In 2024, we have seen MediaTek Dimensity 9400 perform in the OPPO FIND X8 Pro smartphone. In 2025, MediaTek is poised to launch a 9500 series which will compete head to head with the Snapdragon 8 Elite or Elite 2.

MediaTek Dimensity 9500: A Closer Look at the Next-Gen Chipset

MediaTek’s lineup of chipsets has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with its flagship models showing significant advancements. These improvements have enabled MediaTek to compete more closely with Qualcomm, the dominant player in the market. In 2025, MediaTek is expected to unveil its next-generation flagship chipset, the Dimensity 9500, and thanks to a recent leak, key details about its specifications have emerged.

Specifications of the Dimensity 9500

A Reddit post has shed light on the technical details of the Dimensity 9500. While earlier reports hinted that the chipset might leverage TSMC’s advanced N3P process, the new leak provides a clearer picture of its configuration.

The Dimensity 9500 is expected to feature:

  • 2x Cortex X930 cores clocked at approximately 4GHz
  • 6x Cortex A730 cores clocked at around 3.5GHz

This setup follows a 2+6 configuration, marking a departure from the Dimensity 9400’s 1+3+4 configuration. For comparison, the Dimensity 9400 includes a single Cortex X925 core, three Cortex X4 cores, and four Cortex-A720 efficiency cores.

This new architecture should translate into a significant boost in performance. Preliminary benchmarks suggest the Dimensity 9500 could achieve single-core scores nearing 4,000, a 33% improvement over its predecessor. Such a leap would make it one of the most powerful chipsets in the market.

Challenging Qualcomm’s Dominance

MediaTek has long been perceived as a cost-effective alternative to Qualcomm. However, with the advancements in its Dimensity 9xxx series, MediaTek has demonstrated its ability to rival Qualcomm in the high-performance segment.

The Dimensity 9500 is poised to narrow the performance gap further, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, which follows the recently launched Snapdragon 8 Elite.

Interestingly, both MediaTek and Qualcomm are expected to utilize TSMC’s N3P process for their next-generation chipsets. This process, an enhancement of TSMC’s 3nm technology, offers improved performance compared to the N3E process. However, its adoption may lead to higher production costs.

The Road Ahead for MediaTek

Despite its impressive advancements, MediaTek still faces challenges in gaining broader adoption among smartphone manufacturers, who continue to favor Qualcomm’s chipsets. Whether the Dimensity 9500’s enhanced capabilities and competitive pricing can shift this dynamic remains to be seen.

As the competition heats up, the Dimensity 9500 could mark a turning point for MediaTek, providing a compelling alternative for OEMs seeking top-tier performance in their devices. Only time will tell if MediaTek’s latest offering can solidify its position in the flagship chipset market.