If you’re comparing budget Android tablets or phones, you’ll often see two chips on the spec sheet: the MediaTek MT8788 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680. They look similar on paper (both eight cores, both 4G), but they’re from different generations.
Here’s a clear, side-by-side comparison using the manufacturers’ official specs and independent benchmarks, plus my advice on which to choose.
Quick answer
The Snapdragon 680 is the better chip overall. It’s built on a much newer 6nm process, so it’s more power-efficient, and in Notebookcheck’s benchmark comparison it scored about 31% higher on average than the MT8788. The MT8788’s main advantage is that it’s often found in cheaper tablets.
Specs side by side
| MediaTek MT8788 | Snapdragon 680 | |
|---|---|---|
| Process | 12nm | 6nm |
| CPU | 8 cores: 4× Cortex-A73 + 4× Cortex-A53, up to 2.0 GHz | 8 cores: Kryo 265, up to 2.4 GHz |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 610 |
| Display support | Up to 1920×1200 at 60 Hz | Up to 2520×1080 at 90 Hz |
| Camera | Up to 32MP | Up to 64MP, triple camera ISP |
| Modem | 4G LTE Cat-7 | 4G LTE (X11), up to 390 Mbps download |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 | Wi-Fi 5 (Wi-Fi 6-ready), Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Fast charging | Depends on device | Quick Charge 3 |
| Launched | 2018 (based on the Helio P60 design) | Late 2021 |
| Typical devices | Budget Android tablets, retail and industrial screens | Budget phones (e.g. Redmi Note 11) and tablets |
Neither chip supports 5G.
Performance
CPU. Both chips use a similar “big + little” core layout. The Snapdragon 680 runs its performance cores faster (2.4 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), so apps open a little quicker and multitasking feels smoother.
Graphics and gaming. Both GPUs are entry-level. Casual games run fine on either, but demanding 3D games will need lower settings. The Snapdragon 680 also supports 90 Hz screens, which makes scrolling look smoother.
Benchmarks. Notebookcheck’s head-to-head comparison puts the Snapdragon 680 at 131% versus the MT8788’s 100% across 13 benchmarks. One thing worth knowing: some reviewers found the Snapdragon 680 slightly slower than its predecessor, the Snapdragon 678, in single-core tests. It’s a solid budget chip, not a fast one.
Battery life and heat
This is where the process node matters most. A 6nm chip uses less power for the same work than a 12nm chip, so devices with the Snapdragon 680 generally run cooler and get better battery life. In real devices, battery size and screen brightness also make a big difference, so check full device reviews too.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Snapdragon 680 if you want better battery life, a 90 Hz screen, better cameras or a bit more speed for everyday apps and light gaming.
- Choose the MT8788 if you just need a low-cost tablet for video, reading, browsing or kids’ apps, and the price difference is significant.
My advice: in 2026, both are entry-level chips. If your budget can stretch a little, look at newer chips (for example the Snapdragon 685 or MediaTek Helio G99) for a noticeable jump in speed.
Tips to get the most from a budget Android device
- Keep it updated and secure. My guide on securing your Android smartphone covers the basics.
- Free up storage. Budget devices slow down when storage is nearly full.
- Choose lightweight apps. Some of the best Android photography apps work well even on modest hardware.
- Travelling? Neither chip has 5G, so check your 4G options and read my guide to data roaming before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MT8788 the same as the Helio P60? They share the same core design (4× A73 + 4× A53 and a Mali-G72 MP3 GPU). The MT8788 version is aimed at tablets and other devices.
Is the Snapdragon 680 good for gaming? It’s fine for casual games. For demanding 3D games at high settings, you’ll want a more powerful chip.
Does the Snapdragon 680 support 5G? No. It’s a 4G LTE chip.
Which uses less battery, MT8788 or Snapdragon 680? The Snapdragon 680, mainly because of its newer 6nm process.
Sources
- MediaTek: MT8788 official specifications
- Qualcomm: Snapdragon 680 4G product brief (PDF)
- Notebookcheck: Helio MT8788 vs Snapdragon 680 benchmark comparison
- Notebookcheck: Snapdragon 680 Geekbench scores vs Snapdragon 678