MediaTek just gave 4G phones another reason to stay in the game with the launch of the Helio G200. While the name sounds like a major leap, the new chip is more of a fine-tuned upgrade over its predecessor, the Helio G100. Specification wise, nothing depicts the distance between 100 to 200.
So first things first: no, this isn’t a brand-new architecture. The G200 sticks with the same 6nm process as the G99 and G100. You’re still getting 2x Cortex-A76 cores at 2.2GHz and 6x Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz. As for the Mali-G57 MC2, it now runs at 1.1GHz, slightly faster than the 1.0GHz clock on the previous chips.
On the camera side, the G200 carries forward the 200MP sensor support from the G100 but adds 12-bit Dual Conversion Gain (DCG) for improved HDR video capture. That means brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and smoother transitions for those who love taking videos on ther phone.
But perhaps the most interesting feature is something called 4G DC SAR (Dynamic Communication Smart Adaptive Response). In plain terms, this is MediaTek’s way of saying “we’ll help your apps run better when your signal sucks.” It aims to cut latency by 30% and extend reception range, which could improve the experience for users in rural areas or crowded urban sections.
Here’s how it stacks up against the older Helio G-series chips:
| Feature | Helio G99 | Helio G100 | Helio G200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 6nm | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU (Big) | 2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2GHz | 2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2GHz | 2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2GHz |
| CPU (Small) | 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz | 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz | 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 @ 1.0GHz | Mali-G57 MC2 @ 1.0GHz | Mali-G57 MC2 @ 1.1GHz |
| RAM | LPDDR4X @ 4,266Mbps | LPDDR4X @ 4,266Mbps | LPDDR4X @ 4,266Mbps |
| Storage | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Camera Support | up to 108MP | up to 200MP | up to 200MP + 12-bit DCG HDR |
| LTE | Cat. 13 | Cat. 13 | Cat. 13 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
So yes, 4G isn’t going anywhere just yet; especially in markets like Nigeria, where 5G penetration is still significantly low. The Helio G200 keeps things moving forward just enough to make a difference in budget and mid-range smartphones, without jacking up the cost.
The first device to showcase the new chip will be the Spark 40 Pro+ from Tecno, coming this July. More details about Tecno’s full Spark 40 lineup; including design, performance, and AI features; will be revealed soon. The devices should be available in Nigeria shortly after it July launch.
