MediaTek Helio G99 vs Snapdragon 685: which 4G chip is faster and better for smartphones

MediaTek Helio G99 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 are often found in budget 4G smartphones. On paper, they appear similar: 6nm manufacturing process, LPDDR4X, UFS 2.2, cameras up to 108 MP, and FHD+ displays up to 120 Hz. However, in terms of performance, they operate at different levels.

Snapdragon 685 sounds fresher with a name and frequency up to 2.8 GHz, but it's essentially an evolution of the older 4G platform Snapdragon 680. Helio G99 is older, but it utilizes stronger Cortex-A76 cores, which often results in better performance in real-world tasks.

Key Differences

The main difference lies in the CPU and GPU, which significantly affect interface speed, browsing, multitasking, and gaming.

Performance

Helio G99 outperforms Snapdragon 685 in CPU tasks. The two Cortex-A76 cores give it an advantage in browsing, maps, messaging apps, switching between applications, and heavy Android skins.

The high frequency of Snapdragon 685 up to 2.8 GHz doesn’t compensate for its older architecture. In this comparison, the class of cores is more crucial than the frequency.

Benchmarks depend on specific smartphones, but the gap here is significant. These chips shouldn't be considered equal just because they both belong to budget 4G platforms.

Gaming and Graphics

In gaming, Helio G99 is also stronger. Mali-G57 MC2 doesn’t turn a smartphone into a gaming device, but in the budget 4G segment, it offers more reliable graphics than Adreno 610.

In PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends, and World of Tanks Blitz, Helio G99 performs better at moderate settings. In Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, both chips are limited, but Helio G99 has more headroom.

Snapdragon 685 is suitable for simple and mid-range games. In demanding graphics, it quickly hits the GPU limits.

Camera, Display, and Multimedia

The gap in cameras and displays is smaller. Both chips support cameras up to 108 MP and FHD+ displays up to 120 Hz. Therefore, photo quality and display smoothness depend more on the specific smartphone.

One device with Snapdragon 685 may take better photos than another with Helio G99 if it has a better sensor, optics, and processing. Snapdragon 685 also has advantages like Spectra 12-bit ISP, triple-camera shooting, Quick Charge 3, and aptX Adaptive. However, in terms of interface speed, CPU tasks, and gaming, Helio G99 remains superior.

Battery Life and Heat

A pre-selection of a winner regarding battery life is not possible. Both chips are 6nm, and the outcome often depends on the battery, display, brightness, firmware, and background applications.

Helio G99 provides more performance on the same modern 6nm base. Snapdragon 685 may be economical in simple tasks, but its power reserve is lower.

What to Choose

MediaTek Helio G99 is better suited if interface speed, browsing, multitasking, and gaming are crucial. It is the stronger 4G chip in terms of CPU and GPU.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 should not be seen as a faster chip but rather as part of a specific smartphone. If a Snapdragon model is cheaper and has a better display, camera, battery, or updates, it can be a successful purchase. But at an equal price, Helio G99 is preferable.

Conclusion

In the comparison between MediaTek Helio G99 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 685, Helio G99 wins. It is faster in CPU tasks, more reliable in graphics, and better suited for a smartphone that should offer comfort not just in messaging apps but also in heavier applications.

Snapdragon 685 is a decent platform for a basic 4G smartphone, but it is not a competitor to Helio G99 in terms of performance. If the prices of the smartphones are close, Helio G99 is the stronger and more practical choice.