Let’s be honest: unlike midrange phones, budget phones suck because you have limited processor options. Other than the occassional entry-level chips from Unisoc and Qualcomm, brands would often use the Helio G99 and Helio G100, both of which are related and are old processors by design.

Let’s go with a little history: while the Helio G99 uses a 6nm process, it’s actually based on the Helio G96 that came out in 2021, with the main difference being its use of an older 12nm process and lower-clocked CPU cores. If we go way back, the original design of the Helio G99 is the Helio G90 that came out in 2019, making it a 6-year-old chip.

With MediaTek still using the same design for its entry-level chips for the past 6 years, I think that they should retire the Helio G100, not push through with the Helio G200, and just come up with an all-new chip. The reason is simple: with phones getting new features every year–especially with AI features–the Helio G100 is showing its age and limitations no matter how many times MediaTek markets it as a “new” chip.

There’s very little you can improve on a 6-year-old chip design. Aside from having the same CPU layout–two Cortex-A76 and six Cortex-A55 with incremental upgrades to the clock speed of the prime cores–processors from the Helio G90 to the Helio G100 (and the upcoming Helio G200) also use the same Mali-G57 GPU as well. That’s the exact reason why the Helio G100 does not feel new: even with its incremental updates that include support for higher refresh rates, higher resolution cameras, and faster charging speeds, the core architecture limits the processor’s capabilities.

Think of it as a car that has several “performance” upgrades while keeping the engine stock: even if you made it lighter by using aluminum or carbon fiber panels, or added countless number of spoilers and splitters for better aerodynamics, you’re limited by your engine’s performance UNLESS you decide to change the engine. The same goes for processors–unless MediaTek comes up with a new, clean sheet design for its entry-level processors, budget phones will be constrained from getting new features down the line because of its processing limitations.

While we are all shifting towards 5G-ready processors, there’s still a market for 4G processors–and chip manufacturers like MediaTek and Qualcomm should seize the opportunity to design all-new entry level chips from the ground up to power future budget phones. ARM already has new CPU cores, and maybe chip manufacturers can move on from using aging Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores. If you ask me, maybe chipmakers can use Cortex-A78 cores and a new GPU (I’m tired of the same Mali-G57 that’s used even on MediaTek’s entry-level 5G chips like the Dimensity 6300). It doesn’t need to have 5G: what matters more is that it’s an all-new design that can adapt to the new AI features that are coming out.

Budget phones are getting better these days, but we appreciate if we get better processor options–after all, the chipset is one of the most important components on a phone. But if MediaTek insists on using the ancient Helio G100, they should price it fairly–one of the best examples of decent pricing include the TECNO POVA 7.