When we come to think of the mobile processors, the first thing that would ideally come to our mind would be Qualcomm or MediaTek in Asian countries. The two most widely used processors on most of the new breed of Android smartphones, they have created their own fan base and customer base as well. That should help perhaps what should explain why the MediaTek P60 and Snapdragon 660 were quite popular in 2018. This year possibly should belong to the Helio P70 and the Snapdragon 710 if the same trend continues. That is precisely what prompted us to explore the features of these two new processors from the respective manufacturers and compare the specs and functions that they offer you.
The MediaTek Helio P70 – An Overview
Before we get into the overview of the P70, let us check out how MediaTek’s flagship mobile SOCs look like in 2019. Here is a quick comparison of the Helio P90 vs P70 specs. See below:
Processors:
| Specification | MediaTek Helio P90
| MediaTek Helio P70
|
| CPU Types | Arm Cortex A75 Arm Cortex A55 | ARM Cortex A53 ARM Cortex A73 |
| CPU Frequency | 2.2 GHz Max | 2.1 GHz Max |
| Cores | 8 (Octa – Core) | 8 (Octa-Core) |
| CPU Architecture | 64 – bit | 64-bit |
| Heterogeneous Multi-Processing | – | Supported |
Memory & Storage:
| Specification | MediaTek Helio P90 | MediaTek Helio P70 |
| Memory Type | Dual channel LPDDR4X | LPDDR3 LPDDR4X |
| Max. Memory Frequency | 1866 MHz | 1x LPDDR3 @ 933 MHz 2x LPDDR4X @ ~1800 MHz |
| Max Memory Size | 8 GB | 8 GB on LPDDR4X 4 GB on LPDDR3 |
| Storage Type | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 UFS 2.1 |
Connectivity:
| Specification | MediaTek Helio P90 | MediaTek Helio P70 |
| Cellular Technologies | Carrier Aggregation CDMA2000 1x / EVDO Rev.A – SRL FDD / TDD LTE HSPA+ | Carrier Aggregation CDMA 2000 1x / EVDO Rev.A – SRL FDD / TDD LTE HSPA+ |
| Specifications | 4G LTE Cat 12 – DL Cat 13 – UL – FDD/TDD 4×4 MIMO 3CA 256QAM HPUE IMS – VoLTE, ViLTE, WFC eMBMS Dual 4G VoLTE (DSDS) Band 71 TAS 2.0 | 2×2 UL CA TAS 2.0 HPUE IMS (VoLTE / ViLTE / WoWi-Fi) eMBMS Dual 4G VoLTE (DSDS) BAND 71 |
| LTE Category | Cat-12 DL Cat-13 UL | CAT-7 DL CAT-13 UL |
| General Connectivity | Bluetooth FM Radio GNSS Wi-Fi | Bluetooth FM Radio GNSS Wi-Fi |
| GNSS | Beidou Galileo Glonass GPS | Beidou Galileo Glonass GPS |
| Wi-Fi | a/b/g/n/ac | a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 4.2 (Lower Energy Consumption) |
Camera :
| Specification | MediaTek Helio P90 | MediaTek Helio P70 |
| Max ISP | Single: 42 MP Dual: 24 + 16 MP | Single: 32 MP Dual: 24 + 16 MP |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Max FPS | 30 fps on 48 MP with ZSD 120 fps on 16 MP | 30 fps on 32 MP with ZSD 90 fps on 16 MP |
| Features | AI NR FacelQ 30 fps Advanced depth engine HW EIS Anti-blooming engine MEMA 3DNR MFNR Real-Time HDR Zigzag HDR RAW Domain Multiframe HDR PDAF | Facial / Scene Detection (AI) Hardware Warping Engine Anti Blooming Engine MEMA 3DNR Multi Frame Noise Reduction Real-Time HDR Recording + Viewing Zigzag HDR RAW domain multi-frame HDR PDAF |
Graphics:
| Specification | MediaTek Helio P90 | MediaTek Helio P70 |
| GPU Type | IMG PowerVR GM 9446 | ARM Mali G73 MP3 |
| Max Frequency | 970 MHz | 900 MHz |
| Max Resolution | 2520 x 1080 | 2160 x 1080 |
| Video Encoding | H.264 | H.264 |
| Video Playback | H.264, H.265 / HEVC | H.264, H.265 / HEVC |
Other:
| Specification | MediaTek Helio P90 | MediaTek Helio P70 |
| AI Accelerator | Yes | Yes |
| AI Performance | 1127 GMAC/s Max | 280 GMAC/s Max |
| MediaTek Technologies | Not Specified | CorePilot Imagic NeuroPilot Pump Express Pump Express Wireless Response Time Enhancement Technology |
MediaTek Helio P70 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 – How do they Fair?
The MediaTek Helio P70 has been built on the success that was achieved through the P60 in 2018. It strives to achieve excellent functionality for building devices with distinct features and functions. Some of the features that are set to bring in considerable changes in the functioning include enhanced power efficiency standards, feature updates, and enhancements in terms of clock speed synergy.
The ultimate results for the users would be in the field of longer battery life, a highly sustainable battery life, an improved experience in terms of performance and operate at a lower temperature. The new processor comes with support for 20:9 displays at Full HD+ resolution. The proprietary CorePilot 4.0 technology provides you access to enhanced performance by assigning the tasks effectively between the resources. The processor has been considered to be a multithreaded app friendly and offers multi-core processing with AI deep-neural capabilities.
It also comes with a high-resolution depth engine that enhances the bokeh shots on your compatible phones. The processor should be able to provide you access to a 24fps visual bokeh performance. You also have access to the latest generation 4G LTE WorldMode modem that can provide an enhanced experience for accessing the newest cellular features and standards across the globe. The processor also gives you access to the Transmission Antenna Switching (TAS 2.0) technology for providing you access to an optimal and sustained signal quality.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 – An Introduction
As has been the latest trend, the Snapdragon 710 processor packs in the AI compatibility for an enhanced experience. Availability of the Qualcomm Spectra™ ISP brings in professional photography into your phone cameras.
The processor comes with a multi-core Qualcomm AI Engine. The new engine has been designed to provide you access to the 2X enhancement in performance of the previous generations of AI engines. Besides, you have access to the best in class execution with the additional components like Qualcomm® Hexagon™ Vector Processor, the Qualcomm® Adreno™ Visual Processing subsystem, and the Qualcomm® Kryo™ CPU. These together will provide you access to an energy saving performance.
The 14-bit Qualcomm Spectra 250 ISP supports image capture up to 32 MP and video capture capabilities up to Ultra HD 4K. Other extra features include zero shutter lag, motion compensated temporal filtering and accelerated electronic image stabilization.
| Features | Snapdragon 710
| Snapdragon 730 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | 10 nm process | 10 nm |
| WiFi | Integrated 2 x 2 (MIMO) dual-band WiFi 802.11ac Wave 2, 802.11a/b/g, 802.11n 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz – Dual-Band Support Peak speed: 867 Mbps Channel Utilization: 20/40/80/160 MHz MIMO Configuration: 2×2 (Dual-stream) Peak QAM: 256 QAM Wi-Fi Features: MU-MIMO, Dual-band simultaneous (DBS), LTE & Wi-Fi antenna sharing, Integrated baseband | 802.11ax-ready, 802.11ac Wave 2, 802.11a/b/g, & 802.11n Wi-Fi Spectral Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz Channel Utilization: 20/40/80 MHz MIMO Configuration: 2×2 (2-stream) 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz – Dual-Band Support Peak QAM: 256 QAM Wi-Fi Features: Dual-band simultaneous (DBS) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 2 Gbps (Theoretical Peak) | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| CPU | 2 Kryo 3xx cores at 2.2 GHz + 6 x Kryo 3xx cores at 1.7 GHz Qualcomm® Kryo 360 CPU, Octa-core CPU 64-bit CPU Architecture | 2 x kryo 360 cores at 2.2 GHz + 6 x kryo 4xx cores at 1.8 GHz. |
| GPU | Qualcomm® Adreno 616 GPU | Adreno 616 at up to 750 MHz |
| Memory | 2 x 16 1866 MHz LPDDR4x | 2 x 16 1866 MHz LPDDR4x |
| Display | 3360×1440 10-bit + 4k @ 60 FPS 10-bit DP Quad HD+, HDR10+ | Up to 3360×1440 pixels Quad HD+, and HDR10 |
| Camera | Spectra 250, up to 32 MP, 3x concurrent sensors Dual Camera, MFNR, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 16 MP Single-Camera – MFNR, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 25 MP Single-Camera – MFNR: Up to 48 MP Single-Camera – Up to 192 MP | Image Signal Processor: Qualcomm Spectra™ 250 image signal processor, 2x Image Signal Processor (ISP), 14-bit Dual Camera, MFNR, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 16 MP Single Camera, MFNR, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 25 MP Single Camera, MFNR: Up to 48 MP Single Camera: Up to 192 MP Camera Features: Zero Shutter Lag, Hybrid Autofocus, Ultra HD 4K video capture at 30fps, High-quality video capture with Motion Compensated Temporal Filtering, Accelerated Electronic Image Stabilization |
| Video | 4K60 HEVC, 4K30 10-bit H.265 (HEVC)/H.264/VP8/VP9 1080o @ 120 FPS Rec. 2020 color gamut video capture Up to 10-bits per color video capture | 4K60 HEVC, 4K30 10-bit H.264/VP8, H.265 (HEVC)/H.264/VP8/VP9 1080o @ 120 FPS Rec. 2020 color gamut video capture Up to 10-bits per color video capture |
| Storage | UFS 2.1, SD 3.0, eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1, SD 3.0, eMMC |
| Peripherals | USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C and USB 2.0 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C and USB 2.0 |
| Machine Learning | GPU/HVX AIE GPU: Qualcomm® Adreno 616 GPU AIE DSP: Qualcomm® Hexagon 685 Vector Processor | NPU 120 + GPU/HVX AIE GPU: Qualcomm® Adreno™ 616 GPU AIE DSP: Qualcomm® Hexagon™ 685 Vector Processor |
| LTE | LTE Category 15 (downlink) LTE Category 13 (uplink) 3×20 MHz carrier aggregation Up to 4×4 MIMO on two carriers LTE Peak Download Speed: 800 Mbps LTE Peak Upload Speed: 150 Mbps Up to 256-QAM | LTE Category 15 (downlink) LTE Category 13 (uplink) 3×20 MHz carrier aggregation Up to 4×4 MIMO on two carriers LTE Peak Download Speed: 800 Mbps LTE Peak Upload Speed: 150 Mbps Up to 256-QAM |
| GPS & Location Services | GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, SBAS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, SBAS, Beidou, Galileo |
The processor comes with Adreno 616 GPU lets you enjoy advanced 3D graphics. It also provides you access to the latest graphics APIs.
The Snapdragon 710 processor has coupled with Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X15 modem. The processor can provide access to improved WiFi coverage. The signals are so stronger with the capacity to penetrate even the hard to pass through walls.
The processor also provides you access to high-end battery performance. It provides you with a 30 percent higher battery life performance.
It also provides you access to Quick Charge 4+ technology.
The feature Comparison: MediaTek Helio P70 vs 710
Having gone through a brief description of the two processors, let us check out and explore the processors based on a few key features. This can help understand the two processors in a more clear perspective and analyze them in a better manner.
The CPU / GPU Comparison
The CPU plays a significant role in any of the processors. The CPU on the Helio P70 has a 64-bit Octa-Core construction and manufactured with a 12nm FinFET technology. Four of the eight cores have an ARM Cortex-A73. These are used for massive and resource hungry tasks. The rest four cores come with an efficient ARM Cortex-A53. These will handle the regular day to day tasks. The processor handles a maximum clock speed of 2.1 GHz.
Now, coming to the Snapdragon 710 processor, this again comes with a 64-bit Octa-Core processor, but with a superior 10 nm manufacturing process. The cores are based on the Qualcomm’s Kryo 360 technology. Out of the eight cores, six cores that clock at 1.4GHz and are based on ARM Cortex-A55. The other two high-end cores that clock at 2.2 GHz and are based on ARM Cortex-A75.
If you are looking at it from the gaming point of view, the MediaTek Helio P70 comes with Mali G72-MP3 GPU. The Snapdragon 710, on the other hand, provides you access to Adreno 616 GPU.
In this section, whether you consider it from the perspective of CPU or GPU, you would find the Snapdragon providing you with excellent functionality. It offers you a better clock performance and also offers two cores with a better performance.
Camera, Display and RAM compatibility
The Helio P70 comes with a 32 MP single camera performance or if you are going with a dual camera setup with a 24+16 telephoto functionality. It can support video capture functionality up to 4K at 30 fps. The camera functionalities offered by the processor include AI Face ID (Face Unlock), AI Smart Photo Album, Single-Cam/Dual-Cam Bokeh, EIS, Rolling Shutter Compensation (RSC) engine, MEMA 3DNR, Multi-Frame Noise Reduction, Real-time HDR recording, and viewing; Zig-Zag HDR to name just a few. There are several other features, but we assume it is sufficient to say that they provide you access to all the best features in photography and video shooting.
When it comes the Snapdragon 710, it can support 32 MP single camera performance and a 20 MP dual camera setup. You have access to the company’s Image Signal Process called Qualcomm Spectra 250 ISP. Some of the camera’s features you can experience on the processor can be Zero Shutter Lag, Hybrid Autofocus, Ultra HD 4K video capture at 30fps, High-quality video capture with Motion Compensated Temporal Filtering, Accelerated Electronic Image Stabilization.
If you are looking at display and RAM capabilities, the Helio P70 offers you a dual-channel LPDDR4x RAM up to 8 GB. The display support would be up to Full HD+ (2160×1080) resolution and an aspect ratio of 20:9. The Snapdragon 710 also meets the same criteria in terms of RAM management. The display support would be up to Quad HD+ (3360×1440) HDR.
Connectivity Options
While most of the connectivity options on both the processors remain almost similar prominent features being Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth(4.2), GPS, and FM Radio, the Bluetooth connectivity on the Helio P70 is limited to version 4.2. Even the signal speed is quite limited with access to Cat 7 download and Cat 13 upload speeds. The Snapdragon 710 takes the lead with the Bluetooth version support for version 5.0 and access to 600Mbps of Cat-15 download and 150Mbps Cat-13 upload speed.
In essence, the Snapdragon 710 is equipped with better connectivity support with enhanced upload and download speeds.
The Comparison Chart: MediaTek Helio P70 vs 710 vs 675
Now that we have gone through the similar features between the two capable and powerful processors, here is a head to head comparison for a complete analysis of the two options. The side by side comparison will help make the right choice based on your exact needs.
| Features / Particulars | MediaTek Helio P70
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 710
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 675
|
| CPU | Octa-Core 64-bit Four cores 2.1 GHz Cortex-A73 Four cores 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 64-bit Eight cores 2.2 GHz Kryo 360 2 Kryo 3xx cores at 2.2 GHz + 6 x Kryo 3xx cores at 1.7 GHz Qualcomm® Kryo 360 CPU, Octa-core CPU | Qualcomm Kryo 460 4 x Kryo 460 Gold (A76) Kryo 460 Silver (A55) Up to 2.0 GHz 2x Kryo 460 (Part- CA76) 6x Kryo 460 (Part – CA55) |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 616 | Qualcomm Adreno 612 API support: OpenCL™ 2.0 Full, Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL ES 3.2, DX12 |
| Manufacturing Process | 12 nm | 10 nm | 11 nm |
| RAM capacity | Up to 8 GB | Up to 8GB | Up to 8GB |
| RAM type | LPDDR4X RAM | LPDDR4X RAM | LPDDR4X RAM |
| Storage Capacity | eMMC 5.1 storage or UFC 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 storage | eMMC 5.1, UFS 2.0/2.1 |
| Camera support | Single Up to 32 MP camera or Dual 24MP + 16MP Cameras | Single Up to 32 MP camera or Dual 20MP + 20MP Cameras Spectra 250, up to 32 MP, 3x concurrent sensors Dual Camera, MFNR, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 16 MP Single-Camera – MFNR, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 25 MP Single-Camera – MFNR: Up to 48 MP Single-Camera – Up to 192 MP | Up to 192 MP – Single 48 MP Snapshot 25 MP single setup 16 MP dual setup Spectra 250 ISP with |
| ISP | Not applicable | 14-bit Qualcomm Spectra 250 with 2x image processing | Qualcomm Spectra 250L 2x ISP 14-bit Setup |
| Display support | Full HD+ 2400 x 1080, 20:9 | Quad-HD+, 3360×1440 pixels, HDR10 support | 2520 x 1080 10-bit, full HD plus |
| LTE speeds and category | Cat-7 Download / Cat-13 Upload | LTE X15 Modem LTE Category 15 (downlink) 800Mbps download LTE Category 13 (uplink) 150Mbps upload 3×20 MHz carrier aggregation Up to 4×4 MIMO on two carriers Up to 256-QAM | LTE Category 12 – Downlink (300 Mbps max) 3×20 MHz carrier aggregation Up to 256-QAM 600 Mbps download speed LTE Category 13 (150 Mbps max speed) 2×20 MHz carrier aggregation Up to 64-QAM Qualcomm Snapdragon Upload+ |
The Concluding Thoughts
That was a fair comparison between the two capable processors and their features. The side by side comparison and the brief reviews should provide you with enough information on the two competing processors. As for the availability of the processors, nothing has yet been made clear by the device manufacturers. The only information that currently has is that the Realme 3 will feature Helio P70 processor. The Snapdragon 710 is featured on Oppo R17 Pro.
The two processors match each other in most of the features and functions but have a minor difference where the Snapdragon 710 takes the lead.
