Careful with these 5 entry-level processors to avoid ruining your gaming expectations.
Gaming on a shoestring? It’s a reality but you don’t have to waste that limited budget of yours on these 5 entry-level processors. While choices are so restricted in this category, it’s still worth knowing what you’d be getting from these chipsets.
1. MediaTek Helio G36
As an entry-level processor, the MediaTek Helio G36 can handle casual operations with its 2.2 GHz clock speed. But high-graphics gaming? That’s a tall order considering the GPU’s max speed of 680 MHz.
Reasons why you need to twink twice
- Average AnTuTu score: 136,643
- Number of cores: 8 cores
- Max frequency: 2.2 GHz
- GPU frequency: 680 MHz
- Max refresh rate: 90 Hz
- Max memory: 8 GB
- Mobile connectivity: 4G-LTE
The Redmi A3 is powered by this chipset and it comes with a large IPS LCD panel and max memory of 4+128GB.
2. Unisoc SC9863A
This Unisoc chipset isn’t really designed for most games of today, not even MOBA or FPS if you account for its specs. But it’s enough for casual use and basic entertainment, including music playback.
Reasons why you need to twink twice
- Average AnTuTu score: 119,450
- Number of cores: 8 cores
- Max frequency: 1.6 GHz
- GPU frequency: 550 MHz
- Max memory: 4 GB
- Mobile connectivity: 4G-LTE
That said, it’s likely why the nubia Music is equipped with this chipset. It’s a handset with 4GB RAM, 128GB ROM, and a giant speaker at the back.
3. HiSilicon Kirin 710A
If you prefer HUAWEI smartphones, you may see the Kirin 710A chipset. It has a decent configuration with 2.0 GHz max clock speed and 1,000 MHz graphics frequency. But you’re unlikely to up the graphics to medium or higher at 90FPS, even on action games, without stutters.
Reasons why you need to twink twice
- Average AnTuTu score: 238,420
- Number of cores: 8 cores
- Max frequency: 2.0 GHz
- GPU frequency: 1000 MHz
- Max refresh rate: 90 Hz
- Max memory: 8 GB
- Mobile connectivity: 4G-LTE
The HUAWEI nova Y72 features this chipset and although an entry-level device, it has a big screen of 6.75 inches, 256GB ROM, 6000mAh battery, and 22.5W fast charging.
4. Unisoc T603
Perhaps for not-so heavy on graphics, the Unisoc T603 may do some light gaming. It has a decent CPU clock speed but has weak graphics. Casual use, like browsing and streaming, should be no issue with this chipset.
Reasons why you need to twink twice
- Average AnTuTu score: 215,040
- Number of cores: 8 cores
- Max frequency: 1.8 GHz
- GPU frequency: 650 MHz
- Max refresh rate: 90 Hz
- Max memory: 8 GB
- Mobile connectivity: 4G-LTE
The itel A70 features this processor and pairs it with up to 4GB RAM and up to 256GB ROM.
5. Unisoc T606
The Unisoc T606 has the highest AnTuTu score in this list, yet it won’t be palpable in gaming due to its 650MHz GPU frequency. The CPU clock speed only caps at 1.6GHz, problematic for games that hog a lot of resources.
Reasons why you need to twink twice
- Average AnTuTu score: 245,108
- Number of cores: 8 cores
- Max frequency: 1.6 GHz
- GPU frequency: 650 MHz
- Max refresh rate: 90 Hz
- Max memory: 8 GB
- Mobile connectivity: 4G-LTE
The ZTE Blade V50 Vita is powered by this chipset, along with 4GB RAM, 256GB ROM, a 6.75-inch display, and a 6,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging.