MediaTek has officially announced the Dimensity 9500s, and at first sight, it seems fresh; however, a closer look reveals something intriguing. This chipset is a polished reincarnation of the Dimensity 9400+, optimized for high-end Android devices.
On the opposite side is the Dimensity 8500, a totally different creature, crafted not to conquer benchmarks, but to harmonize power, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Dimensity 9500s: When Raw Power Is the Priority
A CPU Built Like a Performance Pyramid
At the core of the Dimensity 9500s is a powerful CPU architecture driven by Arm’s latest cores.
1x Cortex-X925 @ up to 3.73GHz
- This is the powerhouse core, crafted for demanding tasks such as console-quality gaming, AI processing, and extensive multitasking.
3x Cortex-X4 performance cores
- These ensure that heavy applications operate smoothly without needing to activate the main powerhouse core each time.
4x Cortex-A720 efficiency cores
- They manage everyday tasks quietly, conserving power in the background.
Equipped with a 12MB L3 cache and a substantial 10MB System Level Cache, the 9500s reduces memory latency, resulting in apps that feel instantaneous, not just quick.
Dimensity 8500: Uniform Cores, Smarter Balance
A Different CPU Philosophy Entirely
The Dimensity 8500 adopts a more streamlined and symmetrical design.
- All 8 cores are Cortex-A725.
- They are clocked differently to achieve various performance levels:
- 1x @ 3.4GHz
- 3x @ 3.2GHz
- 4x @ 2.2GHz
Why is this important?
Because this configuration:
- Minimizes thermal spikes
- Enhances sustained performance
- Prolongs battery life during actual use.
With 6MB of L3 cache and 5MB of SLC, it’s more efficient, but that’s by design.
Memory & Storage: Both Are Fast, One Is Smarter
Dimensity 9500s
- LPDDR5X up to 9600 Mbps
- Storage: UFS 4 + MCQ
- Built for high-end multitasking and AI workloads
Dimensity 8500
- LPDDR5X (4-channel) @ 9600 Mbps
- UFS 4 + MCQ
- Optimized for efficiency and consistency
In real life?
Both options seem incredibly quick; however, the 9500s performs better under stress, whereas the 8500 remains cooler during extended use.
5G & Cellular: Future-Proof vs Practical-Advanced
Dimensity 9500s = 5G Release 17 Monster
- Full 3GPP R17 support
- Sub-6GHz 300MHz bandwidth
- Dual SIM Dual Active + Dual Data
- Advanced VoNR, 256QAM, enhanced MIMO
- UltraSave 4.0 power optimization
This chip is crafted for future 5G networks, rather than the current towers.
Dimensity 8500 = Intelligent 5G-Advanced
- 3GPP R16
- 220MHz bandwidth
- Smart Network Suite 3.0
- Subway Mode 2.0
- UltraSave 3.0+
Ideal for markets where network reliability is prioritized over maximum speed.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Desktop-Class vs Everyday Speed
Dimensity 9500s
- Wi-Fi 7
- Triple-band, triple concurrency
- Peak speed: 6.5 Gbps
- Bluetooth 5.4
This phone offers wireless performance comparable to that of a laptop.
Dimensity 8500
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 2T2R antenna
- Bluetooth 5.4
Still quick, just not cutting-edge.
Camera Capabilities: Computational Photography King vs Capable Shooter
Dimensity 9500s Imaging Power
- Supports up to 320MP sensors
- 108MP single camera @ 30fps
- Triple 36MP simultaneous capture
- 8K @ 60fps video recording
- 10-bit HDR encode & decode
- AV1, HEVC, VP9 support
This chip is designed specially for flagship cameras.
Dimensity 8500 Camera Support
- 320MP sensor support
- Triple 32MP cameras
- 4K @ 60fps recording
- Reliable codecs for mainstream use
Fantastic for creators, though not quite cinema-quality.
GPU & Gaming: Console DNA vs Controlled Power
Dimensity 9500s GPU
- Arm Immortalis-G925
- Advanced ray tracing
- Sustained high-FPS gaming
- 8K video decode
This is intended for dedicated gamers and tasks involving AR/VR.
Dimensity 8500 GPU
- Mali-G720 MC8
- Optimized for efficiency
- Smooth 4K playback and gaming
Ideal for extended gaming sessions without the risk of overheating.
AI & NPU: Generative Intelligence vs Smart Assistance
Dimensity 9500s AI Engine
- MediaTek NPU with Generative AI
- Agentic AI processing
- On-device large language models
- Real-time image, voice, and text AI
This chip is designed with AI as the primary focus, rather than just adding AI features.
Dimensity 8500 NPU 880
- Intelligent photography
- Network optimization
- Voice and system AI
Effective, convenient, and energy-efficient.
Display Support: Foldables vs Traditional Panels
Dimensity 9500s
- WQHD+ @ 180Hz
- Tri-port MIPI
- Tri-fold display support
Absolutely, this chip is prepared for the upcoming generation of foldable devices.
Dimensity 8500
- WQHD+ @ 144Hz
- Dual-screen support
Ideal for classic slab phones and dual-display devices.
Final Verdict: Which One Is For You?
Choose Dimensity 9500s if you want:
- Absolute flagship performance
- AI-driven experiences
- Advanced foldables
- Desktop-class connectivity
Choose Dimensity 8500 if you want:
- Long battery life
- Stable termals
- Premium performance without excess
- Better cost-to-value ratio