MediaTek Set to Launch Dimensity 9400+ SoC for Upcoming Chinese Flagship Smartphones

Just a few short months after the official unveiling of the Dimensity 9400, numerous Chinese manufacturers have begun integrating this flagship system-on-chip (SoC) into their top-tier smartphones. Yet, according to a recent tip from a well-known leaker, MediaTek is preparing to introduce an upgraded version, the Dimensity 9400+, in the near future, marking the third consecutive iteration of enhanced high-end silicon from the company.

Dimensity 9400+: Aiming to Compete with Snapdragon 8 Elite

As anticipated with previous releases, the upcoming Dimensity 9400+ is expected to feature increased CPU and GPU clock speeds, specifically designed to challenge Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. A report from Digital Chat Station on Weibo indicates that OPPO plans to launch three flagship devices within the first half of next year, showcasing display sizes of 6.3 inches, 6.6 inches, and 6.8 inches—each powered by the new SoC.

While detailed specifications for the Dimensity 9400+ remain undisclosed, it appears that the enhancements may not be dramatically different from its predecessor. This trend aligns with MediaTek’s previous strategy seen with the Dimensity 9300 and 9300+, whereby only incremental upgrades were introduced.

Anticipated Enhancements and Competitive Edge

The Dimensity 9400+ might feature slight improvements including higher clock speeds and a more efficient APU, with the GPU potentially seeing a minor frequency increase as well. These changes, albeit modest, serve a strategic purpose: to bolster MediaTek’s competitive stance against Qualcomm’s leading Snapdragon 8 Elite, which boasts performance cores that can reach clock speeds of up to 4.57GHz under optimal cooling conditions, thus achieving exceptional single-threaded performance.

Currently, the Dimensity 9400 utilizes Cortex-X925 cores, capable of reaching a maximum clock speed of 3.63GHz. There is speculation that MediaTek could push the Dimensity 9400+ to approach 3.70GHz. While this adjustment would still leave a notable performance gap post-launch, it may help narrow the performance disparity as evident from both synthetic and real-world benchmark tests. As always, it’s prudent for readers to approach such rumors with caution until further confirmations and details emerge.