MediaTek Helio P60: A Practical Mid-Range SoC for Modern Smartphones

The MediaTek Helio P60 arrived in 2018 as a refresh of the mid-range lineup, aiming to deliver a balance between everyday performance, efficient power usage, and AI-enabled features. Built on a 12nm process, the Helio P60 combines a practical CPU configuration with a capable GPU and a dedicated AI processing unit. This combination allowed many OEMs to equip devices with strong camera routines, reliable everyday speed, and newer AI-assisted features at a competitive price point.

What is the Helio P60?

The Helio P60 is an octa‑core system-on-chip designed for mainstream smartphones. It packs four high-performance cores and four efficiency cores to handle tasks ranging from web browsing to gaming and photography. It integrates a Mali‑G72 MP3 GPU for graphics processing and an AI Processing Unit (APU) to accelerate on-device machine learning tasks. In practice, this means smoother camera operation, faster object recognition, and more responsive apps without always importing cloud-based AI.

Key Architecture and Features

• CPU: Octa‑core configuration with a mix of high‑efficiency cores and performance cores, designed to deliver solid everyday speed while conserving battery life.
• GPU: Mali‑G72 MP3, optimized for mid‑range gaming and graphical tasks typical of 1080p mobile experiences.
• AI Capabilities: On‑device AI Processing Unit (APU) that supports real‑time AI tasks such as camera enhancement, voice recognition, and app automation.
• Camera and ISP: ImagiQ image signal processor enables more advanced photography features, including higher dynamic range and better noise handling in challenging lighting. The platform supports substantial camera sensors for single or dual camera setups.
• Memory and Storage: Designed to work with modern memory interfaces commonly used in mid-range devices, enabling responsive multitasking and smooth media handling.
• Connectivity: 4G LTE with carrier aggregation and modern modem features for reliable mobile broadband, plus support for common multimedia formats and codecs.

AI and Camera Capabilities

One of the selling points of the Helio P60 is its focus on AI for imaging. The AI Processing Unit helps the device interpret scenes and adjust camera parameters in real time, improving exposure, color accuracy, and noise reduction in photos and videos. This can be especially noticeable in typical daylight shots or scenes with mixed lighting, where the camera needs to decide how to balance highlights and shadows quickly.

In terms of cameras, the Helio P60 supports configurations used by many mid-range phones at the time. A common setup includes a high‑resolution main sensor paired with a secondary camera for depth or telephoto. The ImagiQ ISP handles tasks like demosaicing, HDR processing, and noise suppression, contributing to crisper imagery and more forgiving photos in lower light. For video, users can often record steadily at standard resolutions, with hardware support that helps stabilize footage in real-world conditions.

Performance and Gaming

For everyday tasks—browsing, messaging, and streaming—the Helio P60 provides snappy responsiveness that was competitive in its class. The combination of a capable CPU, a mid‑range GPU, and AI acceleration helps with app launch times and smooth scrolling. In gaming, casual titles run comfortably, and more demanding games benefit from the GPU’s optimization, though long sessions on high settings can still be battery-intensive. The aim of the Helio P60 is to deliver a balanced experience rather than top-tier raw power, which aligns with how most mid-range devices are used by real users.

Connectivity and Multimedia

As a mid-range SoC, the Helio P60 supports modern multimedia codecs and standards that smartphone buyers expect, including smooth playback of high‑definition video and efficient compression. LTE connectivity is designed to be reliable with carrier aggregation and multiple antennas where available, ensuring stable downloads and streaming in typical urban environments. For audio and display, devices built around the Helio P60 can offer vibrant screens and clear sound, making the chipset a practical choice for everyday media consumption.

Real-World Adoption and Use Cases

In the field, devices powered by the MediaTek Helio P60 found homes in a wide range of mid-range smartphones—phones aimed at delivering a balanced experience without premium pricing. The emphasis on AI-assisted photography, solid everyday performance, and efficient power use made it a popular option for users who wanted dependable performance, decent camera quality, and long battery life. In markets where price-to-performance is key, the Helio P60-equipped phones could compete with other mid-tier models on features rather than raw benchmark numbers.

How Helio P60 Stands Against Competitors

When comparing the Helio P60 to contemporary mid-range offerings, buyers often note a few strengths and trade-offs. The AI processing capabilities and ImagiQ image processing differentiate Helio P60 devices by offering smarter camera behavior without requiring top-tier hardware. In gaming or heavy multitasking, the performance is solid but not class-leading, which is typical for a chip aimed at the value segment. In terms of efficiency, the 12nm process provides a good balance between thermal performance and battery life, making common all-day use feasible without frequent charging.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Balanced performance for everyday tasks and smooth app experiences
  • Strong AI photography features with on-device processing
  • Capable camera ISP for mid-range devices
  • Competitive power efficiency for robust battery life
• Cons:
  • Not designed for flagship gaming or extreme multitasking
  • Some devices may rely on software optimizations that vary by OEM
  • Compared to newer generations, lacks the latest AI accelerators and connectivity features

Conclusion

The MediaTek Helio P60 represents a thoughtful approach to mid-range smartphones in its era. By combining a 12nm CPU setup, a capable Mali GPU, and an on-board AI processing unit, the Helio P60 could deliver reliable performance, improved photography, and efficient power usage without the premium price tag. For users shopping in the mid-market segment, devices powered by the Helio P60 offered a practical blend of speed, camera versatility, and endurance that matched the expectations of everyday mobile life. While newer chips have since surpassed it in sheer throughput and feature breadth, the Helio P60 remains a solid reference point for what a capable mid-range SoC can achieve when harmony between components is prioritized.