Quick Answer
The MediaTek Dimensity 8350 and Dimensity 8300 are both upper-mid-range 5G chipsets, with the 8350 being the newer iteration. The primary differences lie in the CPU configuration, where the 8350 features a higher-clocked prime core, and the AI processing unit (APU), which is more advanced in the newer chipset. Both offer strong performance for gaming and multitasking, with the 8350 providing a modest generational uplift.
MediaTek Dimensity 8350 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8300: Full Comparison
Choosing the right chipset is a key factor in determining a smartphone’s performance, efficiency, and feature set. For those considering devices in the upper-mid-range segment, the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 and its successor, the Dimensity 8350, are often central to the decision. This comparison breaks down the specifications, architectural differences, and typical performance characteristics of these two system-on-chips (SoCs) to help clarify which might be more suitable for different user needs.
CPU and Performance
Both chipsets are built on a 4nm process technology, which generally contributes to good power efficiency. Their CPU architectures are similar but have distinct configurations that affect peak performance.
- Dimensity 8300: Features an octa-core CPU with 1x Arm Cortex-A715 core at up to 3.35 GHz, 3x Arm Cortex-A715 cores at up to 3.2 GHz, and 4x Arm Cortex-A510 efficiency cores at up to 2.2 GHz.
- Dimensity 8350: Also an octa-core CPU, but it uses 1x Arm Cortex-A715 core at a higher peak clock speed of up to 3.4 GHz, 3x Arm Cortex-A715 cores at up to 3.2 GHz, and 4x Arm Cortex-A510 efficiency cores at up to 2.2 GHz.
The slight increase in the prime core’s clock speed in the Dimensity 8350 can translate to marginally better single-threaded performance, which is often noticeable in app launch speeds and certain gaming scenarios. For most multi-threaded tasks, however, the performance is typically very close.
GPU and Gaming
Graphics processing is handled by the same GPU in both chipsets, but with a different naming convention and potential optimizations.
- Dimensity 8300: Equipped with an Arm Mali-G615 MC6 GPU.
- Dimensity 8350: Equipped with an Arm Mali-G615 MC6 GPU. MediaTek has stated this is an “enhanced” version, which may include driver optimizations or slightly higher sustained performance, though the core hardware is the same.
Both GPUs support advanced gaming features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting in supported games. They are capable of handling demanding mobile games at high frame rates, with the 8350 potentially offering slightly more stable performance in prolonged sessions due to its newer design and optimizations.
AI and Connectivity
Artificial Intelligence and connectivity are areas where the generational difference becomes more apparent.
- AI Processing Unit (APU): The Dimensity 8300 includes a 780 AI Processing Unit. The Dimensity 8350 upgrades this to a 790 AI Processing Unit, which typically offers improved performance per watt for AI-driven tasks like camera processing, voice assistants, and live translation features.
- Connectivity: Both integrate a 5G modem with Sub-6GHz support and offer similar peak download speeds. They also support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4. The 8350’s modem may include minor efficiency improvements.
- Imaging: Both support very high-resolution camera sensors (up to 320MP for stills) and advanced features like 4K HDR video recording. The enhanced APU in the 8350 can enable faster or more complex computational photography.
Efficiency and Thermal Management
Built on the same 4nm process, both chipsets are designed for efficiency. The Dimensity 8350, as the newer chip, often benefits from refined manufacturing and architectural tweaks that can lead to slightly better power management under load. This can result in marginally longer battery life or less thermal throttling during intensive tasks compared to the 8300, though the difference in real-world use is often subtle and depends heavily on the smartphone manufacturer’s cooling solution and software tuning.
Comparison Table: MediaTek Dimensity 8350 vs Dimensity 8300
| Feature | MediaTek Dimensity 8350 | MediaTek Dimensity 8300 |
|---|---|---|
| Process Node | 4nm | 4nm |
| CPU Cores | 1x Cortex-A715 @ 3.4 GHz 3x Cortex-A715 @ 3.2 GHz 4x Cortex-A510 @ 2.2 GHz |
1x Cortex-A715 @ 3.35 GHz 3x Cortex-A715 @ 3.2 GHz 4x Cortex-A510 @ 2.2 GHz |
| GPU | Arm Mali-G615 MC6 (Enhanced) | Arm Mali-G615 MC6 |
| AI Processor | 790 APU | 780 APU |
| Max Display Support | WQHD+ @ 120Hz / FHD+ @ 180Hz | WQHD+ @ 120Hz / FHD+ @ 180Hz |
| Max Camera Support | 320MP single / 4K HDR video | 320MP single / 4K HDR video |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage | LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Sub-6GHz | Integrated Sub-6GHz |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Dimensity 8350 and 8300?
The main differences are a slightly higher CPU clock speed on the prime core (3.4 GHz vs 3.35 GHz) and a more advanced AI Processing Unit (790 APU vs 780 APU) in the Dimensity 8350. The GPU is nominally the same but may be enhanced in the newer chip.
Is the Dimensity 8350 significantly better for gaming?
Not significantly. Both chipsets share the same Mali-G615 MC6 GPU architecture and support advanced gaming features. The 8350 may offer slightly more stable performance or better thermal management due to its newer design, but the gaming experience is generally very similar.
Which chipset is more power-efficient?
Both are built on a 4nm process and are designed for efficiency. The Dimensity 8350, being a newer iteration, typically incorporates refinements that can lead to marginally better power efficiency, but the real-world battery life difference in a smartphone depends largely on other factors like display size and battery capacity.
Do phones with these chipsets support high refresh rate displays?
Yes. Both the Dimensity 8350 and 8300 support high refresh rate displays, typically up to 120Hz for WQHD+ resolution and even higher (e.g., 180Hz) for FHD+ resolution displays.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Dimensity 8350 and Dimensity 8300 are closely related chipsets that offer robust performance for the upper-mid-range smartphone segment. The 8350 provides a logical, incremental update over the 8300, with modest improvements in CPU clock speed and AI capabilities. For users, the choice often comes down to the specific smartphone models that feature these chipsets, as design, camera systems, software, and battery life will vary between devices. The Dimensity 8300 remains a highly capable option, while the 8350 represents the slightly newer standard for brands refreshing their product lines.