MediaTek Helio A22
MediaTek Helio A22: Budget Processor with an Emphasis on Efficiency
April 2025
The MediaTek Helio A22 is a system-on-chip (SoC) that has remained popular in budget smartphones for several years. Despite its modest technical specifications, this processor continues to draw attention due to its balance of price, energy efficiency, and adequate performance for basic tasks. In this article, we will explore who the Helio A22 is suitable for, how it performs with modern applications, and which devices are worth considering.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: 12 nm, 4 Cores, and PowerVR GE8300
Four Cortex-A53 Cores
The Helio A22 is built on a 4-core architecture using energy-efficient ARM Cortex-A53 cores. Each core operates at a frequency of up to 2 GHz, allowing the processor to respond quickly to simple tasks such as launching applications or switching between browser tabs. However, multi-core performance is limited — in Geekbench 6 Multi-Core, the chip scores only 1149 points.
12-nm Process Technology
The use of 12-nm technology (TSMC) ensures low power consumption (TDP of 4W) and moderate heating. This is particularly important for budget devices, where cooling systems are often absent.
PowerVR GE8300 GPU
The PowerVR GE8300 graphics accelerator is the weak point of the processor. It supports resolutions up to HD+ (1600x720) and can handle light games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but in projects like Genshin Impact, even at minimal settings, lag is possible (frame rates between 15-20 FPS).
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks
Gaming
The Helio A22 is suitable only for casual gaming. For example:
- Mobile Legends: 30-40 FPS at medium settings (720p resolution).
- PUBG Mobile: 25-30 FPS in "Smooth" mode (720p).
For 3D games, it is recommended to lower the graphics settings and resolution.
Multimedia
The chip supports video decoding in H.264 and H.265 formats (1080p@30fps), but video recording is limited to 1080p@30fps. For viewing videos on YouTube or Netflix in HD, the processor works without delays.
Artificial Intelligence
The Helio A22 lacks a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU), so AI tasks (for example, facial recognition in the camera or automatic photo optimization) are handled by the CPU. This slows down applications like Google Photos or Instagram.
Power Consumption
Thanks to the 12-nm process technology and modest specifications, smartphones powered by the Helio A22 demonstrate good battery life. For example, a device with a 4000 mAh battery can last up to 12 hours in mixed usage.
3. Built-in Modules: 4G, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0
Modem
The Helio A22 is equipped with a 4G modem supporting LTE Cat.7 (maximum download speed of 300 Mbps, upload speed of 100 Mbps). The absence of 5G may seem outdated in 2025, but for the budget device market (especially in countries with slow 5G rollout), this is acceptable.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The chip supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0. This is sufficient for connecting wireless headphones or transferring files, but Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5.3 speeds are not available.
Satellite Systems
The Helio A22 does not have specialized modules for satellite connectivity (for example, GPS is limited to standard A-GPS).
4. Comparison with Competitors
MediaTek Helio A22 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
The Snapdragon 680 (6 nm, 8 Cortex-A55 cores) outperforms the Helio A22 in multi-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: ~1600 points) and graphics (Adreno 610). However, smartphones using Snapdragon 680 cost $20-40 more (for example, the Redmi Note 12 is priced at $180 compared to $150 for the Helio A22 model).
MediaTek Helio A22 vs Unisoc T606
The Unisoc T606 (12 nm, 8 Cortex-A55 cores) offers similar performance but is less optimized for energy efficiency. In the PCMark Battery Life test, smartphones equipped with the Helio A22 last 1-2 hours longer.
5. Use Cases
Daily Tasks
- Social media, messaging, browsing.
- Watching videos in HD.
- Working with office applications (Google Docs, Excel).
Gaming
Only light games without demanding graphics.
Photo and Video Recording
Smartphones with the Helio A22 typically feature cameras with resolutions between 13-48 MP, but due to the weak ISP (Image Signal Processor), images suffer from noise in low-light conditions. Video recording is done at 1080p without stabilization.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low cost of devices ($100-150).
- Good battery life.
- Support for modern Android versions (up to Android 14 with updates).
Cons:
- Weak graphics.
- No 5G or Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited multi-threaded performance.
7. Practical Tips When Choosing a Smartphone
- RAM: Look for models with 4 GB of RAM. Versions with 3 GB may lag in multitasking.
- Screen: HD+ (720p) resolution is sufficient for this processor.
- Battery: An optimal capacity is 4000-5000 mAh.
- Example Devices: Nokia C32 ($110), realme C35 ($130).
8. Final Conclusion: Who is Helio A22 For?
This processor is a choice for those who:
1. Are looking for an extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks.
2. Value long battery life.
3. Do not plan to play heavy games or record videos in 4K.
Key Benefits:
- Cost savings: Devices based on Helio A22 are 30-50% cheaper than equivalents with 5G.
- Reliability: The chip is proven over the years and rarely overheats.
Conclusion
The MediaTek Helio A22 may not be the most modern processor, but in 2025 it remains relevant for the budget segment. If you need a smartphone "for calls, WhatsApp, and YouTube," models based on this SoC will be a reasonable compromise between price and functionality. However, for serious tasks, it's better to consider devices with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 or Dimensity 700.