The MediaTek MT8163 is a widely used entry-level to mid-range system-on-chip (SoC) designed for Android tablets and smart devices. Known for its balance of affordability and improved performance over older chipsets, the MT8163 has powered several popular tablets—especially in the budget segment.
MediaTek MT8163
Overview of MediaTek MT8163
The MediaTek MT8163 is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor that delivers better efficiency and performance than earlier Cortex-A7-based chips like the MT8161. It is designed primarily for:
Budget Android tablets
Media consumption devices
Entry-level productivity
You’ll commonly find it in tablets from brands like Amazon and other global manufacturers.
MediaTek MT8163 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the MT8163:
Feature
Details
CPU
Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53
Clock Speed
Up to 1.3–1.5 GHz
GPU
Mali-T720 MP2
Manufacturing
28nm
RAM Support
DDR3 / LPDDR3
Display Support
Up to 1920×1200 (Full HD)
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (no integrated LTE)
OS Support
Android
Performance and Real-World Usage
Compared to older chipsets like the MT8161, the MT8163 offers noticeably better performance and efficiency.
What It Handles Well:
Smooth HD and Full HD video playback
Web browsing and social media apps
Light multitasking
Casual gaming
Apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Google Chrome run fairly smoothly for everyday use.
Limitations:
Not ideal for heavy gaming or intensive apps
Performance drops with multiple apps open
Aging GPU for modern graphics workloads
Graphics Performance
The Mali-T720 MP2 GPU is a step up from older Mali-400 series GPUs. It supports:
Better rendering performance
Improved efficiency
Support for newer graphics APIs (limited)
However, demanding games like PUBG Mobile may only run on low settings or experience lag.
Power Efficiency
Thanks to its Cortex-A53 architecture, the MT8163 offers:
Better battery life than older chips
Efficient power consumption
Reduced heat during extended use
This makes it suitable for long sessions of video streaming or reading.
Devices Powered by MediaTek MT8163
Several popular budget tablets have used this chipset, including:
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2017)
Lenovo Tab 3 8
These devices are typically targeted at:
Students
Casual users
Entertainment-focused tablet users
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Improved performance over older entry-level chips
Efficient Cortex-A53 cores
Supports Full HD displays
Good for media consumption
Cons:
No LTE connectivity
Limited gaming performance
Still outdated by modern standards
Conclusion
The MediaTek MT8163 is a solid choice for budget tablets focused on entertainment and basic productivity. While it’s no longer competitive with modern chipsets, it still performs well for:
Watching videos
Browsing the web
Using everyday apps
If you're considering a tablet with this processor, it’s best suited for light to moderate usage, not high-performance tasks.
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