MediaTek has launched the Dimensity 8400-Ultra, which proudly features a complete set of big-core configurations for its CPU. This makes it the first upper mid-range System on Chip (SoC) to showcase such a design. MediaTek previously set the bar by introducing the Dimensity 9300, a flagship Android chip with all big CPU cores.
The First Device to Feature Dimensity 8400-Ultra
The Redmi Turbo 4 is the initial device to come equipped with the Dimensity 8400-Ultra. This new chip is essentially an enhanced version of the Dimensity 8400, tailored by Xiaomi. The performance benchmarks are impressive, positioning it as a strong contender against the well-known Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
Comparing Dimensity 8400-Ultra and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
MediaTek asserts significant improvements with the Dimensity 8400-Ultra compared to the previous model, but is that enough to outshine the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3? Let’s take a look at how these two chips compare.
The manufacturing process for both the Dimensity 8400-Ultra and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is done by TSMC using the 4nm technology. Nevertheless, the architecture of their CPUs shows some distinct differences. The Dimensity 8400-Ultra utilizes all Cortex-A725 cores, with one core running at 3.25GHz, three at 3GHz, and the last four at 2.1GHz. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 has a different setup: one Cortex-X4 core at 3GHz, four Cortex-A720 cores clocked at 2.8GHz, and three Cortex-A520 cores running at 2GHz.
GPU and Connectivity Features
The Cortex-X4 in the Dimensity 8400-Ultra is more potent than the Cortex-A725, but it operates at a lower speed. However, the remaining cores in the Dimensity chip are superior in terms of both power and efficiency, running at better clock speeds compared to those in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3.
Both chips come equipped with high-performance GPUs to cater to gaming enthusiasts. The Dimensity 8400-Ultra features a Mali-G720 MP7 GPU, while the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is fitted with an Adreno 735 GPU. We conducted various benchmarks and the results are detailed below for clearer insights into performance.
AI Capabilities and Connectivity
These two SoCs can manage on-device AI tasks, thanks to a hexagon NPU in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and a MediaTek NPU 980 integrated within the Dimensity 8400. They both support LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0 and include all essential connectivity features, although there are some distinctions. For instance, the Dimensity 8400-Ultra supports Wi-Fi 6, whereas the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 is compatible with the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard. Conversely, in terms of Bluetooth, the 8s Gen 3 uses v5.4 while the Dimensity 8400-Ultra utilizes v6.
The Dimensity chip can achieve a peak download speed of 5.1Gbps, while the Snapdragon chip can reach up to 6.5Gbps. They also differ in camera capabilities, with the Snapdragon chip supporting a maximum resolution of 200MP, while the Dimensity 8400-Ultra can handle up to 320MP.
Benchmark Results
When it comes to the AnTuTu test, the Dimensity 8400-Ultra takes the lead over the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. It scored 1.79 million points while the latter managed only 1.65 million.
- AnTuTu score
- Dimensity 8400-Ultra: 1,799,330
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: 1,654,675
In the Geekbench test, the Dimensity 8400-Ultra falls short in single-core performance but surprisingly excels in multi-core performance.
- Single-core:
- Dimensity 8400-Ultra: 1,639
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: 2,048
- Multi-core:
- Dimensity 8400-Ultra: 6,500
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: 5,684
The Dimensity 8400-Ultra also shines in the 3D Mark Wild Life Extreme test, scoring 4,086 points, in contrast to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s score of only 3,161.
- Wild Life Extreme
- Dimensity 8400-Ultra: 4,086
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3: 3,161
Final Verdict: Which Chip Reigns Supreme?
Both the Dimensity 8400-Ultra and the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 are top-notch smartphone processors. They both efficiently handle a range of tasks, from daily activities to casual gaming. However, if you need to choose one, the Dimensity 8400-Ultra clearly outshines the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 in multiple benchmark tests.
