The following table gives a direct side‑by‑side comparison of the two GPUs when configured with two cores (MP2), which is the only configuration for Mali‑G31 MP2 and a common variant for Mali‑450.
: Built on the older Utgard architecture , it focused on scaling through core counts (up to 8 cores) to deliver performance, but lacks the architectural optimizations for power efficiency found in newer generations. API Support Mali-G31 MP2 Architecture OpenGL ES Vulkan Not Supported OpenCL 2.0 Full Profile Not Supported Real-World Impact
debuted in 2018 as an ultra‑efficient GPU based on the Bifrost architecture , the third generation of Arm's Mali GPUs. It is the smallest GPU from Arm to support modern graphics APIs such as Vulkan and OpenGL ES 3.2, making it the obvious choice for modern entry‑level Android devices, smart TVs, and low‑cost single‑board computers (SBCs).
The fundamental difference between these two GPUs lies in their underlying architecture and the generation of technology they represent. ARM Mali-450: The Aging Workhorse Mali-g31 Mp2 Vs Mali-450
This GPU is found on devices like the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core or Nokia C2 . For a $70 phone, it performs miracles.
A comparison between these two GPUs is, in many ways, a comparison of two different technological eras.
Add $20 to your budget. Do not buy a Mali-450 device. The G31 MP2 is the absolute minimum standard for a usable smartphone in 2025. It is the smallest GPU from Arm to
| Game | Mali-450 MP2 | Mali-G31 MP2 | |---------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------| | PUBG Mobile Lite | 20-25 fps (minimal graphics, stuttering) | 40-50 fps (low, stable) | | Genshin Impact (lowest) | 12 fps, frequent crashes (no ES 3.1) | 25-30 fps, playable | | Among Us | 60 fps (trivial) | 60 fps (trivial) | | Call of Duty: Mobile | Unsupported (requires ES 3.2) | 30 fps (low settings) |
Modern versions of Android (Android 10 and newer) rely heavily on Vulkan and newer OpenGL profiles to render the basic system UI smoothly. A Mali-450 will stutter just navigating the home screen on newer OS versions. Real-World Performance Comparison 1. Media Streaming and TV Boxes (4K vs. 1080p)
The Mali-450 was a simple soldier in a simple war. The Mali-G31 was a complex soldier fighting a losing battle against the ever-increasing weight of modern software. For a $70 phone, it performs miracles
is a modern, ultra-efficient GPU designed for current entry-level devices, whereas the
: Struggled to keep up with modern 3D games even years ago. While it is perfectly functional for basic 2D games and user interface rendering, it cannot run games requiring OpenGL ES 3.0 or higher. User Interface (UI) and Media Mali-G31 MP2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
The ARM Mali GPU family is broadly categorized into three architectures: (Mali-400/450/470), Midgard (Mali-T6xx/T7xx/T8xx), and Bifrost (Mali-G31/G51/G52), followed by Valhall (Mali-G57/G310/G510). The Mali-450, introduced in 2012, was the first Utgard GPU to support up to 8 cores (MP8). The Mali-G31, launched in 2018, is ARM’s most compact Bifrost/Valhall-class GPU (actually Bifrost-based, but often grouped with Valhall for feature support).
