Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 vs MediaTek Dimensity 6020: Which One is the Best Choice for Affordable 5G Android Devices

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the competition among chipset manufacturers is fierce. Qualcomm and MediaTek, two industry leaders, have once again brought forward their latest affordable 5G chipsets for Android devices: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and the MediaTek Dimensity 6020. These powerful processors aim to provide seamless 5G experiences to budget-conscious consumers. In this comprehensive comparison article, we will delve into the technical details, performance metrics, and features of these two chipsets to help you understand their strengths and differences.

Highlights

• Compare the latest affordable 5G chipsets from Qualcomm and MediaTek
• Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 has better CPU, GPU, camera, and video performance than Dimensity 6020
• Dimensity 6020 has higher memory capacity and 5G speeds than Snapdragon 4 Gen 1
• Both chipsets are based on 7nm process and support UFS 2.2 storage and Wi-Fi 5
• Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is the winner of this comparison with more advantages than Dimensity 6020

Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 vs MediaTek Dimensity 6020 Full Specs

Specification	Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1	MediaTek Dimensity 6020
CPU	Octa-core	Octa-core
CPU Architecture	2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.0 GHz, 6x Cortex-A55 @ 1.8 GHz	2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2 GHz, 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz
Process Technology	7nm	7nm
Single-core Performance	Slightly higher (due to Cortex-A78)	-
Multi-core Performance	-	Slightly higher (due to higher clock speed)
GPU	Adreno 619	Mali-G57 MC2
GPU Clock Speed	825 MHz	950 MHz
Execution Units	2	2
Shading Units	128	32
Graphics Performance	Higher (due to more shading units and optimized drivers)	-
Memory Type	LPDDR4X	LPDDR4X
Maximum Memory	8 GB	16 GB
Memory Frequency	2133 MHz	2133 MHz
Memory Interface	Dual-channel	Dual-channel
Maximum Bandwidth	17 Gbit/s	17 Gbit/s
Storage Type	UFS 2.1, UFS 2.2	UFS 2.2
Camera ISP (Image Signal Processor)	Spectra 355	Imagiq 5
Maximum Camera Resolution	108 MP (single) or 16 MP (dual)	64 MP (single) or 16 MP (dual)
Camera Features	Zero shutter lag, hybrid autofocus, HDR video recording, multi-frame noise reduction, hardware-accelerated face detection	AI-enhanced features like bokeh effect, night shot mode, scene detection, face beautification, HDR video recording
Video Capture	Up to 1080p @ 60 FPS, Up to 720p @ 240 FPS	Up to 1080p @ 30 FPS, Up to 720p @ 120 FPS
Video Encoding Formats	HEVC, H.264	HEVC, H.264
Video Playback	Up to 1080p @ 60 FPS	Up to 1080p @ 30 FPS
Video Decoding Formats	HEVC, H.264, VP9	HEVC, H.264, VP9
5G Modem	Snapdragon X51	MediaTek M70
5G Bands	Sub-6 GHz	Sub-6 GHz
5G Download Speed	Up to 2.5 Gbps	Up to 2.77 Gbps
5G Upload Speed	Up to 900 Mbps	Up to 1.25 Gbps
LTE Category	Cat. 18	Cat. 18
LTE Download Speed	Up to 1.2 Gbps	Up to 1.2 Gbps
LTE Upload Speed	Up to 210 Mbps	Up to 150 Mbps
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)	Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.1
Navigation	GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, NAVIC	GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, NAVIC

CPU Performance

The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart of any chipset, responsible for executing tasks and computations. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is equipped with an octa-core CPU, comprising two high-performance Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2 GHz and six energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. On the other hand, the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 also boasts an octa-core CPU, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2 GHz. Both chipsets are fabricated using a power-efficient 7nm process technology, ensuring optimized performance and energy consumption.

Thanks to its more recent Cortex-A78 architecture, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 outperforms the Dimensity 6020 in single-core performance. However, the Dimensity 6020 excels in multi-core performance due to its higher clock speed. According to AnTuTu v9 benchmarks, the Dimensity 6020 scores around 373,608 points, while the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 scores around 351,037 points.

GPU Capabilities

Graphics performance is crucial for gaming and multimedia experiences. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 features an Adreno 619 GPU operating at 825 MHz, with two execution units and 128 shading units. In comparison, the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 boasts a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU operating at 950 MHz, with two execution units and 32 shading units. Both GPUs support advanced graphics APIs like Vulkan 1.1, OpenCL 2.0, and DirectX 12.

The Adreno 619 GPU in the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 delivers superior graphics performance compared to the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU in the Dimensity 6020, thanks to Qualcomm's optimized drivers and higher shading units. In AnTuTu v9 benchmarks, the Adreno 619 GPU scores around 90,246 points, while the Mali-G57 MC2 GPU scores around 84,775 points.

Memory Management

Efficient memory handling is essential for multitasking and smooth app performance. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports LPDDR4X memory with a maximum frequency of 2133 MHz and a maximum capacity of 8 GB. Similarly, the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 also supports LPDDR4X memory with a maximum frequency of 2133 MHz but can accommodate up to 16 GB of RAM. Both chipsets feature a dual-channel memory interface with a maximum bandwidth of 17 Gbit/s.

The Dimensity 6020 gains an edge over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in terms of memory capacity, as it can support twice as much RAM. This advantage can result in improved multitasking capabilities and faster app loading times for devices equipped with more than 8 GB of RAM.

Storage Solutions

Storage type and performance impact the overall responsiveness of a smartphone. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 supports UFS 2.1 and UFS 2.2 storage types, offering rapid read and write speeds for internal storage. The MediaTek Dimensity 6020 also supports UFS 2.2 storage type, which shares similarities with UFS 2.1 but with enhanced power efficiency.

Both chipsets exhibit comparable storage performance, as they support similar storage types with similar specifications. Users can expect smooth and responsive file handling and application launching on devices equipped with either chipset.

Camera Capabilities

The camera has become a central aspect of modern smartphones, and chipset ISPs (Image Signal Processors) play a crucial role in delivering outstanding photography experiences. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 features a Spectra 355 ISP, capable of supporting a single 108 MP camera or two 16 MP cameras. It provides features like zero shutter lag, hybrid autofocus, HDR video recording, multi-frame noise reduction, and hardware-accelerated face detection. In contrast, the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 is equipped with an Imagiq 5 ISP, supporting a single 64 MP camera or two 16 MP cameras, with AI-enhanced capabilities such as bokeh effect, night shot mode, scene detection, face beautification, and HDR video recording.

While both chipsets offer decent camera capabilities, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 has an advantage over the Dimensity 6020 in terms of camera resolution. It can support higher megapixel sensors, allowing for more detailed and higher-resolution images.

Video Performance

Seamless video capture and playback are essential features for modern smartphones. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 can capture up to 1080p video at 60 FPS or up to 720p video at 240 FPS with HEVC and H.264 encoding formats. It can also playback up to 1080p video at 60 FPS with HEVC, H.264, and VP9 decoding formats. On the other hand, the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 can capture up to 1080p video at 30 FPS or up to 720p video at 120 FPS with HEVC and H.264 encoding formats. It can also playback up to 1080p video at 30 FPS with HEVC, H.264, and VP9 decoding formats.

The Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 showcases superior video performance compared to the Dimensity 6020, supporting higher frame rates for both video capture and playback. This advantage ensures smoother and more immersive video experiences for users.

Connectivity Options

In the era of 5G, fast and reliable connectivity is a key selling point for smartphones. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is equipped with a Snapdragon X51 5G modem, supporting sub-6 GHz 5G bands with download speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 900 Mbps. It also supports LTE Cat. 18 with download speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 210 Mbps. Additionally, it features Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, and NAVIC.

On the other hand, the MediaTek Dimensity 6020 comes with a MediaTek M70 5G modem, supporting sub-6 GHz 5G bands with download speeds of up to 2.77 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 1.25 Gbps. It also supports LTE Cat. 18 with download speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Moreover, it features Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS, and NAVIC.

Both chipsets offer similar connectivity features, with the Dimensity 6020 holding a slight advantage over the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 in terms of 5G download and upload speeds.

Winner Statement

After a detailed analysis of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 and the MediaTek Dimensity 6020, it is evident that both chipsets are formidable contenders, delivering commendable performance and features for affordable 5G Android devices. However, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 emerges as the winner in this comparison due to its superior CPU single-core performance, GPU capabilities, camera resolution support, and video frame rate support.

If you are on the lookout for an affordable 5G smartphone with powerful performance and impressive camera capabilities, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 is the chipset that promises to elevate your mobile experience.

In conclusion, the Snapdragon 4 Gen 1's prowess and feature-rich offering are bound to leave a lasting impression in the competitive landscape of Android devices, and it is undoubtedly a worthy choice for those seeking an exceptional 5G smartphone experience.