The mobile chipset war continues to heat up in 2025, with Qualcomm and MediaTek rolling out their latest contenders for flagship-level performance. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, launched in April 2025, and MediaTek Dimensity 9400e, introduced in May 2025, are both fabricated on TSMC’s advanced 4nm process and built around the ARMv9.2 architecture. While both promise cutting-edge AI capabilities, gaming performance, and future-ready connectivity, they take notably different approaches in CPU and GPU configuration.
Let’s break down how these two powerful chips stack up in key areas and which one might suit your smartphone needs better.
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Dimensity 9400e |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Core | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.21GHz | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.4GHz |
| Performance Cores | 3x Cortex-A720 @ 3.0GHz 2x Cortex-A720 @ 2.8GHz |
3x Cortex-X4 @ 2.85GHz |
| Efficiency Cores | 2x Cortex-A720 @ 2.02GHz | 4x Cortex-A720 @ 2.0GHz |
While both chipsets utilize Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores, the Dimensity 9400e features a more performance-heavy CPU setup, deploying four Cortex-X4 cores. This gives MediaTek’s chip a clear advantage in raw computational power and multi-threaded workloads. Benchmarks have already shown that it outperforms Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 in both Geekbench and AnTuTu CPU scores, making it a better choice for multitasking, heavy apps, and long-term performance under sustained load.
The GPU tells a different story.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Adreno 825 GPU, optimized with Snapdragon Elite Gaming features and hardware ray tracing support.
Dimensity 9400e: Mali-G720 Immortalis MP12, also with ray tracing and HyperEngine enhancements.
While the Mali-G720 Immortalis is capable, the Adreno 825 outperforms it in frame rate stability and thermal efficiency in gaming benchmarks. Qualcomm’s focus on GPU tuning, better thermals, and rendering optimization results in superior gaming performance, especially in long sessions or graphically intensive titles.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Equipped with a Hexagon NPU, 44% faster than the previous gen, with 2x larger shared memory. Ideal for Windows Copilot-like experiences, camera enhancements, and on-device AI processing.
Dimensity 9400e: Features the MediaTek NPU 790, capable of running generative AI models, including LLMs (Large Language Models) and advanced photo/video AI enhancements.
While both chips are well-equipped, Dimensity 9400e offers broader support for next-gen AI use cases like on-device LLMs, positioning it as the better pick for AI-driven tasks and future-focused applications.
Snapdragon 8s Gen 4:
Dimensity 9400e:
While both support ultra-high-resolution photography, MediaTek’s support for 8K video recording gives it a slight edge in terms of video performance. However, Qualcomm’s superior real-time processing and ISP optimizations may benefit creators focusing on quality, filters, and live effects.
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 | Dimensity 9400e |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X75 | MediaTek 5G modem |
| 5G Download Speed | Up to 4.2 Gbps | Up to 7 Gbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (5.8 Gbps) | Wi-Fi 7 (7.3 Gbps) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6.0 | Bluetooth 6.0 |
Dimensity 9400e pulls ahead in raw wireless speeds, offering higher download rates on both 5G and Wi-Fi 7. That makes it more future-proof for users in high-speed data zones. Still, Qualcomm modems are often considered more stable and widely optimized across global bands and carriers.
| Feature Area | Winner |
|---|---|
| CPU | Dimensity 9400e |
| GPU / Gaming | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
| AI/NPU | Dimensity 9400e |
| Camera ISP | Tie (Video edge: Dimensity) |
| Connectivity | Dimensity 9400e |
| Battery/Performance Balance | Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 |
Choose Dimensity 9400e if you need powerful multitasking and cutting-edge connectivity. Its all-big-core CPU setup with four Cortex-X4 cores delivers superior processing power, making it ideal for users who demand top-tier performance across apps and workloads. With faster 5G and Wi-Fi 7 speeds, it ensures quick downloads and seamless online experiences. The chipset also excels in AI tasks, offering better handling of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI applications. And for creators, 8K video recording support adds an extra edge for ultra-high-resolution content capture.
Choose Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 if you prioritize smoother gaming and balanced real-world performance. Its Adreno 825 GPU brings excellent graphics stability and efficient thermal management, perfect for extended gaming sessions. Backed by Qualcomm’s reliable ISP and camera stack, it ensures high-quality imaging and smart AI optimizations for photos and videos. The chip also focuses on efficient battery usage, delivering reliable performance without overheating. With a trusted modem and wide compatibility, it's a strong all-rounder suited for gamers, content creators, and anyone who values consistent everyday performance.
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