In 2023, if you’re shopping for a phone around the N100,000 price range, you’re likely to encounter two popular SoCs: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 and the MediaTek Helio G88. So let’s pit them against each other: Snapdragon 685 vs Helio G88.

The Snapdragon 685, although technically a new SoC, is essentially an upgraded version of the older Snapdragon 680. It is a lower midrange processor. Surprisingly, despite being a better SoC than its predecessor, it hasn’t gained much traction among phone manufacturers, with the Redmi Note 12 4G being the only device currently using it.

On the other hand, we have the MediaTek Helio G88, a two-year-old SoC introduced in June 2021. Like the Snapdragon 685, it’s an upgraded version of an older chip (the G85) and resides in the lower midrange segment. However, unlike the Snapdragon 685, the Helio G88 is a favorite among smartphone makers and is found in various phones, including the Redmi 12, Infinix Note 12, Tecno Spark 10 Pro, and more.

Snapdragon 685 vs Helio G88

Performance:

When it comes to running smartphone apps and CPU-related tasks, the Snapdragon 685 outperforms the Helio G88. This is due to the Snapdragon 685’s 4 Cortex A73 CPU cores running at 2.8GHz, surpassing the G88’s better Cortex A75 CPU cores. The extra 2 big cores on the SD685 make a significant difference in performance.

Gaming:

Both SoCs handle mainstream games well at low or medium settings, such as eFootball, PUBG, and more. However, for more demanding titles like Apex Legends and Fortnite, both lower midrange SoCs will fail horribly. In terms of gaming performance, the Snapdragon 685 with its Adreno 610 GPU outperforms the Helio G88 with the Mali G52 MC2.

Cameras and Video:

Both SoCs support cameras with a maximum resolution of 64MP. However, the Snapdragon 685 takes the lead in video capabilities, being capable of recording and playing back 1080p video at 60fps, while the G88 can only manage 30fps.

Multimedia:

The Snapdragon 685 also excels in RAM and storage, supporting faster LPDDR4x (2133MHz) RAM and UFS 2.2 storage. In contrast, the Helio G88 lags behind with slower LPDDR4x and eMMC 5.1 storage. This means the Snapdragon 685 should deliver a smoother user experience.

Connectivity:

Both SoCs are 4G LTE capable, but the Snapdragon 685 boasts faster download speeds (LTE Cat. 13, 390Mbps) compared to the Helio G88’s slower LTE Cat. 7 (300Mbps). Additionally, the Snapdragon 685 supports faster Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring quicker downloads and better connectivity.

Battery Life:

The Snapdragon 685 shines in battery life, thanks to its efficient 6nm TSMC manufacturing process. In contrast, the Helio G88, built on the older 12nm process, tends to generate more heat and offer less efficient battery life.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Snapdragon 685 sweeps the competition, offering superior performance, gaming capabilities, camera features, multimedia experience, connectivity, and battery life. While the Helio G88 is a respectable choice, especially for budget-conscious consumers, the Snapdragon 685 emerges as the stronger performer. So, if you’re looking for a mid-range phone with top-notch performance, the Snapdragon 685 should be your choice.

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