MediaTek Helio P22
MediaTek Helio P22: A Budget Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025
Analysis of capabilities, comparisons, and recommendations
Introduction
In an era where smartphones are becoming increasingly powerful and 5G and artificial intelligence are the standard even for budget devices, the MediaTek Helio P22 continues to hold its ground. Released back in 2018, this processor remains a choice for the most affordable smartphones by 2025. Despite its modest specifications, it showcases resilience due to its balance of price and energy efficiency. In this article, we will explore who the Helio P22 is suitable for, how it meets modern tasks, and what to consider when purchasing a device based on it.
Architecture and Technology Process: Foundations of Efficiency
8 cores, 12 nm, and modest frequencies
The Helio P22 is built on a 12 nm technology process, which by 2025 is considered outdated (modern chips are using 5-7 nm). However, this helps reduce production costs, which is critical for budget devices. The processor includes 8 Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of up to 2 GHz, divided into two clusters:
- 4 cores with a frequency of 2 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;
- 4 cores with a frequency of 1.5 GHz for background processes.
This architecture (big.LITTLE) optimizes energy consumption but limits performance in multi-threaded scenarios. In the Geekbench 6 test, the chip scores 234 points in single-thread mode and 729 in multi-thread mode. In comparison, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 (2024) demonstrates 450/1350 points at the same TDP.
GPU PowerVR GE8320: Graphics for Undemanding Games
The PowerVR GE8320 graphics accelerator operates at a frequency of 650 MHz and supports resolutions up to HD+ (1600x720). It is compatible with Vulkan and OpenGL ES 3.2 but is not suited for complex 3D graphics. For example, in games like Genshin Impact, even on the lowest settings, lag may occur, while games like Candy Crush Saga or Subway Surfers run without issues.
Performance in Real Tasks: What Can Helio P22 Do?
Gaming: Only for Casual Projects
Modern mobile games like Honkai: Star Rail or Call of Duty: Mobile will require graphics to be reduced to the lowest settings and resolution to 720p. Even then, stability in FPS may drop in complex scenes. However, for simple arcade games, puzzles, or browser games, the processor is perfectly adequate.
Multimedia: Video Viewing and Social Media
The Helio P22 decodes video in formats H.264 and H.265 (1080p@30fps) but does not handle 4K. It is sufficient for streaming Netflix or YouTube in HD quality. However, when using multiple applications simultaneously (e.g., messenger + browser + music), some lag may occur.
AI Applications: Limited Support
The chip does not have a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU), so tasks like photo processing through neural networks (for example, Google Night Sight) are executed slowly or not supported at all. However, basic AI functions built into the camera (scene recognition) work using the CPU.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation: The Main Advantage
With a TDP of 5 watts, the Helio P22 remains cool even under load. Smartphones based on it are equipped with 4000-5000 mAh batteries, providing 1.5-2 days of usage in moderate scenarios (web surfing, social media, calls).
Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Navigation
Modem: Only 4G LTE
The Helio P22 supports LTE Cat.7 networks (speeds up to 300 Mbps) but is not compatible with 5G. In 2025, this is a significant downside, considering the spread of 5SA/NSA networks even in the budget segment. However, in regions where 4G remains the primary standard (such as parts of Asia and Africa), this is not critical.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Outdated Standards
The chip is equipped with Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0. To connect to Wi-Fi 6 routers or use advanced Bluetooth features (e.g., aptX HD audio codecs), an external adapter is required, which is rarely found in budget models.
Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou
Support for basic satellite systems ensures positioning accuracy within 3-5 meters. Features like dual-frequency GPS are absent, which may pose a problem in densely built areas.
Comparison with Competitors: Market Position
MediaTek Helio P22 vs Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
The Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (2023) outperforms the Helio P22 in all parameters: Geekbench 6 — 380/1100, 5G support, Wi-Fi 6. However, smartphones with Snapdragon start from $150, while devices with Helio P22 are available for $100-120.
Unisoc Tiger T610: Direct Competitor
The Unisoc Tiger T610 (12 nm, 8 Cortex-A75/A55 cores) offers better performance (Geekbench 6: 280-300/900-950) and supports cameras up to 48 MP. However, its power consumption is higher (TDP 6 W), which reduces battery life.
Previous Generations: Helio P20 vs P22
The Helio P22 is an evolution of the P20 (16 nm, 8x Cortex-A53). The main improvements include a shift to 12 nm (reducing power consumption by 15%) and support for cameras up to 21 MP instead of 13 MP.
Usage Scenarios: Who Is the Helio P22 For?
Gaming: Only for Undemanding Users
The chip is suitable for casual games and retro projects. If you game infrequently and are okay with lag in heavy games, this is your choice. For mobile gaming enthusiasts, it’s better to consider the Snapdragon 6 Gen 2 or Dimensity 700.
Everyday Tasks: Social Media, Calls, Music
For messaging apps, browsing, video viewing, and music listening, the Helio P22 is sufficient. However, if you frequently switch between multiple tabs or use heavy applications (like video editing), lags may occur.
Photo and Video: Basic Capabilities
The processor supports cameras up to 21 MP and records video at 1080p@30fps. Shooting in low light or using AI filters will be challenging. However, for selfies and family photos, quality is acceptable.
Pros and Cons: Is It Worth Buying?
Advantages:
- Low device price ($100-150);
- Energy efficiency (up to 2 days of usage);
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
Disadvantages:
- No support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6;
- Weak GPU for gaming;
- Absence of NPU for AI tasks.
Practical Tips: How to Choose Smartphones with Helio P22?
1. RAM: Minimum 4 GB RAM. With 3 GB, lag may occur even in simple applications.
2. Android Version: Choose devices with Android 13 or newer — they will receive more updates.
3. Battery: Optimal — 5000 mAh. This compensates for the lack of fast charging (usually 10 W).
4. Screen: IPS with HD+ resolution. AMOLED in this segment is rare and often just a marketing gimmick.
5. Brands: Typical representatives include Xiaomi Redmi Go, Realme C3, Infinix Smart 8.
Examples of New 2025 Devices:
- Xiaomi Redmi A3: 4/64 GB, HD+ screen, 5000 mAh — $110.
- Realme C35: 4/128 GB, 16 MP camera, Android 14 — $130.
Final Conclusion: Who Is the Helio P22 Made For?
The MediaTek Helio P22 is an option for those seeking an extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks. It is suitable for:
- Elderly users;
- Children as a first phone;
- As a secondary device for calls and messages.
The main benefits include low price, long battery life, and sufficient performance for social media, calls, and simple games. However, if you plan to use the smartphone for video recording, editing, or modern gaming — it’s better to look at more powerful chips like Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 or Dimensity 6100+.
The Helio P22 proves that even in 2025, budget processors remain in demand, offering the minimally necessary functionality for minimal money.