Does MTK Helio G88 processor good for playing games?

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The MediaTek Helio G88, released in 2021, is a mid-range Octa-core processor designed for everyday tasks with an emphasis on mobile gaming. But how well does it hold up in 2024's mobile gaming landscape? Let's take a look together.

Helio G88's Capabilities

• CPU: Octa-core CPU (2x high-performance cores + 6x efficiency cores)
• Graphics: Arm Mali-G52 GPU
• Manufacturing process: 12nm (increasing transistor density for improved performance and battery efficiency over older processors)
• MediaTek HyperEngine Gaming Technology: Suite of features designed to enhance the gaming experience, including resource management, network optimization, and picture quality enhancements.
• Used in: Rugged mobile phones (the smartphone with drop-, water-, and dust-proof, also named indestructible phone, etc.) and regular mobile phones.

Gaming Performance:

• Can handle many popular games: You can play a wide variety of games, especially older titles or less graphically demanding ones.
• Lower settings for newer games: Expect to adjust settings for newer titles to maintain a consistent frame rate (fps) and avoid stutter.

Benchmark references (approximate fps):

• PUBG Mobile: playable at balanced settings (~30 fps)
• Call of Duty: Mobile: playable at moderate settings (~25 fps)
• Fortnite: playable at low settings (~20 fps)
• Lighter games: Expect smoother performance (closer to 60 fps) on less demanding games like cool math games.

Factors Affecting Gaming Experience:

• Game optimization: How well a game is optimized for the Helio G88 can significantly impact performance.
• Device RAM and storage: More RAM allows for smoother multitasking during gaming, while faster and more storage reduces loading times.
• Heat throttling: The Helio G88 can heat up under heavy load, potentially throttling performance to avoid overheating.

Tips for Better Gaming with Helio G88:

• Reduce graphical settings: Lowering graphics quality can significantly improve performance and battery life.
• Close background apps: Free up system resources by closing unnecessary apps (even delete some unused apps) before gaming.
• Enable Game Mode (if available): Some phones with Helio G88 may have a gaming mode that optimizes performance and reduces distractions.
• Consider a phone with good cooling: A phone with a good cooling system can help prevent thermal throttling and maintain performance.

Who is the Helio G88 for (gamers)?

• Casual gamers: If you play less demanding games or prioritize battery life over high-end graphics, the Helio G88 can suffice.
• Mobile gamers on a budget: If you're looking for a budget-friendly phone that can handle some gaming, the Helio G88 can be a viable option. And the better option is choosing a Helio G99 phone.

Alternatives for Serious Gamers:

For a more future-proof and powerful gaming experience in 2024, consider phones with:

• MediaTek Dimensity series processors: The latest Dimensity processors (such as Dimensity 9300 and Dimensity 9200+) offer a significant performance jump over the Helio G88, especially in the graphics department. However, these flagship processors might be break your budget.
• Snapdragon 8 series processors: Another good option for mid-high-end gaming phones, often competing closely with the Dimensity series in performance. The latest Snapdragon flagship processors are like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, also, these top Snapdragon processors are only suitable for those who have enough budgets.

Other processors gaming performance:

• Helio G85
• Helio G99

The Verdict: Playable But Not Top-Tier

The Helio G88 can handle many games, but with limitations, especially for newer titles. If you're a casual gamer or prioritize affordability, the Helio G88 might be enough. But for serious gamers or those who want to play the latest titles at high settings, a more powerful processor is recommended.

Things to do before get a Helio G88 phone:

• When considering a phone with Helio G88, look for benchmarks and reviews to gauge real-world gaming performance.
• If possible, try out games on the phone yourself to see if the gaming experience meets your expectations.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether the Helio G88 is the right choice for your mobile gaming needs.