MediaTek Helio P65
MediaTek Helio P65: A Budget Processor for Everyday Tasks and Beyond
April 2025
Introduction
In the world of mobile technology, the choice of processor often determines how comfortable a smartphone will be to use. The MediaTek Helio P65, released back in 2019, remains popular in budget and mid-range devices by 2025. Despite its age, it continues to demonstrate respectable performance thanks to its optimized architecture and balance between price and capabilities. In this article, we will examine who the Helio P65 is suitable for, its strengths, and where it falls short compared to competitors.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: The Basics of Efficiency
Cores and Frequencies
The Helio P65 is built on a 12nm process technology, which is considered outdated in 2025 (modern chips use 6–7nm), but still provides acceptable energy efficiency. The processor includes 8 cores divided into two clusters:
- 2 Cortex-A75 cores with a frequency of up to 2GHz for resource-intensive tasks.
- 6 Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7GHz for background tasks, reducing power consumption.
This hybrid architecture (big.LITTLE) allows the smartphone to adapt to workloads: for instance, powerful A75 cores activate when launching a game, while economical A55 cores are used for browsing social media.
Graphics Processor
The Mali-G52 MP2 GPU with two compute units supports Vulkan 1.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2. This is sufficient for smooth interface operation and less demanding games, but for modern AAA titles, the power is lacking. The maximum screen resolution is Full HD+ (2520×1080), typical for budget models.
2. Performance in Real Tasks
Gaming
The Helio P65 handles mobile hits like PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile, or Genshin Impact only at low or medium settings (30–40 FPS). In 2025, these figures seem modest, but they suffice for casual gamers. Heavier games, such as Honkai: Star Rail, may require lowering the resolution.
Multimedia
The chip supports 4K video decoding at 30 frames per second and 1080p encoding. This allows for comfortable viewing of high-resolution films and recording videos without noticeable stutters. However, shooting in 4K puts a heavy load on the processor, leading to overheating and rapid battery drain.
Artificial Intelligence
The built-in AI engine APU 1.0 accelerates basic tasks: scene recognition in the camera, optimizing battery life, and working with voice assistants. However, compared to modern NPUs (for example, in Snapdragon 7 Gen 3), its capabilities are limited — complex photo processing algorithms (such as remastering) are executed more slowly.
Power Consumption and Heat
The 12nm process technology is not the most efficient, but thanks to the division of cores and dynamic frequency management, smartphones with Helio P65 exhibit up to 7–8 hours of screen time (with a 5000mAh battery). Heating rarely exceeds 40–42°C, even during gaming, which is comfortable for the hands.
3. Integrated Modules: Communication and Navigation
- Modem: Supports 4G LTE Cat-7 (up to 300 Mbps) — 5G is absent. In 2025, this is a downside, as even budget devices are starting to transition to fifth-generation networks.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) adapter with a maximum speed of 433 Mbps. No support for Wi-Fi 6.
- Bluetooth: Version 5.0 with improved connection stability for wireless headphones and gadgets.
- Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo — positioning accuracy within 3–5 meters.
These specifications suit users who are not seeking ultra-fast internet but value stability.
4. Comparison with Competitors
MediaTek Helio G85 (2020): More powerful GPU (Mali-G52 MC2) and increased CPU frequency (up to 2GHz for Cortex-A75). In gaming, the difference can reach 15–20%.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (2021): Better optimization for Android, supports cameras up to 64 MP, but is weaker in multithreaded tasks (Geekbench Multi-Core ~1100).
Unisoc Tiger T616 (2022): Comparable benchmark scores, but worse driver optimization for gaming.
By 2025, the Helio P65 lags behind new budget chips (for example, Snapdragon 4 Gen 3) but remains a viable option in devices priced under $200.
5. Usage Scenarios
Gaming
Suitable for casual games (Candy Crush, Among Us) and shooters at medium settings. For streaming via Xbox Cloud or GeForce Now, the processor is also adequate — as long as there is a stable internet connection.
Everyday Tasks
Social media, messaging apps, web browsing, streaming videos — all these can be handled smoothly by the Helio P65. Even with 4–6GB of RAM, multitasking is at a decent level: you can keep 5–7 apps in the background.
Photo and Video
Maximum camera support is 48 MP for a single sensor or 16+16 MP for dual-camera setups. AI enhancements (portrait mode, HDR) work, but detail falls short compared to flagships. Videos at 1080p/60fps are recorded smoothly, but electronic stabilization sometimes "jumps."
6. Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Low cost of devices (smartphones starting from $150).
- Energy efficiency for basic tasks.
- Support for modern codecs and Full HD+ displays.
Disadvantages:
- No 5G or Wi-Fi 6.
- Weak GPU for demanding games.
- Limited AI capabilities.
7. Tips for Choosing a Smartphone with Helio P65
1. RAM Size: At least 4 GB, preferably 6 GB — this will prolong the device's lifespan.
2. Cooling: Look for models with copper pipes or graphite coatings if you plan to game.
3. Android Version: Check if the OS is upgradable. In 2025, Android 14 is relevant, but some brands may stick with Android 13.
4. Display: IPS or AMOLED with a refresh rate of 60–90 Hz — anything higher is unnecessary as the processor won't be able to handle it.
Device Examples:
- Realme C55 ($170): 6.7" IPS, 6/128 GB, 50 MP camera.
- Infinix Note 12 (2024) ($190): AMOLED, 8/256 GB, 5000 mAh battery.
8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Helio P65 Suitable For?
This processor is the choice for those who:
- Are not ready to overpay for 5G. If you live in an area where LTE coverage is adequate, you won't notice the difference.
- Value battery life. Smartphones with the P65 can easily last a day or two without recharging.
- Use their phone for basic tasks. Social media, music, series, and occasional gaming — here, the chip outperforms many alternatives.
The main advantage of the Helio P65 is its optimal price-to-performance ratio. It may fall short compared to newer models, but by 2025 it continues to occupy the niche of affordable devices for undemanding users. If your budget is limited to $150–200 and flagship features are not necessary, this processor is worth considering.