When you check the list of the best phones under 400,000 Naira (NGN) or $260 (USD), a disturbing trend jumps right at from the research. How so? Well these phones all use a MediaTek Helio G100. So in this article we’re going to discuss the MediaTek Helio G100 and the stagnation of the lower mid-range market in developing countries.
The MediaTek Helio G100 is a lower mid-range SoC from the stables of MediaTek. It is basically a modern MediaTek Helio G96/G99 as they’re all almost practically the same thing.
The smartphone industry has seen significant advancements in chipsets over the last few years, yet in many developing countries, lower mid-range devices remain stuck in the past. The MediaTek Helio G100 is a prime example of this malaise. Despite being marketed as a new SoC, it is simply a rebadged Helio G99, which itself is a renamed Helio G96, and so on, all the way back to the Helio G90T.
This cycle of rebranding has kept older 4G LTE processors in circulation, which has stunted progress in the lower mid-range segment. While much of the world has transitioned to affordable 5G SoCs with better performance, regions like Africa and parts of Asia are still flooded with these aging chips.
The Problem: Recycling Old SoCs
The Helio G100, like its predecessors, continues to be the backbone of many lower mid-range devices. Despite minor tweaks like higher clock speeds and increased camera resolution support, the core technology remains unchanged. This brings back memories of a troubling trend from 2016–2017, when the MediaTek MT6580 dominated the budget market for years, only to be replaced by another stagnant chip, the Helio P22.
While global smartphone markets moved on to better chipsets, certain brands kept pushing outdated technology in developing markets. This was only disrupted when 64-bit only apps became standard, forcing OEMs to abandon the MT6580. Unfortunately, a similar pattern has re-emerged with the Helio G100.
Why This Matters
Many argue that a phone’s SoC is just one part of the experience and that lower mid-range 4G phones compensate with features like:
- 1080p OLED displays with vibrant colors
- High-resolution cameras that capture impressive photos
- Fast charging and large batteries for extended use
However, this argument ignores the fact that a phone’s SoC affects everything—not just performance but also software optimization, camera processing, and long-term usability.
Imagine buying a Redmi Note 11 Pro 4G in 2022, only to return to the market in 2025 and find that newer phones are still using the exact same processor. That’s the situation we’re in today with the Helio G100.
The 4G vs. 5G Dilemma: Deliberate Market Manipulation?
Another issue is how lower mid-range 5G phones are intentionally designed to be less attractive compared to their 4G counterparts. Consider these differences:
| Feature | Lower Mid-Range 4G Phones (Helio G100/G99) | Lower Mid-Range 5G Phones (Dimensity 6020/6080) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | High end 1080p OLED | Basic 720p IPS-LCD |
| Cameras | Sony Lyta or high-end Omnivision | Weaker sensors |
| Charging | 33W, 45W and even 90W fast charge | usually 18W fast charge |
| Build | premium build | cheap plastic build |
| Software | Features rich and well supported OS | Bland and unsupported OS |
This imbalance discourages consumers from picking up budget 5G options, making it seem like they must spend significantly more to escape 4G. In reality, there are better and more affordable SoCs available, but manufacturers are holding onto 4G-era chips to maximize profits.
How to Avoid the Trap
For now, consumers in developing markets are left with few choices:
- Accept the Helio G100/G99 reality and buy based on other features.
- Spend 500,000+ Naira (~$350+) for a better chipset and 5G support.
- Do proper research and find hidden gems like the Poco X7, which offers better performance at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
The smartphone market in developing regions is being held back by manufacturers’ reluctance to adopt newer, more efficient SoCs in budget-friendly devices. While many consumers are distracted by flashy displays and camera specs, the real bottleneck—outdated processors—continues to impact performance and long-term usability.
Discuss the MediaTek Helio G100 and the stagnation of the lower mid-range market is important to keep you informed of the current trends in the smartphone market. If you want to escape the 4G stagnation, it’s time to make smarter purchasing decisions.
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