Dimensity 9400 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: AI, Multimedia, and Connectivity Compared

Comparison of MediaTek Dimensity 9400 vs. Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 4)

Overview:

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite are the latest flagship processors aimed at delivering top-notch performance for premium smartphones. Built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, both chipsets showcase significant improvements in power efficiency, raw performance, AI capabilities, and gaming optimizations.

Specification Comparison Table:

Key Points of Comparison:

1. CPU Performance:

Both chips adopt innovative CPU designs, but Qualcomm takes the edge with higher clock speeds and dual prime cores, providing a slight lead in single-core benchmarks.

2. GPU and Gaming:

The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Adreno 830 GPU has been optimized for Unreal Engine 5.3, enhancing real-time rendering. Meanwhile, MediaTek’s Immortalis G925 focuses on advanced ray tracing and hyper-engine gaming technology, offering competitive performance.

3. AI Capabilities:

MediaTek’s NPU 890 is optimized for on-device AI training, particularly LoRA models, while Qualcomm’s Hexagon AI Engine supports a broader range of generative AI functionalities, including text, video, and image generation.

4. Connectivity:

Both processors support state-of-the-art connectivity standards like Wi-Fi 7 and 5G, but Snapdragon leads with Bluetooth 6.0 compared to Dimensity’s 5.4.

5. Power Efficiency:

While both chips are highly efficient, Qualcomm’s 44% efficiency gain marginally outperforms MediaTek’s 40%.

Verdict:

The Snapdragon 8 Elite slightly outshines the Dimensity 9400 in overall performance, particularly in CPU speed and broader AI support. However, MediaTek’s focus on competitive pricing and advanced GPU features makes it an excellent choice for flagship-killer devices. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the implementation and optimizations done by smartphone manufacturers.

Your question and our opinion about Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400

1. Which processor is faster: Snapdragon 8 Elite or Dimensity 9400?

The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers slightly better single-core performance due to its dual prime cores with a clock speed of 4.32 GHz. However, both processors offer similar multi-core performance in benchmarks, making them neck and neck in most scenarios.

2. How do the GPUs in Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400 compare for gaming?

The Snapdragon 8 Elite uses the Adreno 830 GPU, optimized for Unreal Engine 5.3, providing an immersive gaming experience. The Dimensity 9400 employs Immortalis G925, offering advanced ray tracing and excellent gaming performance. Both excel in gaming, with slight variations in optimizations.

3. Which chip has better AI performance?

The Dimensity 9400’s NPU 890 supports efficient on-device training for AI models, while Snapdragon 8 Elite’s Hexagon AI Engine excels in multimodal AI, making it more versatile in applications like generative AI for text and images.

4. What is the fabrication process of both processors?

Both the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400 are built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process, ensuring improved power efficiency and enhanced performance compared to earlier generations.

5. How do they differ in power efficiency?

The Snapdragon 8 Elite achieves a 44% improvement in power efficiency, while the Dimensity 9400 offers a 40% boost. Qualcomm slightly edges out MediaTek in this regard.

6. What are the benchmark scores of Snapdragon 8 Elite vs. Dimensity 9400?

• GeekBench 6 Single-Core: Snapdragon 8 Elite scores 2884; Dimensity 9400 scores 2818.
• Multi-Core: Snapdragon at 8840 and Dimensity at 8847 are almost identical.
• AnTuTu 10: Both surpass the 3 million mark, showcasing their flagship status.

7. Which processor supports better connectivity?

Snapdragon 8 Elite leads with Bluetooth 6.0, while Dimensity 9400 features Bluetooth 5.4. Both support Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Release-17, ensuring state-of-the-art connectivity for flagship smartphones.

8. What memory technologies are supported by Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400?

Both processors support LPDDR5X RAM with speeds up to 8533 MHz and UFS 4.1 storage, providing blazing-fast performance for multitasking and data-intensive tasks.

9. What smartphones use Snapdragon 8 Elite and Dimensity 9400?

Snapdragon 8 Elite is expected to power top-tier flagships like Samsung Galaxy S25 and OnePlus 12 Pro. Dimensity 9400 may debut in flagship-killer devices like Xiaomi’s Redmi K70 Pro and Vivo X100 series.

10. Which processor is better for future-proofing?

Snapdragon 8 Elite offers broader support for generative AI applications and higher raw CPU power, making it a better choice for future-proofing. However, the Dimensity 9400 provides a balance of performance and affordability, making it an excellent alternative for high-end smartphones.