Snapdragon 8s Gen vs MediaTek Dimensity 9300: The Complete 2025 Comparison Guide
The smartphone processor war in 2025 is being fought mainly between Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen series and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300. Both chipsets bring flagship-level power, but they take very different approaches:
- Snapdragon 8s Gen → Focuses on balance, efficiency, and thermal management.
- Dimensity 9300 → Pushes raw performance with an all-big-core CPU design.
If you’re wondering which processor is best for gaming, AI, multitasking, photography, or long-term usage, this in-depth comparison will help you decide.
Snapdragon 8s Gen vs MediaTek Dimensity 9300: Architecture and Manufacturing
Snapdragon 8s Gen
- Built on TSMC’s advanced 4nm process node.
- Uses a traditional big.LITTLE architecture with performance and efficiency cores.
- CPU configuration includes:
- Cortex-X4 performance cores (up to 3.2 GHz)
- Cortex-A720 efficiency cores (2.0–2.8 GHz)
- Large L3 cache ensures stable performance in heavy tasks.
MediaTek Dimensity 9300
- Also manufactured on TSMC’s 4nm node.
- Unique all-big-core design (no efficiency cores).
- CPU configuration:
- 4x Cortex-X4 cores
- 4x Cortex-A720 cores
- Primary Cortex-X4 clocked at 3.25 GHz.
- First mainstream mobile processor to eliminate efficiency cores, focusing purely on raw power.
Verdict:
- Snapdragon 8s Gen = Balanced design for power + efficiency.
- Dimensity 9300 = Revolutionary all-performance core setup for extreme multitasking & raw performance.
Snapdragon 8s Gen vs MediaTek Dimensity 9300: CPU & GPU Performance
CPU Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Snapdragon 8s Gen | MediaTek Dimensity 9300 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu (Total Score) | ~1,400,000 | ~1,750,000 | Dimensity 9300 |
| Geekbench Single-Core | ~1,900 | ~2,100 | Dimensity 9300 |
| Geekbench Multi-Core | ~5,200 | ~7,200 | Dimensity 9300 |
| 3DMark CPU | ~16,000 | ~19,500 | Dimensity 9300 |
- Dimensity 9300 dominates benchmarks, especially in multi-core performance, thanks to its all-big-core design.
GPU Performance & Gaming
| Graphics Test | Snapdragon 8s Gen (Adreno 735) | Dimensity 9300 (Mali-G720) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3DMark Wild Life | ~14,500 | ~13,800 | Snapdragon 8s |
| GFXBench Manhattan | ~185 FPS | ~165 FPS | Snapdragon 8s |
| AnTuTu GPU | ~580,000 | ~520,000 | Snapdragon 8s |
Snapdragon 8s Gaming Advantages:
- Adreno GPU optimization → Years of developer support.
- Stable frame rates in long gaming sessions.
- Snapdragon Elite Gaming features like Variable Rate Shading & Game Quick Touch.
- Lower heat output → Less thermal throttling.
Dimensity 9300 Gaming Advantages:
- Raw power handles complex game logic better.
- Advanced ray tracing supported by Mali-G720.
- AI-enhanced gaming improves performance in supported titles.
Verdict:
- Snapdragon 8s = Best for consistent gaming & cooler performance.
- Dimensity 9300 = Best for short-term FPS spikes & advanced features.
Snapdragon 8s Gen vs MediaTek Dimensity 9300: Power Efficiency & Thermal Management
| Aspect | Snapdragon 8s Gen | Dimensity 9300 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle Power Consumption | 0.8W | 1.2W | Snapdragon |
| Peak Power Draw | 8.5W | 12W | Snapdragon |
| Thermal Throttling | Minimal | Moderate | Snapdragon |
| Battery Life Impact | Excellent | Good | Snapdragon |
Verdict: Snapdragon 8s Gen offers better battery life, runs cooler, and delivers sustained performance, while Dimensity 9300 sacrifices efficiency for raw speed.
AI and Machine Learning Capabilities
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen | Dimensity 9300 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Processor | Hexagon NPU | APU 790 | Tie |
| AI Performance | ~45 TOPS | ~90+ TOPS | Dimensity 9300 |
| Framework Support | TensorFlow, PyTorch | TensorFlow, NeuPilot | Tie |
| Real-Time AI | Excellent | Outstanding | Dimensity 9300 |
Verdict:
- Dimensity 9300 is far superior in raw AI performance, making it better for AI-powered photography, live translations, and next-gen mobile AI apps.
- Snapdragon 8s is optimized for consistent real-world use, but lags in TOPS numbers.
Camera & ISP Performance
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen | Dimensity 9300 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Camera Resolution | 200 MP | 320 MP | Dimensity 9300 |
| Multi-Camera Support | Triple 36 MP | Triple 32 MP | Snapdragon 8s |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 30fps | 8K @ 30fps | Tie |
| HDR Support | 10-bit HDR | 10-bit HDR | Tie |
Connectivity & 5G
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Gen | Dimensity 9300 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X70 | MediaTek M80 | Tie |
| Download Speed | Up to 10 Gbps | Up to 7 Gbps | Snapdragon |
| Upload Speed | Up to 3.5 Gbps | Up to 3.5 Gbps | Tie |
| mmWave Support | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Indoor Coverage | Good | Better | Dimensity 9300 |
Verdict:
- Snapdragon 8s Gen has stronger global 5G optimization.
- Dimensity 9300 provides better indoor coverage, especially in Asian markets.
Software Support & Updates
Snapdragon 8s Gen Advantages:
- 4+ years of Android updates.
- Large custom ROM development community.
- More consistent driver support & optimizations.
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Improvements:
- Update support has improved significantly in recent years.
- Stronger cooperation with OEMs in Asian markets.
- Developer community is growing rapidly.
Verdict: Snapdragon 8s Gen still leads in long-term software support.
Price & Value for Money
| Aspect | Snapdragon 8s Gen | Dimensity 9300 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $400–$700 | $300–$600 | Dimensity 9300 |
| Availability | Global | Mainly Asian markets | Snapdragon |
| OEM Adoption | High | Growing | Snapdragon |
| Value for Money | Good | Excellent | Dimensity 9300 |
Verdict:
- Dimensity 9300 = More performance per dollar (best value).
- Snapdragon 8s = More widely available globally with better brand adoption.
Final Verdict: Snapdragon 8s Gen vs Dimensity 9300 – Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Snapdragon 8s Gen if you:
Play a lot of games and want a stable FPS
Prefer better battery life & cooler performance
Need global 5G support & long-term updates - Choose MediaTek Dimensity 9300 if you:
Want raw benchmark power & cutting-edge AI
Use AI-heavy apps & photography
Want the best performance per dollar
Are mainly in Asian markets
Final Recommendation:
- Snapdragon 8s Gen = Best balanced flagship processor for 2025.
- Dimensity 9300 = Best performance powerhouse for AI & raw speed.
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