Look at any smartphone specifications and you’ll see the uttermost significance of processors. Afterall, the seamless functioning of your smartphone depends on the type of processor used. In the market, two powerful processors in a heated battle is none other than Qualcomm vs Mediatek.
So, in this write-up we will dive into a detailed comparison of Qualcomm vs Mediatek to determine which is the better mobile processor brand!
Qualcomm vs Mediatek: Profile Comparison
First of all, let’s compare the profiles of both the companies-
Particulars | Qualcomm | MediaTek |
Operating Industry | Telecoms Equipments, Semiconductors | Semiconductors, GPUs, Graphics Cards, Consumer Electronics, Computer Hardware |
Founded | July 1985 | May 1997 |
Headquarters | San Diego, California, US | Hsinchu, Taiwan |
Key People | Cristiano Amon (CEO) Mark D. McLaughlin (Chairman) | Central processing units, Graphics processing units, Chipsets, Microprocessors, Systems-on-chip (SoCs), Motherboard chipsets, Network interface controllers, Digital signal processors, Digital light processors, Integrated circuits, Embedded processors, Drivers |
Products | CDMA/WCDMA chipsets, Snapdragon, BREW, OmniTRACS, MediaFLO, QChat, mirasol displays, uiOne, Gobi, Qizx, CPU | Central processing units, Graphics processing units, Chipsets, Microprocessors, Systems-on-chip (SoCs), Motherboard chipsets, Network interface controllers, Digital signal processors, Digital light processors, Integrated circuits, Embedded processors, Drivers |
Subsidiaries | Airgo Networks, CSR plc, Ikanos Communications, Nuvia, Qualcomm Atheros, SiRF | Airoha Technology Corp., EcoNet Wireless, ILI Technology Corp., MStar Semiconductor, Nephos Inc., Ralink Technology, Corp., Richtek Technology |
Note: These processors are used in numerous smartphones. We have already covered a detailed comparison analysis of various smartphone brands such as-
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- iPhone vs OnePlus: Who Is Leading The Premium Phone Market?
- Oppo vs Samsung: Which Is Better & Selling More Phones?
- Oppo vs Vivo: Which is better & why? Full comparison
- Redmi vs Realme: Which one is better & why?
You can go through these articles for detailed information.
Qualcomm Processor
Qualcomm is a leading name in the world of mobile processors, and you know, their Snapdragon series is simply amazing. These processors power many of the smartphones, tablets, and other devices you love, offering a perfect blend of performance and efficiency. Guess what?
Snapdragon chips are built using ARM architecture, with the latest models featuring advanced ARM Cortex-X1, Cortex-A78, and Cortex-A55 cores. This means you get impressive speed and multitasking capabilities right at your fingertips.
When it comes to graphics and gaming, Snapdragon processors don’t disappoint. Thanks to the integrated Adreno GPUs, you can enjoy smooth visuals and an immersive gaming experience. Qualcomm has also been a pioneer in 5G technology. Their Snapdragon processors come with X55 and X60 modems, enabling blazing-fast data speeds and low latency. Imagine streaming, downloading, and browsing at lightning speed!
And here’s something that you would’ve never imagined before- Snapdragon processors have robust AI capabilities! Yes…With Hexagon DSPs integrated into the chips, tasks like camera performance, voice recognition, and more are enhanced, making your devices smarter and more responsive. Built on cutting-edge 5nm or 6nm manufacturing processes, these chips balance power and battery life exceptionally well.
OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) can even customize Snapdragon chips to fit their specific needs, providing flexibility and innovation. Notable models like the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 power laptops, while the Snapdragon 888 is a favorite in flagship smartphones. So, next time you use your device, remember the powerhouse inside it might just be a Qualcomm Snapdragon, working hard to keep everything running smoothly.
MediaTek Processor
MediaTek is a prominent player in the semiconductor world, designing and manufacturing system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for various devices, especially smartphones. You know, their Dimensity series is making waves in the 5G smartphone market with its impressive technology and features.
Let’s start with the Dimensity Flagship 5G family.
Guess what?
These chips are designed using TSMC’s N4 (4nm-class) technology, which means they’re super efficient and powerful. They come with cutting-edge features like 5G connectivity, gaming enhancements, professional-grade imaging, and advanced AI. Some top examples include the Dimensity 9300+, Dimensity 9200+, and Dimensity 9000+. These processors are at the heart of many high-end smartphones, delivering top-notch performance.
Next, the Dimensity Premium 5G family is also impressive. Built using both TSMC N4 and N5 process nodes, these chips incorporate technologies like Imagiq, HyperEngine, and APU for an enhanced user experience. They also feature a technology-leading Release-16 5G modem. Examples in this family include the Dimensity 8300, Dimensity 8250, and Dimensity 8200, which bring advanced capabilities to premium smartphones.
Then there’s the Dimensity 7000 family, optimized for gaming, cameras, and HDR multimedia. These integrated 5G chips offer impressive power efficiency, making them ideal for users who demand high performance without draining their battery. Notable models in this series include the Dimensity 7200, Dimensity 7050, and Dimensity 7030.
One of the coolest things about MediaTek’s processors is their essential technologies. They have fully integrated 5G modems that ensure optimal performance and efficiency. MediaTek’s HyperEngine technology, for example, significantly enhances gaming performance, making your mobile gaming experience smoother and more immersive. Plus, their continual innovation in 5G capabilities keeps them at the forefront of mobile technology.
So, if you’re looking for a powerful and efficient processor for your next smartphone, the MediaTek Dimensity series is definitely worth considering. With a range of options tailored to different needs, MediaTek processors deliver excellent performance across the board.
Features Comparison: Qualcomm vs MediaTek
Now, the confusion arises- Whose processor is better in Qualcomm vs MediaTek? Let’s compare the Snapdragon vs MediaTek processors on different aspects-
Features | Snapdragon | MediaTek |
Architecture | Custom ARM cores (Kryo) | Standard ARM cores (Cortex-A) and some custom cores (Dimensity series) |
Ultra Level Flagship | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | Dimensity 9000 |
Flagship Series | Snapdragon 870 series | Dimensity 8100 series |
Midrange Series | Snapdragon 778G | Helio G series, Dimensity 800 series, Dimensity 1200, 1300 |
Entry Level Series | Snapdragon 4 series, Snapdragon 695, 4 Gen 1 | Helio P series, Helio A series |
Process Technology | 4nm, 5nm, 7nm (flagship models) | 4nm, 5nm, 6nm, 7nm (Dimensity) |
CPU Performance | Strong single-core and multi-core performance | Strong multi-core performance, competitive single-core performance (recent models) |
GPU | Adreno series | Mali series, custom GPUs (Dimensity 9000) |
AI Capabilities | Hexagon AI processors, strong AI performance | APU (AI Processing Unit), competitive AI performance |
5G Support | Integrated 5G in flagship and mid-range chips | Integrated 5G in Dimensity series |
Battery Efficiency | Generally good, with advanced power management | Good, with a focus on power efficiency in the Dimensity series |
Heat Management | Effective heat dissipation with thermal management | Effective, with newer chips focusing on better thermal performance |
Camera Support | Up to 200MP+, advanced ISP (Image Signal Processor) and nightography | 108-megapixel sensor or two 20-megapixel sensors at 30fps. |
Market Penetration | Widely used in premium and flagship smartphones | Strong presence in budget and mid-range markets, growing in premium segments |
Price Range | Generally higher | Competitive pricing, generally more affordable |
Some other features like target devices, custom features, software support, connectivity, etc. depend upon different versions of these processors. If you need a detailed comparison of these specific features too then please comment down below!
Qualcomm vs Mediatek: Business Comparison
Now, let’s see how both the companies are performing financially-
Financial Aspects | Qualcomm | MediaTek |
Market Capitalization | $216.74 billion | NT$ 1.90 trillion |
Revenue Earned (2023) | $35.82 billion | $13.94 billion |
Expenses (2023) | $27.905 billion | NT$37,881 million |
Net Profit (2023) | $7.764 billion | NT$207,367 million |
Operating Income | $7.788 billion (2023) | NT$108.04 billion (2021) |
Net Income | $7.232 billion (2023) | NT$111.87 billion (2021) |
Total Assets | $51.04 billion (2023) | NT$660.88 billion (2021) |
Total Equity | $21.58 billion (2023) | NT$433.65 billion (2021) |
From the table, we can see the financial differences between Qualcomm and MediaTek. Qualcomm, based in the U.S., has a huge market capitalization of $216.74 billion, while MediaTek, based in Taiwan, is valued at NT$1.90 trillion. Qualcomm earned significantly more revenue in 2023, bringing in $35.82 billion compared to MediaTek’s $13.94 billion.
When we look at expenses, Qualcomm spent $27.905 billion in 2023, whereas MediaTek’s expenses were NT$37,881 million. Despite the higher expenses, Qualcomm’s net profit for 2023 was $7.764 billion, indicating they manage their costs efficiently. MediaTek’s net profit, although stated in NT dollars, was NT$207,367 million, showcasing strong profitability as well.
Operating income and net income also tell a story of robust performance. Qualcomm had an operating income of $7.788 billion and a net income of $7.232 billion in 2023. For MediaTek, the figures from 2021 show NT$108.04 billion in operating income and NT$111.87 billion in net income, reflecting solid financial health.
In terms of assets and equity, Qualcomm holds $51.04 billion in total assets and $21.58 billion in total equity. MediaTek’s figures from 2021 show NT$660.88 billion in assets and NT$433.65 billion in equity, indicating substantial company value.
Overall, both companies are financially strong, but Qualcomm leads in revenue and market capitalization, while MediaTek shows impressive profitability and asset management!
Final Words: Which is the better mobile processor brand?
Choosing between Qualcomm and MediaTek depends on what you need in a mobile processor. If you want top-tier performance, especially for gaming and high-end features, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon is a great choice with its powerful Adreno GPU and advanced 5G capabilities.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a balanced, cost-effective option with strong performance and excellent efficiency, MediaTek’s Dimensity series is fantastic. It offers great AI capabilities and integrated 5G modems.
So, whether you prioritize cutting-edge performance or value and efficiency, both brands have something exceptional to offer you!