As mobile chipsets continue to evolve at a rapid pace, the competition between MediaTek and Qualcomm intensifies with every generation. The Dimensity 8350, announced in November 2024, is MediaTek’s latest upper mid-range processor designed to push the limits of performance and efficiency. Meanwhile, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 3, launched a year earlier in November 2023, continues to power a variety of popular mid-range smartphones with its reliable, balanced performance. Although both chips share several foundational similarities—like being manufactured on TSMC’s 4nm process and having the same core configuration—the differences in execution result in two very distinct user experiences.
At first glance, both the Dimensity 8350 and Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 use a CPU layout that includes four high-performance Cortex-A715 cores and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A510 cores. However, the Dimensity 8350 holds a clear advantage in clock speeds across the board. Its prime Cortex-A715 core runs at an impressive 3.35 GHz, while the Snapdragon’s top core is limited to 2.63 GHz. The performance cores in the MediaTek chip are also clocked higher at 3.2 GHz compared to Snapdragon’s 2.4 GHz, and even the efficiency cores run faster (2.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz).
In addition to clock speeds, the Dimensity 8350 benefits from the newer ARMv9-A instruction set, offering improved computational capabilities and security enhancements over the ARMv8.6-A used in the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. This architectural upgrade contributes to better power efficiency and faster task execution, giving the Dimensity chip an edge in both synthetic benchmarks and real-world responsiveness.
When it comes to gaming and graphic-intensive tasks, the difference becomes even more pronounced. The Dimensity 8350 is equipped with the Mali-G615 MP6 GPU, which runs at a peak frequency of 1400 MHz and includes six shader pipelines. In contrast, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 houses the Adreno 720 GPU, operating at 975 MHz with three pipelines. This hardware disparity translates into more shader units, higher floating-point operations per second (FLOPS), and smoother rendering on the MediaTek side.
MediaTek also integrates its HyperEngine Adaptive Gaming Technology, which dynamically adjusts performance and network latency during gameplay. While Qualcomm offers its Snapdragon Elite Gaming suite with enhancements like VRS (Variable Rate Shading) and Game Quick Touch, the raw horsepower of the Dimensity 8350 often pulls ahead in demanding mobile titles.
Benchmark results reflect this real-world difference clearly—the Dimensity 8350 consistently scores higher in both AnTuTu and Geekbench tests, especially in GPU and multi-core performance.
Both chipsets feature dedicated NPUs for handling AI-driven tasks like image recognition, voice processing, and device optimization. The MediaTek NPU 780 and Qualcomm Hexagon NPU are both capable of running complex machine learning models, including support for lightweight LLMs. While neither brand reveals raw NPU performance numbers, the more recent architecture in the Dimensity 8350 tends to be better optimized for newer AI workloads, offering quicker execution and more efficient resource allocation.
Memory bandwidth plays a crucial role in device performance, especially when juggling multiple apps or editing high-resolution content. Here too, the Dimensity 8350 demonstrates superiority with LPDDR5x RAM clocked at 4.2 GHz, compared to the LPDDR5 memory at 3.2 GHz on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Both support UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring fast read/write speeds for app loading, file transfers, and system responsiveness. However, the faster RAM on MediaTek’s side contributes to smoother multitasking and better overall system throughput.
Smartphone photography continues to be a major differentiator, and both chipsets bring strong image signal processing capabilities to the table. The Dimensity 8350 uses the 14-bit MediaTek Imagiq 980 ISP, which supports camera resolutions up to 320MP and delivers true 4K HDR video recording at 60fps. Its features include AI-assisted autofocus, auto exposure, and color correction, as well as EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) and bokeh video effects.
On the other side, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 features the 12-bit Spectra triple ISP, with support for up to 200MP cameras and 4K video capture. Qualcomm’s imaging features are also robust, offering AI Remosaic, AI Noise Reduction, and AI Video Retouch, along with support for Ultra HDR photos, a format developed in collaboration with Google.
While both processors are capable of producing impressive imaging results, the higher bit-depth ISP and higher resolution ceiling of the Dimensity 8350 make it a better option for photography enthusiasts and content creators.
In terms of connectivity, both chipsets offer 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.4, but the implementation slightly favors the Dimensity 8350. Its MediaTek 5G modem reaches a peak download speed of 5.17 Gbps, just edging past the Snapdragon X63’s 5 Gbps. More importantly, it includes MediaTek UltraSave 3.0+ technology, which improves power efficiency by up to 15%, extending battery life during heavy data use.
The Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 counters with Qualcomm Smart Transmit 2.0, AI-enhanced signal boost, and 5G PowerSave 2.0, focusing on consistent signal strength and low-latency performance. While both approaches are effective, the Dimensity 8350’s marginally faster speeds and improved power efficiency give it a practical advantage in daily usage.
In a direct head-to-head comparison, the Dimensity 8350 emerges as the superior performer across most critical metrics. It offers higher CPU clock speeds, a more powerful GPU, faster memory, a more advanced ISP, and marginally better 5G performance. These enhancements make it an ideal choice for power users, gamers, and anyone seeking top-tier performance in the mid-range segment.
That said, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 still holds its own, especially for users who value Qualcomm’s well-optimized software stack, proven thermal efficiency, and reliable feature integration. It remains a great option for everyday smartphone users who want a smooth, balanced experience without necessarily pushing their devices to the limit.
In conclusion, if your priority is raw performance, faster gaming, better imaging, and longer-lasting connectivity under heavy loads, the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 is the clear winner. However, for those satisfied with dependable, well-rounded performance for day-to-day tasks, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 remains a solid and capable contender.
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