MediaTek challenges Qualcomm with AI-powered Dimensity 9400 chip

Next-gen mobile processor unveiled: MediaTek has introduced its latest flagship mobile processor, the Dimensity 9400, aiming to compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series in high-end smartphones for 2025.

AI capabilities take center stage: The Dimensity 9400 features advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, powered by the eighth-generation Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and Dimensity Agentic AI Engine (DAE).

• The chip offers on-device video generation and LoRA training, both claimed as industry firsts.
• Large Language Model (LLM) prompt performance is up to 80% faster, with a 35% increase in power efficiency.
• MediaTek is collaborating with developers to create third-party applications that can leverage the NPU’s AI capabilities.

Performance and efficiency improvements: The Dimensity 9400 builds upon its predecessor’s All Big Core design, utilizing Arm’s v9.2 CPU architecture and TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process.

• The processor features one Arm Cortex-X925 performance core at 3.62GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores, and four Cortex-A720 efficiency cores.
• MediaTek claims a 35% increase in single-thread performance, 28% improvement in multi-core performance, and 40% better efficiency compared to the previous generation.
• These enhancements are expected to result in faster speeds and extended battery life for mobile devices.

Gaming capabilities enhanced: The Dimensity 9400 includes significant upgrades to its graphics processing capabilities, targeting mobile gaming enthusiasts.

• The 12-core Immortalis-G925 GPU offers a 41% boost in peak performance and a 40% improvement in raytracing performance.
• Power savings for the GPU have increased by 44%, potentially leading to longer gaming sessions on a single charge.
• These improvements are expected to result in smoother gameplay, more realistic lighting effects, and better frame rates in mobile games.

Focus on mobile content creation: MediaTek has incorporated features specifically designed for content creators using mobile devices.

• The Imagiq 1090 image signal processor (ISP) supports HDR zoom and smooth video zoom while maintaining subject focus.
• A new Generative-AI Super Zoom feature aims to enhance zoomed-in photos by reducing pixelation.
• The ISP enables 4K60 video capture with 14% less power consumption.
• Audio capture capabilities have been improved, supporting up to six microphones with 24-bit audio recording and AI Audio Focus for noise reduction.

Connectivity enhancements: The Dimensity 9400 includes a modern suite of connectivity options to meet the demands of current and future wireless technologies.

• The chip supports 3GPP Rel. 17 with sub-6GHz 5G and four-channel carrier aggregation, offering speeds up to 7Gbps.
• Dual SIM cards with dual active data are supported, with an 18% reduction in power consumption for connectivity features.
• Wi-Fi 7 is included, capable of download speeds up to 7.3Gbps.
• The integrated Bluetooth chip offers improved range and power efficiency.

Market availability: MediaTek anticipates rapid adoption of the Dimensity 9400 by smartphone manufacturers.

• Announcements from Oppo and Vivo are expected in the near future.
• The first devices featuring the Dimensity 9400 could potentially reach the market before the end of 2024.

Analyzing the competitive landscape: While MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 boasts impressive specifications, its success will ultimately depend on adoption by major smartphone manufacturers and real-world performance comparisons with Qualcomm’s offerings.

• The focus on AI capabilities and power efficiency aligns with current industry trends, potentially positioning MediaTek to gain market share in the high-end smartphone processor market.
• However, Qualcomm’s established relationships with smartphone makers and its own ongoing innovations may present challenges for MediaTek in achieving widespread adoption of the Dimensity 9400.