MediaTek’s New Smartphone Chip Promises Beastly Performance

MediaTek has often trailed behind Qualcomm in the U.S. flagship Android phone market. However, this could change with the latest leak about the MediaTek Dimensity 9400. According to leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the Dimensity 9400 might compete directly with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

The Dimensity 9400 will utilize TSMC’s second-generation 3nm N3E node, which promises 34% lower power consumption. It is expected to carry the model number MT6991 and maintain the large core structure found in the Dimensity 9300. This includes a Cortex-X5 performance core at 3.4GHz, with potential for higher frequencies at launch, along with 3x Cortex-X4 cores and 4x Cortex-A720 cores. In comparison, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s primary core is anticipated to reach 4.0GHz, up from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s 3.4GHz.

Excitement is building around the Dimensity 9400, especially given its leaked performance in Geekbench and AnTuTu benchmarks. On AnTuTu, the 9400 outperformed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 by 10% overall, with a 12% higher CPU score and a 7% higher GPU score. This significant performance boost enhances not only daily usage but also more demanding tasks. Additionally, the Dimensity 9400 is expected to feature an improved neural processing unit (NPU) capable of generating Large Language Models and images 20% to 50% faster.

In a recent announcement from MediaTek, it was confirmed that a “premium segment” Android phone featuring the Dimensity 9400 will be launched in the U.S. later this year. This is notable as MediaTek chips typically power midrange and budget devices from brands like Motorola and Samsung, with the high-end Dimensity 9000 previously appearing in the 2023 OnePlus Pad.

While the exact device for this new chip remains unknown, speculation suggests it could be a new OnePlus foldable based on the Oppo Find N3 Flip, which uses a Dimensity 9200, or a new Motorola flagship. If successful, a flagship device with a MediaTek chipset could finally present significant competition to Qualcomm in the high-end market.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 is expected to debut in its first device later this year, with more details likely to emerge before the official launch.