MediaTek vs. Snapdragon | Explore the Fundamental Differences Between the Two

High number of cores per chipset is always an advantage for Android users. The more the number of chipsets, the better the performance of the smartphone. An increased number of cores denotes the efficient multitasking ability of your smartphone. That’s why deciding on a high-performance chipset is imperative for ensuring a speedy and lag-free experience.
Relentlessly, the Qualcomm Snapdragon has been the undisputed flagship chipset for a long time. However, with efficient performance and affordable price, MediaTek is emerging as the primary rival of Snapdragon. Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek are the leading chipsets to date.
They are so popular that every other no-hanging mobile phone in India either has a Snapdragon or MediaTek processor, but unfortunately only one of them will be victorious. Carefully read on to know which among the MediaTek vs Snapdragon is the best chipset.
- MediaTek vs Snapdragon Which One is Better – Comparison Table
- Key Difference Between MediaTek and Snapdragon
- MediaTek vs Snapdragon|Which Processor is Best?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The performance of the CPU and GPU is different.
- Relatively more affordable than MediaTek.
- Heats more.
- Provides Mali graphics.
- Doesn’t share the Kernel source code.
- MediaTek is slightly behind in integrating the apps available on Google Play Store and App Store.
- Both GPU and CPU provide the same performance.
- Falls in the expensive end.
- Overheating isn’t a problem.
- Has Aderno graphics.
- Though pricey, the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset has slightly better optimization.
- Fully optimized with most apps available on Google Play Store and App Store.
MediaTek vs Snapdragon Which One is Better – Comparison Table
MediaTek has become the most renowned Android phone processor brand around the market, meanwhile, Qualcomm Snapdragon remains to own the high-end space. They both are the world’s most renowned chip manufacturing companies and deciding on which among them is the best processor for mobile is quite a daunting task.
Read this MediaTek vs Snapdragon comparison table to find which is the fastest processor for mobile phones!
![]() MediaTek Dimensity | ![]() |
Undoubtedly, MediaTek is quite affordable, but Qualcomm is known to provide better optimization and has the glory of being the go-to option for Android OEMs. However, due to a halt in the prowess of the Snapdragon chipset, many other companies have come into the picture.
The past few years have shown a favorable tide for MediaTek, which has led to its popularity. Let’s see Which processor is best MediaTek or Snapdragon by analyzing their features and specifications in the next section.
Key Difference Between MediaTek and Snapdragon
Qualcomm and Snapdragon are the two mega players that top the processor ranking list of the best processors for mobile. But deciding the leading one among them is a head-scratcher. The below-given features will give you more insights and clarity about the specifications of MediaTek and Snapdragon chipsets.
1. Performance
One of the best methods to evaluate the performance and efficiency of a chipset is the CPU Throttling test. This test clarifies how long a chipset can sustain its performance. The CPU Throttling assessment came to the conclusion that both the chipsets work nip and tuck, even performing heavy tasks.
Earlier, Qualcomm Snapdragon used to design robust CPUs like Kryo cores but over the last decade since it settled to semi-custom designs the progress has come to a halt. On the other hand, the standard Arm CPU cores processor of MediaTek has reversed the situation for MediaTek. In terms of CPU performance, both MediaTek and Qualcomm Snapdragon are on an equal footing for now.
2. GPU
GPU is undisputedly the biggest strength of Qualcomm. The Adreno graphics technology of Qualcomm has crashed and trumped the Arm’s Mali GPU of MediaTek processor. The robust GPU of MediaTek successfully competed with Snapdragon and managed to perform well consistently, but at last, Snapdragon came out victorious.
MediaTek is striving hard to improve its graphics to compete with Qualcomm. As a result of continuous efforts, it has become closer to the previous generations of Qualcomm graphics and gives intense competition to them, but victory is a bit far.
3. Power Efficiency
Your chipset needs to have good power efficiency so that you can use your phone for a long time. Software like Burnout Benchmark is really helpful in assessing the power measured by the chipset. Performance-wise, MediaTek has given neck-to-neck competition to Qualcomm Snapdragon. The Dimensity CPU has successfully outrun the Qualcomm while consuming less power than the Snapdragon.
4. Support
Qualcomm-equipped phones have excellent customer support, and MediaTek had a bad reputation for the same for years. Overall, MediaTek provides good performance and speed, but one of the most disappointing things about this chipset is it doesn’t provide the Kernel source code. Besides this, MediaTek is also accused of tardiness or missing system updates which affect its functionality.
5. Affordability
Both MediaTek Dimensity and Qualcomm Snapdragon are easily available, so in terms of availability, they are on the equal stand. But price-wise, there’s a huge difference between the two. Dimensity is an affordable processor, while the Snapdragon falls on the expensive side. Due to the heavy price, many Snapdragon mobile phones are also expensive. MediaTek can be your go-to option if you are looking for the best processor for mobile that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
MediaTek vs Snapdragon| Which Processor is Best?
Qualcomm and MediaTek Dimensity both are very powerful and easygoing chipsets. Deciding on the best one in the battle of MediaTek vs Snapdragon is definitely hard due to their superlative functioning. However, the performance output of Qualcomm edges out the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 in almost all the categories. It’s a phenomenal chipset, especially for intense and demanding tasks like editing and gaming.
Meanwhile, it’s completely unfair to say that MediaTek Density isn’t a worth-purchasing chip. Performance-wise, it gives tough competition to Qualcomm and one cannot distinguish between these two processors in the first use. Dimensity is slightly less behind Qualcomm and you can consider investing in this chipset, especially if you can’t afford the Snapdragon, as they are a bit expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which MediaTek processor is equal to Snapdragon?
Ans. MediaTek Density 9200 chipsets perform similarly to Qualcomm Snapdragon. Their reference core designs and computational capabilities are pretty identical with very few differences.
Q. Why choose Snapdragon over MediaTek?
Ans. Both Snapdragon and MediaTek are great options, but Snapdragon has an extra edge for multitasking. It can effortlessly handle demanding and extensive tasks without affecting the overall speed.
Q. Is MediaTek processor for the long term?
Ans. Yes, MediaTek chipsets are durable and can be used for the long term. Their impressive performance will keep you going for a really long time. However, the speed may be slightly affected while performing heavy tasks.
Q. Which Snapdragon processor is best?
Ans. Snapdragon 8 Gen2, Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen1, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 are some of the best working high-end Snapdragon processors. They are loaded with all the latest features, CPU, GPU, and AI performance which makes them ideal fit for demanding tasks like gaming and editing.
Sources
MediaTek’s Plan To Take On Qualcomm And Move Up In The Cut-Throat World Of Mobile
MediaTek BEATS Snapdragon! Dimensity 9000 has fastest CPU in Android world | Mobile News.