- Octa Core architecture based on Cortex-A75 and Cortex-A55 cores with frequencies up to 2 GHz.
- Mali-G52 MC graphics that allow you to run demanding games like PUBG at medium settings.
- Advanced support for H.265 and VP9 video decoding up to Full HD 1080p resolution.
If you're looking at cheap tablets or phones, you've probably come across the UNISOC Tiger T618 . This chip has become a favorite among Chinese CPU companies for building mid-range devices that don't cost an arm and a leg but still perform well in everyday use.
Let's not kid ourselves, we're not talking about a processor to break world records, but rather a piece of hardware that balances consumption and power in a fairly decent way, being a very serious alternative to what Qualcomm or MediaTek offer in the more affordable sector.
Internal Architecture and Hardware
Getting down to brass tacks, the T618 is built on a 12-nanometer process . As for its core, it's an octa-core SoC that combines the best of both worlds: it features two ARM Cortex-A75 cores for heavy-duty tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores for handling background processes, reaching a clock speed of 2 GHz.
This processor is 64-bit and uses ARM v8-A instructions (ABI arm64-v8a), meaning you'll have no problem installing and running modern 64-bit applications. In terms of memory, it supports LPDDR3 and LPDDR4, and is usually paired with eMMC 5.1 storage, a combination that makes the system run smoothly.
Graphics Performance and Gaming
For those who want to play games, the chip integrates a dual-core Mali-G52 3EE (or Mali G52MC) GPU that runs at up to 850 MHz. This graphics card supports OpenGL ES 3.2 and Vulkan 1.0, allowing the device to run demanding games like PUBG at medium or high settings without crashing.
- PUBG Mobile: It reaches approximately 46 fps.
- Call of Duty: Mobile: It runs comfortably at around 40 fps.
- Genshin Impact: It is the toughest challenge, settling at around 24 fps.
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: It flies at about 50 fps.
Looking at benchmarks, the T618 typically scores around 223.477 points on Antutu and 1.433/395 on Geekbench. To give you an idea, it performs similarly to the Snapdragon 660 or the Helio P70, far surpassing older models like the SC9863A.
Multimedia and Display Capabilities
In terms of video, the SoC incorporates a VPU that's a real gem for streaming, as it supports native decoding of H.265 and VP9 up to 1080p at 60fps. As for the display, it can handle resolutions up to 2400×1800 pixels , making it ideal for tablets with 2K panels.
However, it's important to note that it doesn't smoothly support the AV1 codec or 10-bit HDR color formats, so if you try to play very large 4K files, you may notice some frame drops because the processing is done by software (SW) rather than hardware.
Connectivity and System
This chip doesn't come alone; it typically integrates a multi-band 4G-LTE modem with upload speeds of up to 150 Mbps. It also supports Wi-Fi AC, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS, ensuring the device is always connected. In most implementations, such as the Teclast T40 Plus, it has been seen running Android 11 with kernel 4.14 , demonstrating remarkable stability.
Another strong point is its camera management, as it supports sensors up to 32 MP with a capture speed of 24fps, which is more than enough for selfies or quick video calls on devices in this price range.
This processor positions itself as a highly effective solution for those seeking an affordable yet capable device. Thanks to its Cortex core configuration and Mali GPU, it offers a smooth user experience for both multitasking and light gaming, establishing itself as one of the best value-for-money options in the entry-level tablet and smartphone market.