Snapdragon vs MediaTek: Ultimate Processor Comparison for Gaming in Kenya’s Heat (2025)
Kenya’s mobile gaming boom—fueled by PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile, Genshin Impact, and MLBB—demands processors that deliver high FPS, stable graphics, and rock-solid heat management. With average temperatures hitting 25-35°C in Nairobi, Mombasa, and rural hotspots (plus humidity and power outages), thermal throttling can tank your session. Snapdragon (Qualcomm) and MediaTek (Dimensity/Helio) dominate affordable Kenyan phones under KSh 50,000, like Infinix GT series (MediaTek) and Poco X/Samsung A (Snapdragon).
This 2025 comparison dives into benchmarks, real-world tests, and Kenyan user insights. Snapdragon edges sustained gaming; MediaTek offers peak power at lower prices. Data from GSMArena, NanoReview, YouTube stress tests, and X feedback.
Core Differences: Architecture & Efficiency
| Aspect | Snapdragon (e.g., 8 Elite Gen 5, 7+ Gen 3) | MediaTek Dimensity (e.g., 9500, 8300) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Node | TSMC 3nm (mature, efficient) | TSMC 3nm/4nm (newer but hotter peaks) | Snapdragon – Better sustained efficiency |
| CPU | Oryon/custom cores; strong single-core (e.g., 3834 Geekbench) | All-big-core (A715/A720); multi-core beast (e.g., Dimensity 8300: 3.35GHz prime) | MediaTek multi; Snapdragon single |
| GPU | Adreno (optimized drivers, ray-tracing) | Mali/Immortalis (improved but less game support) | Snapdragon – Gaming king |
| AnTuTu (Mid/Flag) | 7+ Gen 3: ~1.4M; 8 Elite: 3.8M | 8300: 1.4M+; 9500: 3.3M | Tie – Dimensity peaks higher |
| Price in Kenya | Phones: KSh 30k-80k (Poco X7 Pro) | Phones: KSh 20k-50k (Infinix GT 20 Pro) | MediaTek – Better value |
Snapdragon’s ecosystem (better dev tools, emulation) shines long-term; MediaTek closes gaps yearly.
Raw Gaming Power: FPS & Graphics Stability
Both crush mid-range gaming (90-120 FPS PUBG), but differences emerge:
- Peak FPS: Dimensity 8300/9500 often leads benchmarks (e.g., Genshin 60FPS max stable initially vs Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3’s minor dips). Flagship: Dimensity 9500 matches Snapdragon 8 Elite in short bursts (PUBG 120FPS).
- Stability: Snapdragon’s Adreno sustains 110-120FPS longer (e.g., CODM Very High: 115 avg vs Dimensity dips post-10min). Mali GPUs stutter in emulation-heavy titles.
Real-World Tests (30min Sessions):
| Game/Test | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (Poco X7 Pro) | Dimensity 8300 (Redmi Note 14 Pro) | Snapdragon 8 Elite (S25 Ultra) | Dimensity 9500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PUBG HDR/120FPS | 110 avg (stable) | 115 peak → 95 (throttle) | 118/120 | 119 peak → 105 |
| Genshin High/60FPS | 59 avg (no drops) | 58 → 50 | 59 | 58 stable initially |
| 3DMark Stability | 85-90% | 75-82% | 90% | 82% |
Snapdragon wins consistency; MediaTek for quick matches.
Heat Management: Kenya’s Warm Climate Killer
Kenya’s 30°C+ ambient temps amplify throttling—phones hit 45-50°C fast, dropping FPS 20-30%.
- Snapdragon: Superior (e.g., 8 Elite: 40-42°C in tests; vapor chambers in Samsung/Poco sustain). Less aggressive throttling; Adreno efficient.
- MediaTek: Hotter peaks (Dimensity 9500: 90s°F/32°C+ faster; 8300 throttles to 79% in 15min). Improving (e.g., 9400 low temps), but Mali drains more in heat.
Kenya-Specific Insights (X/Reviews):
- Infinix GT 20 Pro (Dimensity 8200): “PUBG beast but heats in Nairobi sun.”
- Poco X7 Pro (Snapdragon-like Dimensity 8400): 40°C sustained; users praise vs Tecno.
- Galaxy S25 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Elite): 42% better cooling; “seamless gaming without heat.”
In Kenya’s climate: Snapdragon = 10-20% longer playable sessions (e.g., 45min PUBG vs 30min Dimensity).
Real-World Kenyan Gaming: Popular Phones
| Phone (KSh) | Processor | PUBG (Avg FPS/Heat) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poco X7 Pro (~43k) | Dimensity 8400-Ultra | 110/42°C | Peak monster; throttles in marathons |
| Infinix GT 20 Pro (~40k) | Dimensity 8200 | 118 peak/45°C | Value FPS; heat limits squads |
| Samsung A55 (~45k) | Exynos (Snapdragon-like) | 90/41°C | Stable daily |
| Tecno Pova 6 Pro (~30k) | Dimensity 6080 | 85/40°C | Budget endurance |
X users: Snapdragon preferred for “no lag in hot weather”; MediaTek for “cheap power.”
Verdict for Kenyan Gamers
- Choose Snapdragon (Poco, Samsung): If serious esports/PUBG marathons in heat—sustained 120FPS, cooler (40-43°C), reliable in 30°C+ Kenya.
- Choose MediaTek (Infinix, Tecno, Poco Dimensity): Casual/budget gaming—higher peaks, great value under KSh 40k, but cap sessions or use fans.
- Buy Tip: Jumia/PhonePlace; test in-store heat. Pair with cases/vapor phones for Kenya sun.
Snapdragon rules sustained Kenyan gaming; MediaTek democratizes power. Your hustle decides!
AYANA CITIZEN TV 23RD DECEMBER 2025 TUESDAY PART 1 AND PART 2 FULL EPISODE COMBINED