What video accelerator is used in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: full analysis GPU Mali-G52 MP2

Why does Redmi Note 8 need a video accelerator?

Video accelerator (or graphics processor, GPU) — It's a key component of the smartphone that handles graphics, and without it, you can't play video smoothly, run modern games, or even just scrolle through the interface. MIUI. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, released in 2019, uses a chip Mali-G52 MP2 from ARM, which became one of the most common GPU In the mid- and mid-size smartphones of the time.

But why this video accelerator: Mali-G52 MP2 Provides sufficient performance for Full HD-Redmi Note display 8 (permit 2340×1080), It uses relatively little energy, which is especially important for a smartphone with a battery. 4000 But users often wonder if it's enough for games like this. PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact? How does it compare to Qualcomm's Adreno? And is there any way to overclock it software? The answers are in this guide.

We will analyze not only the technical characteristics, but also practical aspects: how to check the performance of the device. GPU, What settings will help improve performance, and whether you should expect problems with overheating. And if you are planning to buy a used Redmi Note 8, you will know what to look for when testing graphics.

Technical specifications Mali-G52 MP2 Redmi Note 8

Video accelerator Mali-G52 MP2 It is part of the MediaTek Helio chipset. G90T, The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is built on. GPU It's not the weakest in the market, but it's not the weakest in the market:

• 🔧 Architecture: Bifrost (second generation after Midgard) optimized for energy efficiency.
• 🖥️ Configuration: 2 Computing Clusters (MP2), Which gives you 32 stream processors.
• ⚡ Clock speed: up to 820 MHz (can vary depending on firmware and temperature).
• 🎮 Support API: OpenGL ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.1, OpenCL 2.0 – this is enough for most mobile games 2019-2021.
• 📊 Productivity: about 50–60 FPS into PUBG Mobile on the "Balanced" settings (permission) HD).

For comparison: the flagship at the time Mali-G76 MP12 (For example, in Huawei Mate 30 Pro) had 3-4 times more computing units and a frequency of up to 1.2 GHz. However, the Redmi Note 8 was positioned as a gaming smartphone of the budget segment, and Mali-G52 MP2 I have done this job, provided I have the right setup.

Interesting fact: Helio G90T HyperEngine technology was used to improve the response in games by optimizing the workflow. CPU and GPU. In practice, this gave an increase of 10-15% in synthetic tests, but in real games the difference was less noticeable.

Comparison with competitors: Mali-G52 MP2 vs Adreno 618 vs PowerVR

To see how good the video accelerator in the Redmi Note 8 is, compare it to the GPU Other popular smartphones 2019-2020. the main competitors are chipsets Qualcomm Snapdragon (with Adreno graphics) and solutions from Imagination Technologies (PowerVR).

The table shows that Mali-G52 MP2 Adreno 618 loses by about 30-40% in synthetic tests, but in real games the gap is smaller thanks to optimization of MediaTek drivers.

Main advantage Mali-G52 MP2 — Support for Valhall technology (partially) that later became the basis Mali-G77. This means that the drivers for it were updated longer than for the old PowerVR, which prolonged the relevance of the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If you compare the Redmi Note 8 (with Helio) G90T) Redmi Note 8 Pro (with Helio) G90T), they're the same GPU. The only difference is processor frequency and cooling. 8T — It uses the Snapdragon 665 with the Adreno 610, which is weaker.

How to check the video accelerator on Redmi Note 8: step-by-step instructions

If you want to make sure that GPU If you have a Redmi Note 8 that works correctly, or compare it to other devices, use these methods to help you identify performance, overheating or drivers issues.

Step 1. Testing the model GPU through CPU-Z

1. Download CPU-Z from Google Play.
2. Open the SoC tab (System on Chip).
3. Find a line. GPU Renderer – it should be indicated ARM Mali-G52 MP2.

Step 2: Performance Test in GFXBench

The GFXBench app allows you to run several graphic tests:

• 🎯 Manhattan 3.1 – Checking compatibility with OpenGL ES 3.1.
• 🎯 Aztec Ruins – Vulkan test (more modern) API).
• 🎯 Car Chase – Simulated load in games.

Normal results for Mali-G52 MP2:

• Manhattan 3.1: 25–30 FPS (1080p).
• Aztec Ruins: 12–15 FPS (1440p).

Step 3: Temperature monitoring

Use it. AIDA64 Or Game Bench to track the heat during play:

• 🌡️ 45.°C - optimal.
• 🌡️ 45–55°C – permissible, but can cause trottling (reduced frequency).
• 🌡️ Above 60.°C - critical temperature, cleaning or replacement of thermopaste is required.

⚠️ Note: If GFXBench tests are below 20 FPS In Manhattan 3.1, this may indicate driver problems or overheating. Try resetting to factory settings or updating firmware.

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Before the tests, close all background applications and turn off the energy-saving mode. Use the original charger to avoid performance limitations due to low battery power.

Optimizing productivity GPU: tunings and tricks

Even with Mali-G52 MP2 we can squeeze more FPS I'm going to try to play games or improve interface smoothness:

1. Incorporating performance mode into MIUI

Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Performance mode and select High Performance. This will disable some of the background constraints, but reduce battery life.

2. Customize graphics in games

For PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile use these options:

• 🎮 Permission: HD (1280×720) or Balanced (1600×720).
• 🎮 Graphics Quality: Balanced or Smooth.
• 🎮 Frame rate: High (if available) or Medium.
• 🎮 Shadows: Low or Off..

3. Disabling unnecessary visual effects MIUI

Interface. MIUI It can slow down because of animations, to speed up the work:

1. Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Set: The scale of window animation: Off. or 0.5x. Transition animation scale: Off.. Disable hardware acceleration: DO NOT TOWEAR (this will degrade performance).

4.Using Game Turbo

Xiaomi has added a proprietary Game Turbo utility to the Redmi Note 8, which:

• 🔋 Block notifications during the game.
• ⚡ Optimize the allocation of resources CPU/GPU.
• 📊 Shows. FPS Real-time (includes in Game Turbo settings).

Typical problems with GPU Redmi Note 8 and its solutions

Despite the reliability Mali-G52 MP2, Redmi Note 8 users sometimes experience graphical glitches, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. Artifacts or "teared" textures in games

Reasons:

• 🔧 Outdated drivers GPU.
• 🔥 Overheating (most often due to clogged charging connector or worn-out thermal paste).
• 🛠️ Memory chip damage (rare but possible with falls).

Decisions:

• Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (Even if the phone is not officially supported, you can use custom builds such as Xiaomi.eu).
• Clean the charging connector from dust (use a wooden toothpick, not metal objects).
• If artifacts only appear in one game, clear its cache in Settings. → Annexes.

Strong heating with minimum load

If your phone is warm even on the menu or watching a video, check:

• 🔋 Battery condition (a worn-out battery may cause overheating).
• 🔄 Background processes (use Greenify or the built-in AutoStart Manager in the MIUI).
• 🧊 Thermopaste performance (if the phone has been disassembled before).

3. Decrease FPS timely

This is called trottling, which is a forced frequency reduction. GPU because of overheating, to avoid:

• Use covers with ventilation holes.
• Do not play when charging (especially if you use a non-original adapter).
• Set a limit FPS in the game settings (e.g. 60) FPS 90 FPS).

⚠️ If after cleaning and resetting the settings, the artifacts did not disappear, and in the tests GFXBench results fall by 30% or more from the reference - this may indicate a hardware malfunction. GPU. In this case, the repair will cost more than the phone itself (about 50-70% of its price).

Can we "scatter" Mali-G52 MP2 on the Redmi Note 8?

Technically, yes, but with reservations. GPU Mobile devices are a risky procedure that can lead to:

• 🔥 Overheating and automatic shutdown.
• 🔋 Accelerated battery wear.
• 🛠️ Loss of warranty (if it is still valid).

However, there are a few relatively safe ways to do this:

1. Frequency change GPU nucleus

This requires unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom core (e.g. Perseus Kernel for Helio). G90T). In the core settings, you can increase the frequency from 820 MHz to 900-950 MHz, but this will give an increase of only 5-10% with a significant increase in temperature.

2. Optimization through Magisk modules

Type modules GPU Turbo or Kirisakura could improve task scheduler, which will indirectly improve performance GPU. Installation through Magisk Manager.

3. Undervolting (voltage reduction)

Paradoxically, the reduction of stress on GPU It can increase productivity by reducing trottling. EX Kernel Manager and Support UV Recommended reduction: 25-50 mV.

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Any acceleration or modification GPU It can void the warranty and cause permanent damage to the chipset. If you are not prepared for the risk, it is better to optimize the software settings (as described in the previous section).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the video accelerator in Redmi Note 8