If you've ever wondered what exactly is under the hood of those cheap yet surprisingly good Chinese phones, chances are you've come across the name MediaTek . For a while, this Asian company was in the spotlight and received a lot of criticism for its optimization issues and for keeping its libraries closed, which left custom ROM enthusiasts completely hamstrung.
However, the story has taken a radical turn with the implementation of their 64-bit architectures . MediaTek has made an impressive leap in quality, attempting to dethrone the veterans at Qualcomm and their famous Snapdragon chips. In this context, the MT67xx family was born, a series of processors that not only aim for power, but also offer comprehensive global connectivity and efficient energy consumption for any budget.
The MediaTek MT6735M: The budget-friendly option
Within this family, the MT6735 chipset is the cornerstone for delivering 4G LTE without significantly increasing the phone's price. Interestingly, MediaTek released this chip in several versions. While the standard model and the MT6735P are designed for those seeking more performance, the MT6735M is the entry-level or budget version .
If we delve into the MT6735M, we're talking about a processor based on the quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 architecture . Unlike its bigger brother, which can reach up to 1,5 GHz, this budget model is limited to a clock speed of 1 GHz . It's more than adequate for everyday use and basic tasks, although it does have some limitations: it only supports QHD (960x540) resolution displays , and the camera is limited to 8 megapixels.
In terms of graphics, although it's the entry-level model, it inherits the Mali-T720 GPU , albeit at a lower frequency than in the higher-end models. Despite these limitations, the chip doesn't skimp on connectivity, being compatible with a vast number of bands such as FDD-LTE, TD-LTE, WCDMA, and GSM , which guarantees that the phone will have a signal virtually anywhere in the world.
Clash of the titans: MT6735 versus Snapdragon 410
To put this hardware in perspective, it's best to compare it to its direct competitor, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 410. When they're put head-to-head, MediaTek's SoC blows Qualcomm's out of the water in almost every aspect. In performance tests, the MediaTek chip achieves a 30% advantage in single-core performance and exceeds 25% when all cores are working simultaneously.
It doesn't fall short in the visual department either. The Mali-T720 is capable of delivering more frames per second than the Adreno 306, resulting in smoother interfaces and simpler games with better FPS ratios . It's no coincidence that brands like TCL, Lenovo, and ZTE have opted for this hardware in their devices.
Escalating in power: MT6752 and the colossal Helio X20
Moving up a level in the MT67xx family, we find the MT6752 . This is an octa-core processor running at 1,7 GHz and using a much more powerful Mali-T760 GPU, ideal for the upper mid-range. This chip allows you to record 1080p video at 60 fps and handle cameras up to 16 MP without draining the battery.
It is important to mention that the MT6753 exists; although the name suggests that it is superior, it is actually less powerful than the MT6752 because its cores range between 1,3 and 1,5 GHz, although it gains versatility by adding support for CDMA2000 1x and EVDO.
But if we're talking about raw power, the king is the MT6797, better known as the Helio X20 . This is a true 10-core monster that uses Tri-cluster technology . This means it organizes its cores into three speed groups: four at 1,4 GHz, another four at 2 GHz, and the two most powerful, the Cortex A72 cores, which reach 2,5 GHz. This processor can handle displays with extremely high resolutions, such as WQXGA , placing it firmly in the top tier of processors.
Quick technical specifications
- MT6735 Standard: Quad-core CPU at 1,5 GHz, Mali-T720 GPU and support for 13 MP cameras with Full HD video at 30 fps.
- LTE connectivity: Both the M model and the standard model support Cat 4 LTE, reaching 150 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload.
- Wireless standards: Full compatibility with Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11n.
MediaTek's evolution has been nothing short of remarkable, going from a questionable option to dominating the efficient chip sector. From the simplicity of the MT6735M to the power of the Helio X20, the brand has created an ecosystem where global network compatibility and multi-core performance allow it to compete head-to-head with any rival, offering robust solutions for every budget.
