The MediaTek MT6572 is one of the most widely used entry-level mobile chipsets from the early Android smartphone era. Designed for affordable smartphones and budget devices, this dual-core processor helped manufacturers deliver low-cost Android phones with decent performance for everyday tasks.
MediaTek MT6572
What is MediaTek MT6572?
The MediaTek MT6572 is a dual-core mobile processor (SoC) launched for entry-level Android smartphones. It combines CPU, GPU, modem, and multimedia support into a single chip, making it cost-effective for smartphone manufacturers.
The chipset became extremely popular in emerging markets because it enabled manufacturers to create affordable Android devices with essential smartphone functionality.
MediaTek MT6572 Specifications
Here are the major technical specifications of the MediaTek MT6572 chipset:
Specification
Details
Processor Cores
Dual-Core
CPU Architecture
ARM Cortex-A7
Clock Speed
Up to 1.2 GHz
GPU
Mali-400 MP
Manufacturing Process
28nm
RAM Support
Up to 1GB
Display Resolution
qHD (960×540)
Camera Support
Up to 8MP
Connectivity
3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
Operating System Support
Android Jelly Bean / KitKat
CPU Performance of MediaTek MT6572
The MT6572 uses two ARM Cortex-A7 cores, which were designed for power efficiency rather than high-end performance. At the time of release, the chipset handled common smartphone activities smoothly, including:
Web browsing
Social media apps
Video playback
Music streaming
Basic multitasking
However, compared to modern processors, the MT6572 is considered extremely underpowered.
Key CPU Highlights
Efficient power consumption
Optimized for low-cost smartphones
Stable performance for basic tasks
Suitable for lightweight Android applications
Graphics Performance
The chipset features the Mali-400 MP GPU, which was widely used in budget Android devices during its era.
Gaming Experience
The MT6572 could handle lightweight and older Android games such as:
Subway Surfers
Temple Run
Candy Crush
Angry Birds
Heavy modern games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile are generally unsupported or unplayable due to hardware limitations.
Battery Efficiency
One major advantage of the MediaTek MT6572 was its excellent battery efficiency. Because the Cortex-A7 architecture focused on low power consumption, smartphones using this chipset often delivered:
Longer standby time
Reduced overheating
Better battery backup for light usage
This made it ideal for first-time smartphone users and budget-conscious consumers.
Camera and Multimedia Support
The MT6572 supports cameras up to 8MP and includes basic multimedia capabilities.
Multimedia Features
720p video playback
Basic image processing
Audio playback support
FM Radio integration
While these features were sufficient during its peak years, they are outdated by today’s standards.
Connectivity Features
The chipset supports standard connectivity options required for budget smartphones:
3G network support
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS navigation
Dual-SIM functionality
Notably, the MT6572 does not support 4G LTE connectivity, which limits its usability in modern mobile networks.
Advantages of MediaTek MT6572
1. Affordable Cost
Manufacturers could build low-cost smartphones using this chipset, making Android devices accessible to millions of users.
2. Good Battery Life
The efficient Cortex-A7 cores consumed less power.
3. Reliable for Basic Tasks
The processor handled essential smartphone functions reasonably well.
4. Compact Integration
Integrated modem and multimedia components reduced production costs.
Disadvantages of MediaTek MT6572
Despite its success, the chipset has several limitations today.
1. No 4G LTE Support
The biggest drawback is the absence of LTE connectivity.
2. Limited Performance
Modern apps demand significantly more processing power.
3. Poor Gaming Capability
Heavy games struggle or fail to run.
4. Low RAM Support
Most MT6572 devices came with only 512MB or 1GB RAM.
Popular Smartphones Using MediaTek MT6572
Several budget smartphone brands adopted the MT6572 chipset, including:
Micromax
Karbonn
Lava
Intex
Lenovo
Gionee
These devices were especially popular in developing markets because of their low price.
MediaTek MT6572 vs Modern Chipsets
Compared to modern mobile processors, the MT6572 lacks:
4G/5G connectivity
AI processing
Advanced GPUs
Fast charging support
High-resolution camera support
Today’s entry-level chipsets offer far superior performance and efficiency.
Is MediaTek MT6572 Still Good in 2026?
In 2026, the MediaTek MT6572 is considered obsolete for mainstream smartphone usage. However, devices using this chipset can still be useful for:
Basic calling
SMS messaging
Offline music playback
Lightweight Android apps
Educational experiments
Embedded or kiosk systems
For modern multitasking, gaming, or social media usage, newer processors are strongly recommended.
Conclusion
The MediaTek MT6572 played a major role in expanding smartphone accessibility across global markets. Although outdated today, it remains an important chipset in mobile technology history because it helped millions of users transition from feature phones to Android smartphones.
Its low cost, energy efficiency, and reliable basic performance made it one of the most influential budget mobile processors of its time.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) : MediaTek MT6572
Is MediaTek MT6572 a 64-bit processor?
No, the MT6572 is a 32-bit dual-core processor.
Does MT6572 support 4G?
No, it only supports 3G connectivity.
Can MT6572 run modern Android apps?
It can run lightweight apps, but modern heavy applications may lag or fail.
What GPU does MediaTek MT6572 use?
It uses the Mali-400 MP GPU.
Is MediaTek MT6572 good for gaming?
Only for lightweight and older Android games. Modern games are generally unsupported.