Quick Answer
The MediaTek Dimensity 930 and Dimensity 1080 are both mid-range 5G chipsets designed for smartphones. The Dimensity 1080 generally offers slightly better CPU performance and a more advanced image signal processor, while the Dimensity 930 features a newer, more power-efficient manufacturing process and a more modern GPU architecture.
MediaTek Dimensity 930 vs MediaTek Dimensity 1080: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the processor that powers it. In the competitive mid-range segment, MediaTek’s Dimensity series offers capable 5G performance. This comparison examines two of these chipsets: the Dimensity 930 and the Dimensity 1080. While their names might suggest a clear generational difference, their positioning and features are nuanced. This analysis will break down their specifications in key areas like CPU, GPU, connectivity, and multimedia to clarify their differences and help you understand what each chipset typically brings to a device.
Performance: CPU and Manufacturing Process
The core computing power and efficiency of a chipset are defined by its CPU configuration and how it’s built.
- Dimensity 930: This chipset is built on a 6nm manufacturing process. Its CPU uses an octa-core setup with two ARM Cortex-A78 performance cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six ARM Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz. The 6nm process typically contributes to good power efficiency.
- Dimensity 1080: Fabricated on a slightly older 6nm node as well, its CPU configuration is similar but with a higher clock speed for the performance cores. It features two Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz. The higher clock speed suggests a potential for better peak CPU performance in tasks like app loading.
In summary, the Dimensity 1080 has a clock speed advantage for its performance cores, while both share a similar efficiency core structure and manufacturing process.
Graphics and Gaming: GPU Comparison
The GPU handles everything visual, from the user interface to gaming graphics.
- Dimensity 930: It integrates an IMG BXM-8-256 GPU. This is based on Imagination Technologies’ newer B-series architecture, which is designed for a balance of performance and efficiency in the mid-range.
- Dimensity 1080: This chipset uses an ARM Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. The Mali-G68 is a proven design in this segment, offering support for features like Variable Rate Shading (VRS) to improve gaming efficiency.
Both GPUs are capable of handling mainstream mobile games at medium to high settings. The performance in real-world devices can vary based on the manufacturer’s optimization and thermal design.
Camera and Multimedia Capabilities
The Image Signal Processor (ISP) defines the camera hardware a phone can support and the computational photography features available.
- Dimensity 930: Its ISP supports single-camera setups up to 108MP. It can also handle dual-camera configurations like 20MP + 20MP. It supports video capture at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second.
- Dimensity 1080: It features a more advanced Imagiq 780 ISP. This supports single-camera sensors up to 200MP, a significant increase. It also allows for 4K HDR video recording, which the Dimensity 930 does not explicitly list. Video capture is also at 4K/30fps.
The Dimensity 1080 holds a clear advantage in supported camera hardware, enabling higher-resolution sensors and HDR video recording.
Connectivity and Network Features
Both chipsets are focused on delivering comprehensive 5G connectivity for mid-range devices.
- 5G: Both integrate a 5G modem with support for sub-6GHz networks. They typically offer dual-SIM 5G standby, allowing both SIMs to access 5G networks.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The Dimensity 930 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Dimensity 1080 supports Wi-Fi 6 as well but pairs it with the newer Bluetooth 5.3 standard, which can offer improvements in connection stability and power consumption.
- Other Connectivity: Both support standard features like GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou for positioning.
Connectivity is a strong point for both, with the Dimensity 1080 having a slight edge with Bluetooth 5.3 support.
Display and Audio Support
These specifications dictate the type of screen and audio technology a phone can use.
- Display: Both chipsets can drive displays with up to a 120Hz refresh rate at Full HD+ (2520 x 1080) resolution, ensuring smooth scrolling and animations.
- Audio: They both support modern audio codecs, providing a foundation for good sound quality through wired or wireless headphones.
There is no major difference in their display support; both enable high-refresh-rate screens commonly found in modern mid-range phones.
Specifications Comparison Table
| Feature | MediaTek Dimensity 930 | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | Octa-core (2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.2GHz, 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz) | Octa-core (2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.6GHz, 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz) |
| GPU | IMG BXM-8-256 | ARM Mali-G68 MC4 |
| ISP / Camera Support | Up to 108MP single camera, 4K/30fps video | Imagiq 780 ISP, up to 200MP single camera, 4K HDR/30fps video |
| Display Support | Up to FHD+ @ 120Hz | Up to FHD+ @ 120Hz |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Sub-6GHz | Integrated Sub-6GHz |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| AI Processing Unit (APU) | MediaTek APU | MediaTek APU |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Dimensity 930 and Dimensity 1080?
The primary differences lie in the CPU clock speeds and the camera ISP. The Dimensity 1080 has higher-clocked performance cores (2.6GHz vs 2.2GHz) and a more capable ISP that supports up to 200MP sensors and 4K HDR video.
Which chipset is better for gaming, the Dimensity 930 or 1080?
Both are designed for mainstream gaming. The Dimensity 1080 may have a slight edge in CPU-intensive game scenarios due to its higher clock speeds, while the Dimensity 930’s newer B-series GPU architecture focuses on efficiency. Real-world gaming performance also depends heavily on the phone’s cooling system.
Does the Dimensity 1080 have better battery life than the Dimensity 930?
Not necessarily. Battery life is determined by the entire device, including screen size and battery capacity. While the Dimensity 1080’s CPU is faster, the Dimensity 930’s newer GPU architecture and similar 6nm process are designed for efficiency. The final battery performance depends on the manufacturer’s overall optimization.
Which chipset supports a higher resolution camera?
The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 supports single-camera sensors up to 200MP through its Imagiq 780 ISP. The Dimensity 930 supports single-camera sensors up to 108MP.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Dimensity 930 and Dimensity 1080 represent two capable approaches to the mid-range 5G chipset market. The Dimensity 1080 appears focused on delivering stronger peak CPU performance and superior camera hardware support, making it a fit for devices prioritizing photography. The Dimensity 930, while potentially slightly less peaky in CPU tasks, incorporates a modern GPU architecture on an efficient manufacturing node. The choice between devices using these chipsets ultimately depends on which blend of features—be it a focus on camera potential, a balance of efficiency, or specific manufacturer software enhancements—aligns more closely with user priorities.