Quick Answer
The MediaTek Dimensity 8450 and Dimensity 8350 are both upper-mid-range 5G chipsets. The Dimensity 8450 is a newer generation, offering a more advanced CPU configuration, a significantly more powerful GPU, and support for faster memory. The Dimensity 8350 provides a capable but slightly older feature set, typically found in more budget-conscious devices.
MediaTek Dimensity 8450 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8350: Full Comparison
Introduction
When evaluating smartphones in the upper-mid-range segment, the system-on-chip (SoC) is a critical component that dictates performance, efficiency, and feature support. MediaTek’s Dimensity 8000 series has been a popular choice for manufacturers. This comparison breaks down the differences between the Dimensity 8450 and its predecessor, the Dimensity 8350. Understanding their specifications in areas like CPU, GPU, AI, and connectivity can help clarify what each chipset brings to a device and what users can generally expect in terms of capabilities.
CPU & Performance
The core processing units represent a clear generational step between these two chipsets.
- Dimensity 8450: This chipset is built on a 4nm process. Its CPU typically features a 1+3+4 core configuration: one high-performance Cortex-X4 core, three balanced Cortex-A720 cores, and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A520 cores.
- Dimensity 8350: Manufactured on a 5nm process, it uses an older CPU architecture. It generally employs a 1+3+4 setup with one Cortex-A78 core, three Cortex-A78 cores, and four Cortex-A55 cores.
The shift to the newer ARMv9 architecture in the 8450, along with the more advanced manufacturing process, typically results in better performance-per-watt, meaning it can handle demanding tasks more efficiently than the 8350.
GPU & Gaming
Graphics performance sees one of the most substantial upgrades.
- Dimensity 8450: It integrates an ARM Mali-G720 MC6 GPU. This is a modern GPU that supports advanced features like hardware-based ray tracing, offering more realistic lighting in supported games.
- Dimensity 8350: It uses an ARM Mali-G610 MC6 GPU. While capable for its time, it lacks the architectural advancements and dedicated ray tracing hardware of the G720.
For gaming, the Dimensity 8450 generally provides a noticeably smoother experience at higher graphical settings, especially in titles that utilize its newer graphical features.
AI & Imaging
Both chipsets include dedicated AI Processing Units (APUs), but with different capabilities.
- Dimensity 8450: Features MediaTek’s newer APU 790. This APU is designed to be more efficient and powerful, enabling faster and more complex on-device AI tasks. This can enhance computational photography, video recording features, and language model processing.
- Dimensity 8350: Equipped with the older APU 580. It handles standard AI-assisted camera and system functions well but may not match the speed or complexity of tasks managed by the newer APU.
In practice, the 8450 can support more advanced real-time camera effects, better noise reduction in videos, and improved scene recognition.
Connectivity & Modem
Both are integrated 5G chipsets with strong connectivity suites, though with some differences.
- 5G Modem: Both include a 5G modem supporting sub-6GHz networks. The Dimensity 8450’s modem may offer slightly better power efficiency.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: The Dimensity 8450 typically supports newer Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards. The Dimensity 8350 generally supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. For most current users, both are highly capable.
- Memory Support: The Dimensity 8450 supports faster LPDDR5x RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, while the 8350 supports LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage. This gives the 8450 an advantage in data transfer speeds.
Comparison Table
| Feature | MediaTek Dimensity 8450 | MediaTek Dimensity 8350 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 4nm | 5nm |
| CPU Architecture | 1x Cortex-X4 + 3x Cortex-A720 + 4x Cortex-A520 | 1x Cortex-A78 + 3x Cortex-A78 + 4x Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G720 MC6 (with hardware ray tracing) | ARM Mali-G610 MC6 |
| AI Processor | MediaTek APU 790 | MediaTek APU 580 |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Sub-6GHz | Integrated Sub-6GHz |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5x, UFS 4.0 | LPDDR5, UFS 3.1 |
| Max Display Support | WQHD+ @ 120Hz / FHD+ @ 180Hz | WQHD+ @ 120Hz / FHD+ @ 168Hz |
| Max Camera Support | 320MP single, 4K HDR video | 200MP single, 4K video |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Dimensity 8450 and 8350?
The main differences are generational. The Dimensity 8450 uses a newer 4nm process, a modern CPU with Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores, a Mali-G720 GPU with ray tracing support, and a more advanced APU 790 for AI tasks.
Which chipset is better for gaming?
The MediaTek Dimensity 8450 is generally better suited for gaming due to its more powerful Mali-G720 GPU, which supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and offers higher graphical performance compared to the Mali-G610 in the Dimensity 8350.
Do both chipsets support 5G?
Yes, both the Dimensity 8450 and Dimensity 8350 feature integrated 5G modems that support sub-6GHz networks, which are the most common 5G bands in most regions.
How does the AI performance compare?
The Dimensity 8450’s APU 790 is a newer and more efficient AI processor than the APU 580 in the 8350. This typically translates to faster on-device AI processing for features like camera enhancements, voice assistants, and live translation.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Dimensity 8450 represents a clear technological step forward from the Dimensity 8350, offering improvements in CPU efficiency, GPU performance for gaming, AI processing power, and support for faster memory and newer connectivity standards. The Dimensity 8350 remains a capable chipset that can handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming effectively. The choice between devices powered by these chipsets often comes down to the specific performance demands of the user and the other features offered by the smartphone manufacturer, such as display quality, camera hardware, and software optimization.