MediaTek Helio G95
MediaTek Helio G95: The Optimal Choice for Balancing Price and Performance
(Relevant as of April 2025)
Introduction
In the world of mobile processors, MediaTek has long established itself as a company that offers affordable solutions without serious compromises. The Helio G95, released in 2020, remains in demand in the budget and mid-range segments. Despite its age, this system-on-chip (SoC) continues to appear in new smartphones priced between $200 and $300. What explains its popularity? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Architecture and Technology Process: The Foundation of Performance
Cores and Frequencies
Helio G95 features a hybrid architecture comprising 8 cores:
- 2 high-performance Cortex-A76 cores with frequencies up to 2.05 GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 6 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores with frequencies up to 2.0 GHz that handle background processes.
This 2+6 configuration provides a balance between speed and battery life. However, the 12nm technology process in 2025 appears outdated compared to the 6nm or 5nm chips. It increases power consumption under peak loads but reduces manufacturing costs.
GPU Mali-G76 MP4
The Mali-G76 MP4 GPU with 4 compute units supports:
- Resolution up to 2520×1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz;
- Vulkan and OpenGL APIs for optimizing gaming rendering;
- Image enhancement technologies such as MiraVision.
Despite its modest specifications, the Mali-G76 MP4 handles games like Genshin Impact at medium settings (30–40 FPS) effectively.
2. Real-World Performance
Gaming
Helio G95 is marketed as a "gaming" processor. In 2025, it is still relevant for:
- Mobile shooters: Call of Duty: Mobile, PUBG Mobile (medium settings, 40–50 FPS);
- RPGs and strategies: Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail (requiring graphical settings to be lowered);
- Casual games (Among Us, Candy Crush) — without issues.
Multimedia
- Support for 4K@30 FPS video (recording and playback);
- Hardware decoding of H.265/HEVC;
- Ability to connect to external displays via an HDMI adapter.
Artificial Intelligence
The integrated APU (AI Processing Unit) accelerates:
- Scene recognition in the camera;
- Automatic adjustment of shooting parameters;
- Background processing of photos (noise reduction, HDR).
However, for complex tasks (such as real-time generative AI), the Helio G95's power is insufficient.
Power Consumption and Heat
With a TDP of 5 Watts, the processor demonstrates moderate heat generation. In smartphones with passive cooling (copper pipes, graphite film), the temperature rarely exceeds 42–45°C even under gaming conditions. Battery life depends on the battery capacity:
- With a 5000 mAh capacity — 6–7 hours of screen time;
- In power-saving mode — up to 1.5 days.
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Navigation
Modem and Networks
- 4G LTE Cat-12 with speeds up to 600 Mbps (download);
- No 5G — a major drawback in 2025, where 5G coverage has expanded even in rural areas.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) — adequate for streaming video, but slower than Wi-Fi 6;
- Bluetooth 5.0 with support for aptX HD codecs for high-quality sound.
Navigation
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou — quick satellite acquisition even in urban areas.
4. Comparison with Competitors
MediaTek Helio G95 vs. Snapdragon 732G
- Snapdragon 732G (8nm, Adreno 618) wins in energy efficiency and supports 5G (in models with an external modem). However, the Mali-G76 MP4 in G95 handles textures in games better.
MediaTek Helio G95 vs. Dimensity 700
- Dimensity 700 (7nm, 5G) is more modern, but its GPU Mali-G57 lags behind in performance. G95 is preferred by gamers.
Generations of MediaTek
- Compared to Helio G90T (2019), the G95 offers a 10–15% CPU performance increase and a 20% increase in GPU performance.
5. Use Cases
Gaming
Ideal for smartphones with 90 Hz displays and AMOLED matrices (e.g., Xiaomi Poco X5 Pro). It's recommended to choose models with 6–8 GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
Daily Tasks
- Social media, messaging, web browsing — without lag;
- Running 10–15 apps in the background — minor slowdowns may occur.
Photo and Video Capture
- Supports cameras up to 64 MP with dual modules (wide + macro);
- 4K video with EIS (electronic stabilization);
- Night mode with noise reduction.
6. Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Affordable price of devices ($200–300);
- Good gaming performance for its class;
- Support for 90 Hz and 4K;
- Energy efficiency in everyday scenarios.
Disadvantages
- No 5G;
- 12nm technology process lags behind modern counterparts;
- Limited support for heavy AI algorithms.
7. Practical Tips When Choosing a Smartphone
1. Cooling — look for models with liquid cooling (e.g., Realme 9 Pro).
2. Battery — at least 5000 mAh for gaming.
3. Screen — AMOLED with 90 Hz will enhance the experience.
4. Memory — minimum 6/128 GB.
5. Cameras — Sony IMX582 or Samsung GW1 sensors will ensure quality shots.
Typical Devices
- Budget gaming smartphones (Poco X5 Pro, $250);
- Versatile models focusing on battery life (Realme 9, $230).
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Helio G95 for?
This processor is the choice for those who:
- Are not willing to pay extra for 5G, but want reliable 4G;
- Play mobile games at medium settings;
- Value battery life and a smooth interface.
Key Benefits: A balance of price and capabilities, support for modern multimedia standards, and adequate performance for most tasks.
Conclusion
Despite its age, the MediaTek Helio G95 remains relevant in 2025 due to its optimization and affordability. If you're looking for a smartphone under $300 and aren't chasing ultra-modern technologies like 5G or eye-tracking AI — devices based on this SoC will be reliable companions in everyday life and gaming.