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Is MediaTek Helio G96 processor suitable for gaming?

Is MediaTek Helio G96 processor suitable for gaming?

2024-06-18 506 1

The Helio G96, released in 2021, is a mid-range Octa-core 4G mobile processor developed by MediaTek, designed to power a wide range of smartphones, including those aimed at the gaming market. As the most powerful 4G processor of MediaTek in 2021, there are many rugged phones (the smartphone with water-, drop-, and dust-resistance) adopted this processor at that time. As it offers a good balance between performance and battery life. But two years later, can it keep up with the ever-demanding world of mobile games? In this guide, we'll take you to explore the G96's gaming performance.

Understanding the Helio G96's Gaming Potential

CPU: Octa-core CPU (2x high-performance Arm Cortex-A76 cores + 6x Cortex-A55 efficiency cores)
Graphics: Arm Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
Manufacturing process: 12nm (improves power efficiency over older processors)
MediaTek HyperEngine 2.0 Lite: Suite of features designed to enhance the gaming experience, including resource management, network optimization, and picture quality enhancements.

Gaming Performance:

The Helio G96 is built on a 12nm manufacturing process and features an octa-core CPU with two Arm Cortex-A76 cores clocked at up to 2.05GHz, and six Arm Cortex-A55 cores clocked at up to 2GHz. It also includes a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, which is capable of delivering decent graphics performance for mid-range and some upper-mid-range devices.

In terms of raw processing power, the Helio G96 performs well in general tasks and moderate gaming scenarios. It can handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Genshin Impact without major issues, providing smooth gameplay and decent frame rates.

The Helio G96's Mali-G57 MC2 GPU is designed to deliver good-quality graphics for mid-range smartphones. It supports features like HDR10, 4K video playback, and hardware-accelerated video encoding and decoding. However, it may struggle to maintain high frame rates in more graphics-intensive games or when running at higher resolutions.

Compared to flagship-level processors with more powerful GPUs, the G96 processor may not be able to provide the same level of visual fidelity and performance for the most demanding mobile games. However, for the majority of casual (like cool math games) and mainstream mobile games, the Helio G96 should offer a satisfactory gaming experience.

Here's the breakdown:

Handles many popular games: You can play a wide variety of games, including many modern titles, at decent settings.
Balancing Act: The Helio G96 offers a balance between graphical quality and frame rates, allowing you to enjoy games without sacrificing too much on either.
Benchmark references (approximate fps):

Here are some examples:

PUBG Mobile: playable at high settings (~40 fps)
Call of Duty: Mobile: playable at moderate-high settings (~35 fps)
Fortnite: playable at moderate settings (~30 fps). Related guides: Fortnite vs Minecraft and Fortnite vs Roblox.
Less demanding games: Expect smoother performance (closer to 60 fps) on titles that are graphically less intensive.

Factors Affecting Gaming Experience:

Game optimization: A game's optimization for the G96 can significantly impact performance. Some games might run better than others.
Device RAM and storage: Enough RAM allows for smoother multitasking during gaming, while faster and enough storage reduces loading times.
Thermal throttling and battery life: One of the strengths of the Helio G96 is its efficient thermal management and power consumption. The 12nm manufacturing process helps to keep power draw and heat generation in check, which can be crucial for maintaining consistent performance during prolonged gaming sessions. Additionally, the Helio G96's integrated power management features and support for advanced power-saving technologies can help to optimize battery life, ensuring that your gaming sessions are not cut short by excessive battery drain.

Tips for Better Gaming with Helio G96:

Adjust graphics settings: Balancing graphics settings between visuals and frame rate can significantly improve your gaming experience.
Close background apps: Free up system resources by closing unnecessary apps before gaming.
Enable Game Mode (if available): Some phones with Helio G96 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 G96 for (gamers)?

Mid-range gamers: If you enjoy playing popular games but don't necessarily need the absolute top performance, the Helio G96 is a good option. However, the G96 processor has been withdrawn from the market, the new role is Helio G99, which is more powerful than G96. Here are some phones equipped with Helio G99 for purchasing in our global store.
Gamers on a budget: The Helio G96 offers a good balance between price and performance, making it suitable for gamers looking for a capable processor without breaking the bank.

Alternatives for Hardcore Gamers:

For the most demanding titles and the smoothest gameplay possible, consider phones with:

MediaTek Dimensity 9000 series processors: Offer superior performance, especially in graphics processing, compared to the Helio G96. The latest Dimensity processor is the Dimensity 9300 by far.
Snapdragon 8 series processors: Another strong contender in the high-range gaming phone market, often competing closely with Dimensity processors. The top Snapdragon processors are like Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and the 8 Gen 3 is the latest Snapdragon processor by far.

The Verdict: A Capable Contender, But Not Top-Tier

The Helio G96 remains a viable option for mobile gaming in 2024, while this processor has been withdrawn from the market (Some manufacturers may still have the chip in stock). It can handle many modern games at decent settings, offering a good balance between performance and battery life. However, for players who prioritize top-of-the-line graphics and peak performance, a more powerful processor might be a better choice.

Other processors' performance:

Future-proofing your choice:

Look for benchmarks and reviews to gauge real-world gaming performance with the Helio G96 on specific phones. Experience it if it is possible.
Consider how important the latest graphical features and peak performance are for your gaming preferences.

By weighing these factors, you can decide if the Helio G96 offers the right balance of power and affordability for your mobile gaming needs.

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