- Dual-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor with a clock speed of 1.0 GHz.
- Integration of Mali-400 MP1 GPU capable of playing Full HD content at 60 fps.
- Maximum support of 1GB LPDDR2 RAM and 28nm manufacturing process.
- Versatile connectivity including HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.
If you're looking for information about the MediaTek MT6572M , you've probably come across a device from a few years ago that's still going strong. This processor is a variant of the well-known MT6572, and although it might seem like a museum piece today, it was once the heart of many basic mobile phones that sought a balance between power consumption and functionality.
Let's not kid ourselves, it's not a chip for playing the latest AAA games, but it's interesting to see how MediaTek designed this ARM-based SoC to democratize access to smartphones. Let's take a deep dive into what's under the hood of this processor and how it actually performs in everyday use.
Technical analysis and processor architecture
The MT6572M is based on a dual-core Cortex-A7 architecture . Unlike its larger sibling, the maximum frequency of this specific model is limited to 1.0 GHz , while the standard version reached 1.2 GHz. All of this was manufactured using a 28-nanometer lithography process , which at the time was an acceptable standard for keeping power consumption down.
Regarding data management, it uses a 32-bit bus and features a distributed cache system with 32 KB for L1 and 256 KB for L2. It's a processor that supports the ARMv7 instruction set , allowing it to run basic Android applications smoothly, although its age is noticeable in demanding processes.
Memory and graphics capabilities
In terms of memory, the chip is quite modest. It supports a maximum of 1 GB of LPDDR2 RAM at a speed of 266 MHz. With only one memory channel, bandwidth is limited, which explains why multitasking is more of a dream than a reality on these devices.
For visuals, the MT6572M integrates a Mali-400 MP1 GPU . In the M version, the graphics frequency is typically set to 400 MHz , slightly below the 500 MHz of the standard model. Despite its limitations, it's capable of playing 1080p video at 60 fps , which is still appreciated for streaming video or local multimedia content.
Connectivity and real performance
This SoC isn't just a CPU and GPU; it also integrates a fairly complete modem for its price range. It includes support for HSPA+, TD-SCDMA, and Wi-Fi , as well as GPS, Bluetooth, and FM radio. One of its advantages at the time was achieving upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps , which allowed for decent web browsing.
Performance tests and benchmarks
Looking at the raw numbers, the performance is, understandably, low by today's standards. In Antutu , the scores hover around 10,175 points, while in Geekbench it falls within the 55/34 range. Compared to other chips, it's slightly better than the MT6572W but falls short of the MT6570.
In the realm of gaming, the situation is complicated. When testing demanding titles like Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile , the result is practically nonexistent (0 fps), as the hardware simply cannot handle the graphical demands of modern games. In 3DMark, it scores a modest 28 points, barely surpassing the UNISOC SC8825.
Devices where it has been implemented
This processor has powered simple and affordable devices. Clear examples include the Suppu F605 and the Leagoo Lead 4 , phones that used this SoC to offer a basic smartphone experience without breaking the bank. The chip's TDP is a mere 5 watts , which helped the battery last significantly longer than in more powerful devices.
This 28nm processor with Cortex-A7 cores and Mali-400 GPU represents an era of telephony where efficiency and low cost took precedence over raw power, offering HSPA+ connectivity and support for 1GB of RAM in devices designed for basic tasks.
