MediaTek Helio G37
MediaTek Helio G37: Budget Processor for Everyday Tasks and Casual Gaming
Analysis of Capabilities and Use Cases for the Chip in 2025
Introduction
MediaTek Helio G37 is a mobile processor that has remained popular in the budget smartphone segment for several years. Although it was introduced in 2022, devices based on it are still actively sold by 2025 due to the balance of price and basic performance. In this article, we will explore what makes this System on Chip (SoC) noteworthy, who it is suitable for, and what nuances to pay attention to when choosing a smartphone with the Helio G37.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: What's Inside?
The Helio G37 is built on a 12-nm process technology, which by 2025 is considered outdated (modern flagships use 3-4 nm). However, this technology helps to reduce production costs and maintain energy efficiency at an acceptable level.
CPU:
- 8 Cortex-A53 cores divided into two clusters:
- 4 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 4 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz for background processes.
This architecture (big.LITTLE) helps save battery charge but is inferior to modern Cortex-A55/A76 cores in data processing speed.
GPU:
- PowerVR GE8320 — a graphics processor capable of handling games at low and medium settings. It supports screen resolutions up to HD+ (1600x720) and refresh rates up to 90 Hz, but in reality, most devices with the Helio G37 are limited to 60 Hz due to cost-cutting on matrices.
Power Consumption:
- TDP of 2.2 W — a modest figure that allows smartphones to function without active cooling. This makes device casings thinner and extends battery life (with a 5000 mAh battery, a smartphone can last 1.5-2 days in moderate use).
2. Real-World Performance
Gaming:
- The Helio G37 is positioned as a "gaming" processor, but its capabilities are limited. In 2025, it handles casual games (like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers) and simple 3D projects like PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends at low settings (up to 30 frames per second).
- Heavy titles (Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail) will lag even at the lowest settings.
Multimedia:
- The chip supports video decoding in H.264 and H.265 formats (1080p@60fps), but recording is limited to 1080p@30fps.
- For streaming Netflix or YouTube HD content, the power is sufficient, but HDR and 4K are not available.
AI Applications:
- The Helio G37 lacks a dedicated neural processor (NPU), so tasks such as face recognition or photo filtering are handled by the CPU. This slows down performance and increases power consumption.
Power Consumption and Heating:
- Thanks to the 12-nm process technology and modest TDP, the chip hardly heats up even under prolonged load. This is crucial for budget devices, which do not feature copper heatsinks or thermal paste.
3. Integrated Modules: Connectivity and Wireless Technologies
- Modem: Supports 4G LTE (Cat-7) with a maximum download speed of up to 300 Mbps. The absence of 5G presents a noticeable disadvantage in 2025.
- Wi-Fi: Only Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) — adequate for home use, but there may be delays in crowded public networks.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Compatible with most accessories, including TWS headphones.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo — a standard set for budget devices. Support for satellite communication (e.g., emergency calls via satellite) is absent.
4. Comparison with Competitors
MediaTek Helio G37 vs. Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1:
- Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (4-nm) excels in energy efficiency and supports 5G. Its Adreno 619 GPU is 25-30% faster than the PowerVR GE8320, and it scores about 200,000 points in AnTuTu 10. However, smartphones with Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 are priced $30-50 higher.
MediaTek Helio G37 vs. Unisoc T606:
- Both chips have similar specifications (8x A53, 12 nm), but the T606 has a lower CPU frequency (1.6 GHz), making the Helio G37 more preferable for multitasking.
Generations of MediaTek:
- Compared to the Helio G35 (which is still found in ultra-budget devices), the new G37 offers higher CPU frequencies and improved camera support.
5. Use Cases
Gaming:
- Only suitable for less demanding games. If you play 1-2 hours a day, the Helio G37 will suffice, but it is not suitable for hardcore gamers.
Everyday Tasks:
- Social media, messaging, web browsing, and streaming video all operate smoothly. However, launching 5-6 apps simultaneously may lead to some lag.
Photo and Video Recording:
- Maximum camera support is 25 MP for a single camera or 13+13 MP for dual cameras. The chip allows for basic effects (background blur, HDR) but lacks the power for night photography or 4K video.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low device cost ($100-150).
- Good energy efficiency.
- Support for modern Android versions (up to Android 14 in custom firmware).
Cons:
- No 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Weak GPU for gaming.
- Limited support for AI features.
7. Practical Advice When Choosing a Smartphone
- RAM: Choose models with 4-6 GB of RAM — this compensates for the CPU's weakness in multitasking.
- Storage: Prefer eMMC 5.1 with 64/128 GB, but avoid versions with 32 GB — they will be filled even by a system update.
- Battery: Look for devices with 5000 mAh — they will provide 7-8 hours of screen time.
- Example Models for 2025:
- Realme C55 ($130): 6/128 GB, 50 MP camera, 90 Hz display.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12C ($110): 4/64 GB, 5000 mAh battery.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Helio G37 Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
- Seek a smartphone under $150 for basic tasks.
- Are not prepared to pay extra for 5G or top-tier gaming.
- Value long battery life.
Key Benefits:
- Reliability and stability in everyday use.
- Affordable price with minimally necessary functionality.
If you are not a demanding user and wish to save, the Helio G37 will remain a good option even in 2025. However, for quality content capture, gaming, or working with AI services, it is advisable to consider more powerful chips.
April 2025