MediaTek Dimensity 8450 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite represent two of the most advanced 5G smartphone chipsets available, delivering more performance, AI capabilities, and immersive experiences for premium mobile users.
Built on power-efficient architectures, both chips offer high core counts with MediaTek using an All Big Core design featuring eight Arm Cortex-A725 cores and Qualcomm deploying custom Oryon CPU cores built on TSMC’s 3nm process, achieving notable gains in speed and power savings.
The Dimensity 8450 integrates the new Dimensity Agentic AI Engine and NPU 880 to support GenAI workloads, global large language models, and advanced camera enhancements. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, on the other hand, brings its Hexagon AI Engine for multimodal AI tasks and real-time generative AI use cases, alongside the Spectra AI ISP for intelligent imaging like object erasure and scene segmentation.
For gamers, both SoCs deliver flagship-grade performance. Dimensity 8450 offers ultra-high FPS gaming with efficient GPU performance via Mali-G720 MC7, while Snapdragon 8 Elite pairs its Adreno 830 GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing and support for Unreal Engine 5.3, bringing console-like graphics to mobile devices. MediaTek’s focus is on sustained performance and power efficiency, whereas Qualcomm emphasizes peak performance and thermal control over longer gaming sessions.
In imaging, Dimensity 8450 supports enhanced 4K60 HDR video with multi-frame EIS and in-sensor zoom via the Imagiq 1080 ISP. Snapdragon 8 Elite offers AI-enhanced photography with real-time semantic segmentation and 8K HDR video recording for smartphone users.
On connectivity, both support high-speed 5G, but Qualcomm’s X80 modem edges out with support for up to 10Gbps and satellite connectivity, while MediaTek supports 5G-A with 3CC CA and peak speeds of 5.17Gbps.
Overall, Snapdragon 8 Elite stands out for its brute-force performance, advanced AI imaging, and modem capabilities, ideal for users prioritizing top-tier features and long-term software optimization.
Dimensity 8450, meanwhile, offers a compelling balance of high-end performance, AI flexibility, gaming prowess, and power efficiency, giving OEMs and consumers a cost-effective premium alternative in the 5G smartphone segment.
China-based smartphone brands OPPO is set to launch the Reno14 Pro and a new K-series smartphone powered by the Dimensity 8450. MediaTek has indicated that several smartphone makers will be using the Dimensity 8450 chip for their AI smartphones.
Several leading smartphone brands have adopted Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset to power their latest flagship devices. Samsung is using the Snapdragon 8 Elite across its Galaxy S25 series, including the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, ensuring top-tier AI capabilities, camera enhancements, and high performance for global users.
OnePlus has integrated the chip into its new OnePlus 13 and 13s models, offering premium performance and sleek design. Xiaomi’s flagship lineup — Xiaomi 15, 15 Pro, and 15 Ultra—also features the Snapdragon 8 Elite, delivering advanced imaging, processing power, and display quality.
The chipset is also found in the iQOO 13, which emphasizes high-refresh displays and fast charging for performance enthusiasts. Realme’s GT 7 Pro combines value with top-tier features thanks to the same SoC. ASUS has included Snapdragon 8 Elite in its ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro models, focused on mobile gaming with high frame rates and dedicated cooling systems.
Motorola’s Razr 60 Ultra, a premium foldable device, benefits from the Elite’s performance in a compact form factor. ZTE’s nubia Z70 Ultra and Red Magic 10 Pro are also equipped with this chipset, targeting gaming and photography users. vivo is expected to launch the vivo X200 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Elite soon, expanding the chip’s presence in the flagship space.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
