helio G70 and Helio G81 are both budget-oriented gaming chipsets, but the G81 is the newer and faster option, offering roughly 10–15% better CPU and GPU performance in real-world benchmarks. This article compares their specifications, benchmark scores, and the phones that use them, so you can decide which one matters for your next budget phone.

Background: Where These Chips Fit

MediaTek launched the Helio G70 in early 2020 as an entry-level gaming chip, followed by the Helio G80 and G85 as slight upgrades. The Helio G81 arrived in mid-2024, targeting the same budget segment but with a more modern design and improved efficiency. Both are built on a 12nm process, but the G81 uses newer CPU cores (Cortex-A75/A55) compared to the G70’s older A75/A55 combination, and the G81’s GPU runs at a higher clock speed.

These chips power phones in the $100–$200 range, competing with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600-series and other MediaTek Helio G-series parts. They are not flagship silicon; they are designed for everyday tasks, light gaming, and long battery life.

Specifications Compared

Here is a side-by-side look at the key specs:

CPU: G70 has 2x Cortex-A75 (up to 2.0 GHz) + 6x Cortex-A55 (up to 1.7 GHz). G81 has the same core layout but clocks up to 2.0 GHz on the A75s and 1.8 GHz on the A55s.
GPU: G70 uses Mali-G52 MC2 at 820 MHz. G81 uses the same Mali-G52 MC2 but at 1,000 MHz – a 22% clock boost.
Memory: Both support LPDDR4x RAM up to 8GB (G70) and 12GB (G81), and eMMC 5.1 or UFS 2.1 storage.
Connectivity: Both have 4G LTE (Cat-7/13), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 (G70) and 5.1 (G81). No 5G on either.
Camera: Both support up to 48MP single camera or 16MP+16MP dual, with 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Process: Both are 12nm FinFET, but G81 is a later revision with better power management.

The G81 is essentially a refined G70 with a faster GPU and slightly higher CPU clocks, plus support for faster RAM and Bluetooth 5.1.

Benchmark Performance

In synthetic benchmarks, the G81 consistently scores higher. On AnTuTu (v9), the G70 typically scores around 190,000–200,000, while the G81 reaches 220,000–240,000. Geekbench 6 single-core scores: G70 ~350, G81 ~400; multi-core: G70 ~1,200, G81 ~1,400. In GFXBench’s Manhattan 3.0 (offscreen), the G81 delivers about 20–25% more frames per second than the G70.

Real-world gaming reflects this: the G81 can handle PUBG Mobile at “Smooth� + “High� frame rate (40–50 fps) more consistently, while the G70 might drop to 30–40 fps. For lighter games like Clash Royale or Asphalt 9, both are fine, but the G81’s GPU boost reduces stutter.

Note that benchmark numbers vary by phone due to cooling and software optimization. A well-cooled G70 phone can outperform a poorly optimized G81 phone.

Phones That Use These Chips

Helio G70 phones (2020–2021) include:

Realme C3 and C11
Nokia 2.4 and 3.4
Xiaomi Redmi 9A and 9C
Motorola E7 Plus

Helio G81 phones (2024–2025) include:

Xiaomi Redmi 14C
Realme C65
Nokia G42 5G (though this uses a different chip, the G42 4G uses G81)
Infinix Hot 40i

Most G81 phones are newer, so they also come with better displays (90Hz), larger batteries, and more RAM for the same price as older G70 phones.

How to Choose Between Them

If you are buying a new phone today, the Helio G81 is the better choice for almost everyone. It offers:

Better gaming performance (GPU clock boost)
Faster multitasking (higher CPU clocks and RAM support)
Newer software support (Android 14 vs Android 10)
Better connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1)

However, if you find a heavily discounted G70 phone with 4GB RAM for under $80, it can still handle basic tasks like WhatsApp, YouTube, and light browsing. Avoid G70 if you plan to play demanding games or keep the phone for more than two years.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the G81 is a “gaming� chip. It is not – it is a budget chip with a gaming label. It will not run Genshin Impact at high settings; expect low settings at 30fps.

Another issue: both chips lack 5G, so if you need 5G connectivity, look for Helio G99 or Snapdragon 4-series. Also, 12nm process means they are less efficient than newer 6nm chips, so battery drain under load is higher.

Some G70 phones suffer from heating during prolonged gaming due to lack of proper cooling. G81 phones generally have better thermal design because they are newer.

Cost and Value

Prices vary by region, but typically:

Helio G70 phones: $70–$120
Helio G81 phones: $90–$150

The G81 is worth the extra $20–$30 for the performance jump. However, if you are on a strict budget, a G70 phone with 3GB RAM can still work for basic use, but you will feel the lag in multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Helio G81 good for gaming? It is decent for casual and mid-tier games like PUBG Mobile at low settings, but not for heavy titles. Expect 40–50 fps in most games at low graphics.

Can I upgrade from G70 to G81? No, you cannot upgrade the chip in a phone. You would need to buy a new phone.

Which is better for battery life? The G81 is slightly better due to newer manufacturing refinements, but both are 12nm and similar. A 5000mAh battery will last a full day with moderate use.

Do these chips support 5G? No, both are 4G-only. For 5G, consider Helio G99 or Snapdragon 480+.

Are G70 phones still worth buying in 2025? Only if they are extremely cheap (under $60) and you only need a basic phone for calls and light apps. Otherwise, the G81 is a better investment.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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