Introduction

The MediaTek Helio G85, Helio G91 and Helio G81 are entry-level smartphone processors designed for affordable 4G devices. All three use an eight-core CPU, a 12nm manufacturing process and the Mali-G52 MP2 graphics processor. Their hardware is closely related, but differences in CPU frequencies, GPU clock speed, camera support and connectivity make this comparison worth examining.

The Helio G85 is the oldest processor in this group, announced in April 2020. The Helio G91 arrived in June 2024, followed by the Helio G81 in August 2024. Despite the newer announcement dates of the G91 and G81, the three processors do not represent three completely different performance generations. Their core architecture remains largely similar.

According to NanoReview, the Helio G85 and G91 share an overall score of 25/100, while the G81 receives 24/100. All three have the same CPU rating of 18 and battery rating of 76. The G85 and G91 receive a gaming rating of 4, compared with 3 for the G81.

Benchmark results create a more detailed picture: the G81 leads AnTuTu 11, the G85 leads Geekbench 6 multi-core, and the G91 records the highest PCMark 3.0 result. This article compares their actual listed specifications and benchmark results rather than assuming that a newer processor must always be faster.

Source pages: MediaTek Helio G85 | MediaTek Helio G91 | MediaTek Helio G81.

Helio G85 vs Helio G91 vs Helio G81: Key Specifications

The three chipsets share the same general architecture, but the G81 has lower listed GPU and efficiency-core frequencies. The G85 and G91 have matching CPU frequencies and GPU specifications.

Source: NanoReview specifications. GFLOPS represents theoretical graphics-processing throughput, not guaranteed performance in games.

CPU Architecture and Processing Performance

The Helio G85 and Helio G91 have identical listed CPU configurations. Both use two Cortex-A75 performance cores running at 2.0GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores running at 1.8GHz.

The Helio G81 uses the same two Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0GHz, but its six Cortex-A55 cores operate at 1.7GHz. This is a slightly lower efficiency-core frequency than the other two processors.

Cortex-A75 cores handle more demanding processing tasks, while Cortex-A55 cores are intended for lighter workloads and background operations. The combination allows these processors to distribute tasks across performance and efficiency cores.

On paper, the G85 and G91 have an advantage in the listed efficiency-core frequency. However, the G81 uses the same performance-core configuration, so it does not represent a completely different CPU architecture.

NanoReview gives all three processors a CPU performance rating of 18. This is an exact tie in its rating system. Geekbench results show some differences, but the sample count and testing devices also matter when interpreting these numbers.

For everyday smartphone use, all three are intended for basic multitasking, browsing, messaging and common applications. The processor name alone cannot establish how responsive a phone will feel. RAM capacity, storage type, software optimisation and thermal management also affect the user experience.

GPU and Gaming Performance

All three processors use the Mali-G52 MP2 GPU, but the listed clock speed differs.

The Helio G85 and G91 have a GPU frequency of 1000MHz and theoretical performance of 96 GFLOPS. The Helio G81 operates its Mali-G52 MP2 at 820MHz, with a listed theoretical performance of 78.7 GFLOPS.

This gives the G85 and G91 a specification advantage over the G81 in graphics frequency and theoretical throughput. However, the GPU architecture remains the same, and theoretical performance does not guarantee a particular frame rate in every game.

NanoReview assigns a gaming rating of 4 to the G85 and G91, while the G81 receives 3. The listed 3DMark Steel Nomad Light results also show a difference: the G91 scores 81, the G85 scores 80 and the G81 scores 69.

These results place the G91 slightly ahead in this particular test, with the G85 close behind. The G81 records a lower result, consistent with its lower listed GPU frequency.

For buyers, the G85 and G91 have the stronger graphics specifications on paper. All three remain entry-level chipsets, however, and should not be considered suitable for demanding gaming at high graphics settings without checking the performance of the specific smartphone.

Benchmark Comparison: AnTuTu 11, Geekbench 6 and PCMark

Benchmark results help separate the processors’ performance in different workloads. No single test measures every aspect of a smartphone chipset, so AnTuTu, Geekbench, 3DMark and PCMark should be interpreted according to what they evaluate.

Source: NanoReview. GPU Compute API differences and benchmark sample sizes should be considered before making direct performance conclusions.

AnTuTu 11

The Helio G81 leads the AnTuTu 11 comparison with 358,608 points. The Helio G91 follows at 354,158, while the Helio G85 records 348,562 points.

The difference between the G81 and G85 is 10,046 points. The G81 also leads the G91 by 4,450 points. These are relatively close results, so they should not be interpreted as evidence of a major real-world performance gap.

AnTuTu evaluates multiple parts of a smartphone platform, including CPU, GPU, memory and user experience. Its final score reflects more than CPU processing speed alone.

The G81 is therefore the AnTuTu 11 winner in this comparison, even though it has a lower listed GPU frequency and a lower gaming rating than the G85 and G91.

Geekbench 6 CPU Performance

Geekbench 6 produces a different ranking.

For single-core performance, the Helio G81 achieves 432 points, the G85 scores 419 and the G91 scores 405. The G81 leads this particular test.

In multi-core performance, the Helio G85 takes first place with 1,461 points. The G81 follows at 1,416, while the G91 records 1,407.

This difference shows why single-core and multi-core results should be reported separately. Single-core testing focuses on workloads using one CPU core, whereas multi-core testing evaluates workloads that can use several cores together.

NanoReview lists 35 CPU benchmark tests for the G85, 11 for the G81 and fewer than three for the G91. The G91’s Geekbench results are particularly limited and should be treated as provisional rather than a definitive measure of its average performance.

GPU Compute and 3DMark

NanoReview lists Geekbench 6 GPU Compute results of 1,078 for the G91, 1,056 for the G85 and 971 for the G81.

There is an important testing difference: the G85 and G91 use Vulkan in their listed GPU Compute tests, while the G81 uses OpenCL. Different APIs can affect benchmark results, so these numbers should not be treated as a fully controlled three-way comparison.

The sample counts also differ. NanoReview lists 17 GPU Compute tests for the G85, fewer than three for the G91 and eight for the G81.

For 3DMark Steel Nomad Light, all three pages list the same test. The G91 scores 81, the G85 scores 80 and the G81 scores 69. The G91 has the highest listed result, but its lead over the G85 is only one point.

NanoReview also lists a Wild Life Extreme result of 187 for the G85. Corresponding results are not listed on the G91 and G81 pages, so that benchmark cannot establish a three-way ranking.

PCMark 3.0: Everyday Performance

The Helio G91 records the highest PCMark 3.0 score at 9,091 points. The G81 follows with 8,824, while the G85 scores 8,539.

PCMark 3.0 evaluates everyday workloads such as web browsing, writing, photo editing, video editing and data manipulation. It offers a different perspective from benchmarks focused mainly on CPU or graphics processing.

The G91 leads this test, but NanoReview lists only three tested phone models for the G91, compared with 20 for the G85 and 12 for the G81. This is a significant sample-size difference. The result is useful as a published benchmark figure, but it should not be treated as proof that every G91 phone will outperform every G85 or G81 phone in everyday use.

RAM, Memory Bandwidth and Storage

There is no major memory specification difference between these processors. All three support LPDDR4X RAM, a maximum listed capacity of 8GB and memory bandwidth of 14.4Gb/s.

They also share a listed memory frequency of 1800MHz and support eMMC 5.1 and UFS 2.1 storage.

This means none has a clear specification advantage in maximum RAM capacity, memory bandwidth or storage standard. The actual configuration depends on the phone manufacturer.

For buyers, this makes it important to compare the smartphones themselves. A model with more RAM or faster storage may provide a better multitasking and application-loading experience than another phone using the same processor but a lower memory configuration.

Display, Camera and Multimedia Support

All three processors support a maximum display resolution of 2520 × 1080 pixels. This gives them the same listed display-resolution capability.

Camera support is where the Helio G91 has its strongest multimedia advantage. It supports a maximum listed camera resolution of 108MP, while the G85 and G81 support up to 48MP for a single camera.

The G91 therefore leads in maximum camera resolution support. This does not mean every G91 smartphone takes better photographs. Image quality also depends on the camera sensor, lens, image signal processor, autofocus system and software processing.

Video support is also slightly different. The G91 and G81 list 2K video capture at 30FPS and 1K capture at 60FPS. The G85 lists 2K video capture at 30FPS.

The G91 and G81 also list 1080p playback at 60FPS, while the G85 page lists playback up to 2K at 30FPS. All three list H.264, H.265 and VP9 video codec support.

For users interested in camera hardware specifications, the G91 has the strongest maximum-resolution support. The G85 and G81 have the same listed maximum camera resolution.

Connectivity and Network Support

All three chipsets support 4G LTE and lack 5G connectivity. However, the Helio G81 has a lower listed LTE category than its two competitors.

The G85 and G91 support LTE Cat. 7, with maximum listed download speeds of up to 300Mbps and upload speeds of up to 100Mbps. The G81 lists LTE Cat. 4, but NanoReview does not provide equivalent maximum download and upload figures on its page.

This makes the G85 and G91 the stronger choices based on their listed cellular network categories. Real-world network speeds still depend on the mobile operator, signal quality, supported bands and network conditions.

All three support Wi-Fi 5. Bluetooth is another point of difference: the G91 and G81 support Bluetooth 5.4, while the G85 uses Bluetooth 5.0.

The G91 and G81 therefore have a newer listed Bluetooth version. The G85 remains competitive in cellular connectivity because it supports LTE Cat. 7.

AI Processing and Battery Ratings

NanoReview lists an NPU for the Helio G85 and Helio G81, while the G91 page identifies its AI accelerator as MediaTek APU. This indicates that AI acceleration hardware is listed for all three processors.

However, the presence of an NPU or APU does not guarantee identical AI performance or support for every AI feature. Capabilities depend on the hardware implementation, compatible software and smartphone manufacturer’s integration.

For battery life, the three processors all receive a NanoReview rating of 76. This is an exact tie, with no single chipset leading the published battery rating.

The common 12nm manufacturing process and similar hardware do not establish that all three phones will achieve identical battery life. Battery capacity, display technology, modem usage, software optimisation and the user’s workload all influence actual endurance.

Which Processor Should You Choose?

The MediaTek Helio G85 remains a competitive entry-level processor. Its CPU architecture matches the G91, and its listed GPU frequency is also 1000MHz. It leads Geekbench 6 multi-core performance in this comparison and shares the highest overall NanoReview rating with the G91. Its main disadvantages are older Bluetooth 5.0 and a lower maximum camera resolution than the G91.

The MediaTek Helio G91 offers the strongest combination of newer connectivity and multimedia specifications. It supports a 108MP maximum camera resolution, Bluetooth 5.4 and LTE Cat. 7. It also leads PCMark 3.0 and narrowly leads the same 3DMark Steel Nomad Light test. Its Geekbench sample count is very small, so its CPU benchmark results need caution.

The MediaTek Helio G81 leads AnTuTu 11 and Geekbench 6 single-core performance. It also supports Bluetooth 5.4 and has an NPU listed. However, its GPU frequency is lower than the G85 and G91, its gaming rating is lower, and it has LTE Cat. 4 rather than Cat. 7.

Final Verdict

The Helio G85, Helio G91 and Helio G81 share a closely related architecture, but their benchmark and connectivity differences make each suitable for a slightly different priority.

The G85 and G91 tie for the highest overall NanoReview score at 25/100. The G81 follows at 24/100. All three receive the same CPU rating of 18 and battery rating of 76, while the G85 and G91 share a gaming rating of 4.

Category winners:

• Overall NanoReview score: Helio G85 and Helio G91 tie — 25.
• CPU performance rating: Three-way tie — 18.
• Gaming performance rating: Helio G85 and Helio G91 tie — 4.
• Battery rating: Three-way tie — 76.
• AnTuTu 11: Helio G81.
• Geekbench 6 single-core: Helio G81.
• Geekbench 6 multi-core: Helio G85.
• 3DMark Steel Nomad Light: Helio G91.
• PCMark 3.0: Helio G91.
• Maximum camera resolution: Helio G91.
• GPU frequency and theoretical throughput: Helio G85 and Helio G91 tie.
• LTE category: Helio G85 and Helio G91 tie.
• Bluetooth version: Helio G91 and Helio G81 tie.
• RAM capacity and memory bandwidth: Three-way tie.

For buyers prioritising camera-resolution support and newer connectivity, the Helio G91 has the strongest listed specification set. The G85 remains a capable alternative with matching CPU and GPU frequencies, while the G81 leads selected CPU and AnTuTu benchmarks despite its lower GPU frequency. The final smartphone choice should also consider RAM, storage, camera sensors, display quality and software optimisation.

Data sources: NanoReview — MediaTek Helio G85 · NanoReview — MediaTek Helio G91 · NanoReview — MediaTek Helio G81

Specifications and benchmark data checked on November 2, 2026.