Comparing Helio P35 with Snapdragon 660: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to choosing a smartphone, one of the most crucial decisions is selecting the right processor. The Helio P35 from MediaTek and the Snapdragon 660 from Qualcomm are two popular processor options that often appear in mid-range smartphones. In this article, we will explore the differences between the two, focusing on their performance, clock speed, benchmarks, and other key features.

Overview of Helio P35

MediaTek's Helio P35 is a mid-range processor designed to provide robust performance without overwhelming the user with excessive power consumption. It features an ARM Cortex-A53 architecture running at up to 2.3 GHz for the CPU cores and 1.8 GHz for the two efficiency cores. The Helio P35 is built on a 12 nm process node, making it more efficient and smaller in size compared to its competitors.

Overview of Snapdragon 660

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 660 processor is a step up from the Helio P35, offering a robust processing power and excellent performance. The Snapdragon 660 delivers four CPU cores running at 2.2 GHz and four cores at 1.84 GHz. The processor employs an 14 nm process node, which generally provides better efficiency.

Key Differences: Performance and Benchmarks

The key performance aspects of the Helio P35 and Snapdragon 660 can be summarized as follows:

CPU Speed

1. **Helio P35**: The Helio P35 has a CPU speed of 1.49 GHz for the four efficiency cores and 2.3 GHz for the four performance cores. Its clock speed is slightly faster for efficiency cores compared to the Snapdragon 660.

2. **Snapdragon 660**: The Snapdragon 660 features four efficiency cores running at 2.2 GHz and four performance cores at 1.84 GHz. The performance cores of the Snapdragon 660 have a higher clock speed than those of the Helio P35.

Process Node

1. **Helio P35**: Built on a 12 nm process node, the Helio P35 is more compact and energy-efficient, making it ideal for mid-range devices.

2. **Snapdragon 660**: Processed on a 14 nm node, the Snapdragon 660 still performs well but is not as energy-efficient as the Helio P35.

Storage and Graphics

1. **Helio P35**: The processor supports eMMC version 5.1, which is a newer and more advanced storage interface compared to the eMMC 4.5 version typically found in the Snapdragon 660.

2. **Snapdragon 660**: It supports OpenGL ES 3, which is also a newer version than the OpenGL ES 3.2 used by the Helio P35, indicating better graphics performance.

Why Choose Helio P35?

1. **Higher CPU Speed**: The Helio P35's higher efficiency core clock speed (1.49 GHz vs. 1.8 GHz) can offer faster CPU performance, especially for tasks that prioritize efficiency.

2. **Smaller Semiconductor Size**: With a 12 nm process node, the Helio P35 is more compact and energy-efficient, leading to better battery life and lower thermal management issues.

3. **Advanced Storage and Graphics**: The eMMC 5.1 and OpenGL ES 3.2 versions offer better data transfer rates and advanced graphics capabilities, enhancing overall user experience.

Why Choose Snapdragon 660?

1. **Higher RAM Speed**: The Snapdragon 660 offers a significantly higher RAM speed of 1866 MHz compared to the Helio P35's 1600 MHz, which can provide a smoother multitasking experience.

2. **Integrated LTE Technology**: The Snapdragon 660 includes integrated LTE technology, which can be a significant advantage for users who need faster and more reliable mobile internet connectivity.

3. **Better GPU Performance**: While the Helio P35 offers good graphics performance, the Snapdragon 660's more advanced 3D graphics support can handle more demanding games and applications more smoothly.

Conclusion

The choice between the Helio P35 and Snapdragon 660 ultimately depends on your priorities. The Helio P35 offers better efficiency and speed for tasks that prioritize performance while the Snapdragon 660 excels in providing a faster and more integrated experience for gaming and internet usage.

Whether you opt for the Helio P35 or the Snapdragon 660, both processors provide impressive performance for their respective price brackets, offering a solid choice for mid-range smartphones.