MediaTek Helio G70 Full Specs & Benchmarks
The MediaTek Helio G70 is an entry-level 4G gaming chipset for budget smartphones, and its real-world performance is best summarized as smooth for casual games and daily apps, but it will struggle with heavy titles and multitasking. This article details its full specifications, explains what its benchmark scores mean in practice, and tells you what to expect from a phone powered by it.
Background and Positioning
The Helio G70 was announced in January 2020 as a slightly cut-down version of the Helio G80. It sits in MediaTek’s “G” series, which is specifically marketed for gaming on a budget. Phones with this chipset typically cost between $100 and $180, and it became popular in devices like the Realme C3, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, and the Nokia 2.4. Its main competitors are the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 and the Unisoc T610. The G70 was designed to replace older chips like the Helio P22 and A22, offering a noticeable jump in CPU and GPU performance while keeping the cost low.
Full Specifications
- CPU: 8 cores (Octa-core) – 2x ARM Cortex-A75 at 2.0 GHz (performance) + 6x ARM Cortex-A55 at 1.7 GHz (efficiency)
- GPU: ARM Mali-G52 MC2 at 820 MHz (2 cores)
- Process: 12nm FinFET (TSMC)
- Memory: LPDDR4x RAM up to 8GB, eMMC 5.1 storage
- Display: Up to 2520 x 1080 (Full HD+) at 60Hz
- Camera: Up to 48MP single camera, or 16MP+16MP dual cameras; supports 1080p video recording at 60fps
- Connectivity: 4G LTE Cat-7 (downlink 300Mbps), Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/GLONASS/Beidou
- AI: MediaTek HyperEngine (game optimization) and a dedicated AI processing unit (APU) for camera and voice tasks
Notably, the G70 lacks support for 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and 90Hz or 120Hz displays. It uses the older 12nm process, which is less power-efficient than the 8nm or 7nm chips found in mid-range phones.
Real-World Benchmark Scores
In synthetic benchmarks, the Helio G70 scores around 190,000–200,000 points in AnTuTu v8 (the version common at launch). In Geekbench 5, it typically gets 350–380 in single-core and 1,200–1,300 in multi-core. These numbers are roughly 10% lower than the Helio G80 and about 20% higher than the Snapdragon 460. However, synthetic scores only tell part of the story. In real-world use, the G70 can handle PUBG Mobile at “Balanced” graphics and “Medium” frame rate (around 30fps), and it runs Call of Duty Mobile at “Low” to “Medium” settings. Games like Genshin Impact will run, but at the lowest settings and with frequent frame drops to 20fps or lower.
How It Performs in Daily Tasks
For everyday use, the Helio G70 is perfectly adequate. Scrolling through social media, watching YouTube, streaming video, and using messaging apps all feel fluid. The two Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost over older quad-core chips, so app launches feel snappy. However, you will notice limitations when multitasking: switching between several apps can cause the phone to reload them, and heavy web pages with many scripts may stutter. The GPU is the weak point – it is a dual-core Mali-G52 clocked at 820MHz, which is fine for light games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but it will struggle with 3D games that require high frame rates.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Helio G70 is a “gaming chip” that can run all games smoothly. In reality, the “G” stands for gaming, but it is aimed at budget gaming – meaning it can play most games, but not at high settings. Another issue users report is thermal throttling: after 30–45 minutes of gaming, the phone may heat up and the frame rate drops. This is due to the 12nm process and the lack of advanced cooling in budget phones. Also, the eMMC 5.1 storage is slower than UFS 2.1, which means installing large apps and loading games takes longer than on mid-range phones.
How to Choose a Phone with This Chipset
If you are considering a phone with the Helio G70, look for these factors:
- RAM: Choose 4GB or more, as 2GB will cause heavy stuttering.
- Storage: Prefer 64GB or more, and check if it is eMMC or UFS (UFS is faster).
- Battery: The G70 is efficient enough, but a 5000mAh battery is common and gives excellent endurance.
- Display: A 720p display will put less load on the GPU, improving game performance.
- Software: Lighter Android skins (like stock Android or Android Go) will run better than heavy custom UIs.
For a budget phone, the G70 is a safe choice if you are not a heavy gamer. If you need more performance, consider the Helio G80, G85, or the Snapdragon 680, which offer better GPUs and often faster storage.
Alternatives to the Helio G70
Within the same price range, you might find phones with the Unisoc T610 (similar CPU but weaker GPU), the Snapdragon 460 (comparable CPU, slightly better GPU efficiency), or the Snapdragon 662 (better GPU and improved camera processing). If you can stretch your budget, the Helio G80 is a direct upgrade with a higher-clocked GPU, and the Helio G88 adds support for 90Hz displays and better AI. For those who want 5G, the Dimensity 700 is a significant step up but costs more.
Safety and Longevity
From a safety perspective, the Helio G70 does not have any known hardware issues, but as with any budget phone, avoid using it while charging during heavy gaming, as heat can degrade the battery over time. The chipset supports the latest Android versions at launch, but budget phones often receive only one or two OS updates. Expect the phone to last 2–3 years with light use; after that, the lack of memory and storage speed will make it feel slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Helio G70 good for gaming?
It is good for casual and light gaming. It can play PUBG Mobile at medium settings and 30fps, but for demanding games like Genshin Impact, it will run at low settings with frame drops. If gaming is your priority, look for a phone with a G80 or higher.
How does the Helio G70 compare to the Snapdragon 460?
The G70 has a faster CPU (Cortex-A75 vs. A73) and a slightly better GPU in raw numbers, but the Snapdragon 460 is more power-efficient and has better thermal management. In practice, they are very similar, with the G70 being slightly better in games and the 460 being better in battery life.
Can the Helio G70 handle 4K video playback?
Yes, it can decode 4K video, but it does not support 4K recording. The display is limited to 1080p, so you will not see the full resolution, but playback will be smooth.
Does the Helio G70 support 5G?
No, it is a 4G LTE chipset. For 5G, you would need a MediaTek Dimensity series chip.
Is the Helio G70 good for daily use in 2024?
Yes, for basic tasks like social media, calls, and web browsing, it is still usable. However, it will feel slow with heavy apps and multitasking. If you are buying a new phone today, consider a newer budget chip like the Helio G99 or Snapdragon 680.
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