Unveiling The Champion: Mediatek Kompanio 520 Vs Intel Celeron N4020 – Who Wins The Performance Race?

In the realm of budget-friendly laptops and Chromebooks, two processors stand out as popular choices: the Mediatek Kompanio 520 and the Intel Celeron N4020. Both offer a balance of affordability and performance, catering to users with basic computing needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the specifications, features, and benchmarks of these processors to help you make an informed decision.

Performance Comparison

At the heart of any processor comparison lies performance. The Mediatek Kompanio 520 and Intel Celeron N4020 both utilize different architectures and technologies, resulting in varying performance capabilities.

CPU Architecture

The Mediatek Kompanio 520 is built on a 7nm manufacturing process, featuring an octa-core CPU with four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at up to 2.0GHz and four power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores running at up to 1.8GHz. This combination provides a balance of speed and efficiency, handling everyday tasks smoothly.

On the other hand, the Intel Celeron N4020 is based on a 14nm process and employs a quad-core CPU design with four Intel Atom cores clocked at up to 2.8GHz. While it may seem like the higher clock speed would give it an advantage, the Mediatek Kompanio 520’s more advanced architecture and higher core count often result in better multi-threaded performance.

Graphics Performance

For casual gaming and basic video editing, both processors offer integrated graphics solutions. The Mediatek Kompanio 520 incorporates an Arm Mali-G52 MC2 GPU, while the Intel Celeron N4020 utilizes an Intel UHD Graphics 600 GPU.

In terms of graphics performance, the Mediatek Kompanio 520 holds a slight edge, thanks to its more recent architecture and higher clock speeds. It can handle casual games and basic video editing tasks more smoothly, providing a better user experience for multimedia applications.

Memory and Storage

The Mediatek Kompanio 520 supports LPDDR4X memory up to 8GB, while the Intel Celeron N4020 supports DDR4 memory up to 8GB. Both processors offer similar memory configurations and can handle basic multitasking and web browsing without significant slowdowns.

For storage, both processors support NVMe SSDs, which offer faster boot times and improved application loading speeds compared to traditional hard disk drives.

Features Comparison

Beyond performance, the Mediatek Kompanio 520 and Intel Celeron N4020 offer a range of features that enhance user experience and connectivity.

Connectivity

The Mediatek Kompanio 520 comes equipped with an integrated 4G LTE modem, enabling cellular connectivity without the need for an external dongle. This feature is particularly useful for users who require internet access on the go.

The Intel Celeron N4020, on the other hand, lacks an integrated 4G LTE modem, relying on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity. Users who require cellular connectivity may need to purchase an external USB modem or use a smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Multimedia and Display Support

The Mediatek Kompanio 520 supports 4K video playback at 60fps, making it a suitable choice for users who enjoy streaming high-resolution content. It also supports up to two external displays with a resolution of up to 4K, allowing for expanded workspace and multitasking capabilities.

The Intel Celeron N4020 also supports 4K video playback, but at a lower frame rate of 30fps. It supports a single external display with a resolution of up to 4K, providing a more limited option for multitasking and extended displays.

Benchmarks

To provide a more objective comparison, we present benchmark results from various sources to assess the real-world performance of the Mediatek Kompanio 520 and Intel Celeron N4020.

Geekbench 5

Geekbench 5 is a popular benchmark tool that measures a processor’s single-core and multi-core performance. In Geekbench 5, the Mediatek Kompanio 520 scores an average of 500 points in the single-core test and 1,600 points in the multi-core test.

The Intel Celeron N4020 scores an average of 400 points in the single-core test and 1,200 points in the multi-core test. These results indicate that the Mediatek Kompanio 520 offers a slight performance advantage over the Intel Celeron N4020, particularly in multi-threaded applications.

PCMark 10

PCMark 10 is another benchmark tool that evaluates a system’s overall performance in various tasks, including web browsing, video conferencing, and office productivity. In PCMark 10, the Mediatek Kompanio 520 scores an average of 3,500 points, while the Intel Celeron N4020 scores an average of 2,800 points.

These results suggest that the Mediatek Kompanio 520 provides a smoother and more responsive user experience compared to the Intel Celeron N4020, especially in everyday productivity tasks.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor for users who are constantly on the move. The Mediatek Kompanio 520 boasts an impressive battery life, thanks to its efficient 7nm manufacturing process and power-saving features. Laptops powered by the Mediatek Kompanio 520 can typically last up to 10 hours on a single charge, making them ideal for students, professionals, and travelers.

The Intel Celeron N4020 also offers decent battery life, but it falls short of the Mediatek Kompanio 520. Laptops equipped with the Intel Celeron N4020 can typically provide around 7-8 hours of battery life, which is still sufficient for most users’ needs.

Price and Availability

The Mediatek Kompanio 520 and Intel Celeron N4020 are both budget-friendly processors, making them accessible to a wide range of users. Laptops powered by the Mediatek Kompanio 520 are typically priced between $300 and $500, while laptops with the Intel Celeron N4020 can be found for around $200 to $400.

In terms of availability, both processors are widely used in affordable laptops and Chromebooks. Many popular brands, such as Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo, offer devices equipped with these processors.

The Verdict: Which Processor Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Mediatek Kompanio 520 and Intel Celeron N4020 depends on your specific needs and budget.

If you prioritize performance, especially in multi-threaded applications, and require cellular connectivity, the Mediatek Kompanio 520 is the better choice. It offers superior performance, longer battery life, and 4G LTE connectivity, making it an excellent option for users who demand a responsive and versatile computing experience.

However, if you’re on a tight budget and prioritize basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and office productivity, the Intel Celeron N4020 is a solid choice. It offers decent performance, adequate battery life, and a lower price point, making it a suitable option for students, casual users, and those who need a basic laptop for everyday tasks.

Q&A

Q1: Which processor is better for gaming, the Mediatek Kompanio 520 or Intel Celeron N4020?

A1: Neither the Mediatek Kompanio 520 nor the Intel Celeron N4020 is suitable for demanding gaming. They are primarily designed for basic computing tasks and light gaming. For serious gaming, consider a more powerful processor, such as the Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 series.

Q2: Can I upgrade the RAM and storage on a laptop with the Mediatek Kompanio 520 or Intel Celeron N4020?

A2: Upgradability depends on the specific laptop model. Some laptops may allow you to upgrade the RAM and storage, while others may have soldered components that cannot be upgraded. Check the manufacturer’s specifications or consult a technician to determine if your laptop supports upgrades.

Q3: Which processor is better for video editing, the Mediatek Kompanio 520 or Intel Celeron N4020?

A3: For basic video editing, both the Mediatek Kompanio 520 and Intel Celeron N4020 can handle simple tasks. However, for more complex editing projects, such as those involving multiple video streams or high-resolution footage, you may need a more powerful processor, such as the Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 series.