Which Processor is Better: Helio vs Kirin vs Snapdragon vs Exynos

When it comes to choosing the best mobile chipset between Helio, Kirin, Snapdragon, and Exynos, the decision is not as straightforward as it might seem. Each processor has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice ultimately depends on the user's needs and preferences. In this article, we will delve into a detailed comparison, exploring the features, performance, and battery efficiency of these processors, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Overview of Helio and Kirin

I have personally used both Mediatek Helio and Kirin chipsets, and I must say that I lean towards Kirin for its powerful performance and exceptional battery efficiency. Kirin processors are exclusive to Huawei devices and are optimized with their own operating system, leading to better performance and power management. On the other hand, while Mediatek is powerful, its battery backup can be disappointing during heavy usage tasks.

Comparison with Huawei OS

One of the significant advantages of Kirin processors is their integration with the Huawei OS. This proprietary system ensures better optimization and reduces the likelihood of performance bottlenecks. However, this exclusivity limits the choice of devices for Kirin users, leading to a narrower range of options. In contrast, Mediatek supports a wide range of devices but often falls short in terms of battery life under heavy loads.

Higher-End Chipsets: Snapdragon and Exynos

When we move up to the higher-end segment, the landscape changes significantly. The Snapdragon 855 and Exynos processors dominate this market, with the Exynos offering a unique feature that sets it apart: 8K recording support. This capability is groundbreaking for mobile CPUs, making it a standout choice for users interested in high-quality video recording. However, the Snapdragon 855 is still a formidable competitor, offering top performance and market dominance.

Snapdragon 855 vs Kirin and Helio

The Snapdragon 855 beats all Kirin and Helio CPUs by a huge margin. This superior performance can be attributed to its advanced architecture and support for 5G networks, even though it may not match the 8K recording feature of the Exynos. Despite its strong performance, the Snapdragon has faced criticism for overheating and power consumption issues in certain scenarios.

However, it's worth noting that the Kirin processors are quite good this year due to their 7nm architecture. This technological advancement has significantly enhanced the performance and efficiency of Kirin processors, making them a strong contender in the competitive high-end market. They offer a balance between performance and power consumption, making them a viable alternative to Snapdragon and Exynos.

Segment-wise Comparison

Let's break down the comparison segment-wise to give you a clearer picture of each chipset's strengths in different price ranges.

Lower Segment

For the lower segment, the Helio P/A22 is a better choice than the SD450. The Kirin chipset is not a viable option in this budget range due to its higher cost and limited availability.

Lower Middle Segment

In the lower middle segment, the Helio P60/P70 processors are superior to the SD625/636 and SD660 series. However, the Kirin chipset is still not a suitable choice in this range, as it is not commonly found in budget-friendly devices.

Upper Middle Segment

In the upper middle segment, the SD710 and P90 processors are comparable. Personally, I would recommend the Helio P90 as it tends to be more cost-effective.

Upper Segment

In the upper segment, the SD855/45 processors stand out, providing excellent performance. While the Kirin processors in this range also perform well, they are not as dominant as the Snapdragon 855, especially when it comes to 5G support and application-specific optimizations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you choose Helio, Kirin, Snapdragon, or Exynos depends on your specific needs and budget. Helio processors offer strong performance and good battery efficiency, making them a great choice for the lower and lower-middle segments. Kirin processors, while exclusive to Huawei, provide excellent performance and power management in the upper-middle and upper segments. The Snapdragon 855 and Exynos processors are top-tier choices, with the Exynos offering a unique 8K recording capability, making them the best options in the upper segments.

Ultimately, the decision should be based on your preferences, current market trends, and specific device compatibility. With the evolving landscape of mobile chipsets, staying informed about the latest advancements and features is crucial for making the right choice.

[Image: Comparison chart of Helio, Kirin, Snapdragon, and Exynos processors]