The smartphone processor market is competitive and ever-changing, with different companies introducing new chipsets every year. The two major players in this sector are Qualcomm and MediaTek, famous for providing high quality processors for premium phones. Both Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series and MediaTek’s Dimension series rely on ARM architecture, integrating 5G modems, advanced graphics and AI capabilities. However, there are significant differences between them, especially in terms of CPU and GPU performance, power efficiency and compatibility. In this guide, we’ll explore these companies’ upcoming flagship processors – the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 vs Dimensity 9300 – and explain why the latter isn’t quite enough to compete with the former in the high-end smartphone market.
CPU Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Has a More Balanced and Efficient Configuration
A significant factor that affects how well a smartphone processor performs is its CPU setup, which includes the number, type and speed of cores. This configuration directly affects the processor’s ability to handle various tasks such as multitasking, gaming, internet browsing and video editing. Moreover, the CPU setup has a direct impact on the device’s power consumption and overall battery life.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Dimensity 9300 have different CPU configurations, as shown in the table below:
| Processor | CPU Configuration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 1x Cortex-X4 + 3x Cortex-A720 + 4x Cortex-A520 | Up to 3.19 GHz |
| Dimensity 9300 | 1x Cortex-X4 + 3x Cortex-X4 + 4x Cortex-A720 | Up to 3.25 GHz |
Looking at the details, both processors have a total of eight cores, but they are allocated separately. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 follows a “1 + 3 + 4” setup, with one high-performance core (Cortex-X4), three medium-performance cores (Cortex-A720), and four low-power cores (Cortex-A520). On the other hand, the Dimensity 9300 adopts a “4 + 4” configuration, including four high-performance cores (Cortex-X4) and four medium-performance cores (Cortex-A720).
Cortex-X4 stands as ARM’s latest and most powerful core, aimed at delivering top-notch performance for demanding tasks. The Cortex-A720 is a new core offering improved performance and efficiency compared to the previous generation Cortex-A78. Meanwhile, the Cortex-A520 serves as a new core optimized for low-power operation for background tasks.
The difference between the two processors arises in how they handle the trade-off between performance and efficiency. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 maintains a well-balanced configuration, using only one Cortex-X4 core that can peak at 3.19 GHz when needed, while the other cores operate at lower frequencies to conserve power. In contrast, the Dimensity 9300 adopts a more aggressive setup, employing four Cortex-X4 cores capable of running up to 3.25 GHz, leading to higher power consumption and heat generation.
Leaked benchmark data suggests that the Dimensity 9300 slightly outperforms the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 when it comes to single-core performance. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 exhibits a higher multi-core score, which refers to its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising efficiency. In contrast, the Dimensity 9300 may face challenges in handling multitasking demands and maintaining battery life.
GPU Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Has More Advanced and Faster Graphics
Another important aspect that affects smartphone processor capabilities is the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is responsible for handling tasks that require heavy graphics use, such as gaming, video display, and image manipulation. GPU performance is dependent on several factors, including architecture, frequency, memory bandwidth, and support provided by drivers.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Dimensity 9300 have different GPUs, as shown in the table below:
| Processor | GPU Name | Architecture | Frequency | Memory Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Adreno 750 | Adreno 700 | Up to 770 MHz | Up to 64 GB/s |
| Dimensity 9300 | Mali-G720 Immortalis MP12 | Mali-G720 | Unknown | Up to 68.3 GB/s |
Looking at the details, both processors include GPUs based on different architectures: Qualcomm’s Adreno series and ARM’s Mali series. The Adreno series is recognized for its exceptional performance and compatibility with Android games and applications, while the Mali series is recognized for its cost-effectiveness and scalability.
The Adreno 750 serves as Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful GPU, supporting a new architecture featuring ray tracing, variable rate shading, and other advanced functionality. On the other hand, the Mali-G720 Immortalis MP12 serves as ARM’s latest and most powerful GPU, with 12 cores and a new architecture that facilitates adaptive performance scaling and other features.
The contrast between the two processors lies in their approach to delivering graphics performance. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 integrates a more advanced and faster GPU, which offers higher frequencies and more features than the Dimension 9300. Although the Dimension 9300’s memory bandwidth is slightly better, it may not fully compensate for the lower frequencies and fewer features.
Based on leaked benchmark data, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 outperforms the Dimensity 9300 in terms of GPU score, which indicates its ability to handle graphics-intensive tasks without compromising quality or frame rate. In contrast, the Dimensity 9300 may lag behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in terms of gaming performance and multimedia capabilities.
Conclusion: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is the Better Choice for Flagship Phones
Considering the comparison of CPU and GPU performance, it is clear that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 stands out as a superior alternative to the Dimensity 9300 for flagship phones. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 boasts a more balanced and efficient CPU setup. Advanced and faster GPU, ensures better compatibility with Android games and applications While the Dimensity 9300 may excel slightly in terms of single-core performance and memory bandwidth, it falls short of challenging the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the flagship phone domain.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 are set to be released in the last quarter of this year, powering some highly anticipated flagship phones from various brands. However, based on current data, it appears that Qualcomm maintains a distinct advantage over MediaTek in terms of processor performance and features. Therefore, if you are looking for a flagship phone equipped with the best processor, it seems logical to choose one integrated with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.