Helio G85 vs Snapdragon 720G: Which Chipset Should You Pick in 2024?

 When it comes to budget and mid-range smartphones, the processor inside the device can make or break your experience — especially if gaming is a priority. Two chipsets that have kept consumers debating for years are MediaTek's Helio G85 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 720G. If you have been searching for a clear-cut answer on the Helio G85 vs Snapdragon 720G debate, you have come to the right place. This article breaks down everything you need to know — from raw performance to camera capabilities — so you can make a truly informed buying decision.

Understanding the Basics: What Are These Chipsets?

Both chipsets are designed for the budget-to-mid-range smartphone segment, targeting users who want a capable device without breaking the bank. MediaTek's Helio G85 is found in popular phones like the Redmi Note 9, Realme 7i, and Realme Narzo 30A. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 720G, on the other hand, powers more premium budget offerings such as the Poco M2 Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro/Pro Max, Realme 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy A72.

The "G" in both names signals that these are gaming-oriented chipsets, built to handle graphically intensive applications with smoother frame rates and reduced thermal throttling.

Manufacturing Process: A Fundamental Difference

One of the first places where the Helio G85 vs Snapdragon 720G comparison starts to diverge is at the manufacturing level. The Helio G85 is fabricated on a 12nm process node, while the Snapdragon 720G uses a more advanced 8nm process. A smaller fabrication node generally means better power efficiency and improved thermal management — both critical factors for sustained gaming performance. The Snapdragon 720G's advantage here translates directly into longer battery life and less heat generation during extended play sessions.

CPU Performance: Core Architecture Matters

The Snapdragon 720G features two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.3GHz, paired with six efficiency Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8GHz. The Helio G85 uses slightly older Cortex-A75 cores running at 2GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.8GHz. The Cortex-A76 architecture offers significantly better IPC (Instructions Per Clock) performance, meaning the Snapdragon 720G handles demanding applications, multi-tasking, and heavy workloads considerably more efficiently. For users who run multiple apps simultaneously or play CPU-intensive games, this difference is noticeable in real-world usage.

GPU and Gaming Performance

Surprisingly, this is one area where the Helio G85 vs Snapdragon 720G comparison becomes more nuanced. The Helio G85 sports an ARM Mali-G52 2EEMC2 GPU running at 1GHz, while the Snapdragon 720G features Qualcomm's Adreno 618. Despite the Helio G85's GPU having a 250MHz higher clock frequency, the Adreno 618 holds a strong reputation for driver optimization and consistent frame delivery. In benchmark tests and real-world gameplay — including titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile — the Snapdragon 720G typically delivers more stable frame rates and supports True HDR gaming with 10-bit color depth, a feature entirely absent on the Helio G85.

RAM and Storage Speeds

Both chipsets support LPDDR4x RAM and UFS 2.1 storage, but the Snapdragon 720G supports faster RAM speeds at 2300MHz compared to the Helio G85's 1733MHz. Faster memory bandwidth means quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and faster asset streaming in games. It is a subtle but meaningful edge for power users.

Artificial Intelligence Capabilities

AI processing is an increasingly important factor in modern smartphones, influencing everything from photography to voice recognition. The Snapdragon 720G includes Qualcomm's Hexagon 692 DSP, which scores around 27.5 in AI benchmarks. The Helio G85 lacks a dedicated AI processing unit (APU) and scores just 16.1 in comparable tests. For users who rely on AI-driven camera features, real-time translation, or smart assistant functionality, the Snapdragon 720G is clearly the superior platform.

Camera Capabilities

Cameras are a deal-breaker for many smartphone buyers. In the Helio G85 vs Snapdragon 720G matchup, the Snapdragon 720G supports a single camera up to 42MP (with ZSL and MFNR technology) and a maximum combined resolution of 192MP, powered by the Qualcomm Spectra 350L ISP. The Helio G85 supports a single camera up to 32MP but caps its maximum resolution at 48MP. For photography enthusiasts, the Snapdragon 720G delivers noticeably richer detail and better low-light processing.

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE

The Snapdragon 720G supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, while the Helio G85 is limited to Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. In terms of LTE, the Snapdragon 720G's X15 modem offers download speeds up to 800Mbps, compared to just 300Mbps on the Helio G85's Cat-7 modem. Neither chipset supports 5G, but the Snapdragon's connectivity advantage is meaningful for those on fast home networks or in strong LTE coverage areas.

Final Verdict

After a thorough look at the Helio G85 vs Snapdragon 720G comparison, the Snapdragon 720G emerges as the stronger all-around chipset. It wins on manufacturing process, CPU architecture, AI performance, camera ISP quality, RAM speed, and connectivity. The Helio G85 is not without merit — it remains a capable chipset for budget devices — but for anyone prioritizing gaming performance, photography, and future-proof connectivity, the Snapdragon 720G is the smarter investment. Choose wisely, and your smartphone experience will reflect it.