MediaTek Helio P20
MediaTek Helio P20: Review of the Budget Processor for 2025
April 2025
In the world of smartphones, the budget segment remains crucial for millions of users. The MediaTek Helio P20 is a processor that, despite its age, is still found in new entry-level devices. Let's explore what it offers in 2025, who it's suitable for, and what to pay attention to when making a purchase.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: The Foundation
The Helio P20 was announced back in 2016, but thanks to optimizations and low costs, it remains relevant for ultra-budget smartphones. Its architecture is based on 8 ARM Cortex-A53 cores, divided into two clusters:
- 4 cores with a frequency of 2.3 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;
- 4 cores with a frequency of 1.6 GHz for background processes.
This approach (big.LITTLE) helps balance performance and energy consumption. However, the 16 nm process technology looks outdated in 2025 – modern chips use 6-7 nm, and flagships have even transitioned to 4 nm. This affects thermal performance: throttling (frequency reduction) is possible under prolonged load.
The Mali-T880 MP2 GPU is the weak link of the processor. Graphics are suitable for basic tasks:
- Support for resolutions up to Full HD+ (1080 × 2160);
- Modest gaming performance (more details below).
An L2 cache of 1 MB and a TDP of 5 W are typical indicators for its time, but today they lag behind even budget newcomers.
2. Real-World Performance: What Can Helio P20 Do?
Geekbench 6 test results (Single Core – 186, Multi Core – 798) place Helio P20 alongside Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 or Huawei Kirin 659. This level is suitable for:
Gaming
- Casual games: Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, Clash of Clans – run without issues.
- Medium load: PUBG Mobile or Mobile Legends – can only be played on minimal settings with FPS around 25-30.
- Modern AAA titles (like Genshin Impact) – almost inaccessible.
Multimedia
- Viewing videos in 1080p (including YouTube, Netflix);
- Working with photo editors (Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile) – may experience delays when processing filters;
- Video recording – maximum 1080p@30fps.
AI applications
The absence of an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) limits capabilities:
- No background blur in real-time;
- Sluggish performance with AR applications (like IKEA Place).
Power Consumption and Heating
Thanks to a TDP of 5 W and a modest GPU, smartphones with Helio P20 demonstrate good battery life (up to 2 days with moderate use). However, under heavy load (gaming, filming), the battery drains within 4-5 hours.
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity and Wireless Technologies
- 4G LTE Cat.6 modem – speed up to 300 Mbps. 5G is not supported.
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) – stable operation in networks up to 433 Mbps.
- Bluetooth 4.2 – an outdated version (modern devices use BT 5.3 with improved energy efficiency).
- GPS/GLONASS – basic navigation functions.
Important! The lack of 5G and Wi-Fi 6 makes Helio P20 unsuitable for tasks requiring high internet speeds (4K streaming, cloud gaming).
4. Comparison with Competitors: Where Does Helio P20 Stand?
In 2025, the main competitors are budget chips from recent years:
MediaTek Helio P20:
- Process Technology: 16 nm
- Geekbench 6 (SC/MC): 186 / 798
- GPU: Mali-T880 MP2
- Device Price: $100-$150
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 3:
- Process Technology: 6 nm
- Geekbench 6 (SC/MC): 420 / 1450
- GPU: Adreno 613
- Device Price: $180-$250
Unisoc Tiger T610:
- Process Technology: 12 nm
- Geekbench 6 (SC/MC): 350 / 1300
- GPU: Mali-G52 MP2
- Device Price: $130-$200
Conclusions:
- Helio P20 significantly lags behind even the Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 (2024) in multi-threaded tasks.
- Its main advantage is price. Smartphones with this processor are $50-80 cheaper than competitors.
5. Use Scenarios: Who Is It Suitable For?
Everyday Tasks
- Social networks, messengers, browsers – everything runs smoothly.
- Multitasking – up to 3-4 applications in the background (e.g., Telegram + Spotify + maps).
Gaming
Only for non-demanding users. If gaming is a priority, it is better to choose a device with Snapdragon 680 or MediaTek Helio G85.
Photos and Videos
- Cameras up to 21 MP (with Dual ISP support);
- Night shooting – noise and long processing times;
- No stabilization for 1080p video.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low device costs;
- Energy efficiency;
- Support for LPDDR4X (up to 6 GB of RAM).
Cons:
- Outdated process technology;
- Weak graphics;
- No 5G and modern communication standards.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing
- RAM: at least 4 GB for Android 15+;
- Storage: eMMC 5.1 is outdated; look for models with UFS 2.1;
- Battery: at least 4000 mAh for comfortable battery life;
- Updates: check if the manufacturer promises updates to Android 16.
Examples of 2025 devices:
- Xiaomi Redmi A4 ($110) — 6.5" HD+, 5000 mAh;
- Realme C55 (2025 Edition) ($130) — 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage.
8. Final Conclusion: Who Should Consider Helio P20?
This processor is a good option for:
- Budget users who need a phone for calls, social media, and YouTube;
- A backup device — for instance, for travel;
- Elderly people — simple interface and long battery life.
Main benefits: savings ($100-150), adequate performance for basic needs, reliability (the chip has been proven over the years). However, if you plan to use the smartphone for 3-4 years, it's better to consider models with Snapdragon 4 Gen 3 or MediaTek Dimensity 700 — they will offer a power reserve for the future.
Conclusion
MediaTek Helio P20 in 2025 is an example of a "workhorse" for the most modest requests. It won’t impress with speed but allows you to save without critical compromises. When choosing, pay attention to the accompanying specifications of the smartphone: memory size, Android version, and screen quality. And remember: for $150-200, you can already find devices with more modern chips.