The MediaTek MT8173 is a powerful mid-range tablet chipset that marked a significant leap in performance compared to entry-level processors. Designed for premium tablets and multimedia devices, the MediaTek MT8173 combines high-performance CPU cores with capable graphics, making it suitable for demanding applications.
MediaTek MT8173
Overview of MediaTek MT8173
The MediaTek MT8173 stands out for using a big.LITTLE architecture, combining powerful and efficient cores for optimized performance and battery life.
Key Specifications:
CPU: Quad-core (2× ARM Cortex-A72 + 2× Cortex-A53)
Clock Speed: Up to 2.4 GHz
GPU: PowerVR GX6250
Process Technology: 28nm
Display Support: Up to 2560 × 1600 (WQXGA)
Camera Support: Up to 20MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (no integrated LTE)
Operating System: Android, ChromeOS
Architecture and Performance
The MT8173 uses ARM’s big.LITTLE configuration, pairing high-performance Cortex-A72 cores with power-efficient Cortex-A53 cores.
Performance advantages:
Excellent multitasking capabilities
Faster app launches and smoother UI
Strong performance in productivity and media apps
Better handling of demanding workloads
Compared to entry-level chips like MT8165 or MT8167A, the MT8173 delivers significantly higher processing power.
Graphics and Gaming Performance
The PowerVR GX6250 GPU makes the MT8173 a strong contender for graphics-intensive tasks.
Gaming capabilities:
Smooth gameplay in many 3D games
Support for higher graphics settings
Better rendering and visual quality
Capable of handling older AAA mobile titles
While not as powerful as modern flagship GPUs, it still offers solid gaming performance for its class.
Power Efficiency
Despite being built on a 28nm process, the MT8173 maintains decent power efficiency thanks to its hybrid core design:
Efficient switching between performance and power-saving cores
Balanced battery consumption
Suitable for extended multimedia usage
Devices Powered by MT8173
The MediaTek MT8173 has been used in several well-known devices, including:
Amazon Fire HD 10 (2017)
Acer Chromebook R13
These devices highlight the chip’s versatility across Android and ChromeOS platforms.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Powerful Cortex-A72 cores
Good GPU for gaming and media
Supports high-resolution displays
Suitable for multitasking
Cons:
Older 28nm process
No integrated cellular connectivity
Less efficient than newer chipsets
Best Use Cases
The MediaTek MT8173 is ideal for:
Multimedia consumption (HD and 2K video)
Productivity tasks (docs, browsing, multitasking)
Moderate gaming
Chromebooks and hybrid devices
Conclusion
The MediaTek MT8173 remains one of the most capable older tablet chipsets from MediaTek. Its powerful CPU architecture and solid GPU performance make it far superior to entry-level chips, even years after its release.
If you’re considering a device powered by the MT8173, it still offers reliable performance for media, work, and moderate gaming—making it a strong choice in the mid-range category.
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