Quick Answer
The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 is a direct successor to the Dimensity 700, offering a generational leap in CPU and GPU performance, camera processing capabilities, and display support. While both are 5G chipsets designed for budget-friendly devices, the Dimensity 1080 is generally found in more capable mid-range phones, whereas the Dimensity 700 typically powers entry-level models.
MediaTek Dimensity 700 vs MediaTek Dimensity 1080: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the chipset at its core, which dictates performance, efficiency, and feature support. MediaTek’s Dimensity series offers a range of options, and two popular choices in the budget to mid-range segment are the Dimensity 700 and the newer Dimensity 1080. This comparison breaks down their key differences in architecture, performance, and supported technologies to help clarify which chipset aligns with different user needs and what you can typically expect from devices that use them.
Manufacturing Process & CPU Architecture
The fundamental difference lies in their construction and core design, which impacts efficiency and power.
- Dimensity 700: Built on a 7nm manufacturing process. Its CPU features an octa-core setup with two ARM Cortex-A76 performance cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six ARM Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 2.0GHz.
- Dimensity 1080: Utilizes a more advanced 6nm process, which generally allows for better power efficiency. Its CPU also uses an octa-core configuration but upgrades to two higher-performance ARM Cortex-A78 cores at 2.6GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0GHz.
The move to 6nm and the newer Cortex-A78 cores in the Dimensity 1080 provides a noticeable boost in both performance and energy efficiency compared to the older 7nm design of the Dimensity 700.
GPU & Gaming Performance
Graphics performance is a key differentiator for gaming and general UI smoothness.
- Dimensity 700: Equipped with an ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This is a competent GPU for basic gaming and everyday tasks but is designed for entry-level performance.
- Dimensity 1080: Features an ARM Mali-G68 MC4 GPU. The G68 offers improved architecture and more graphics cores (MC4 vs. MC2), resulting in significantly better performance for mobile gaming at higher settings and smoother gameplay.
For casual gaming, the Dimensity 700 is sufficient, but the Dimensity 1080 is better suited for more demanding titles.
Camera & AI Capabilities
The image signal processor (ISP) and AI processing unit determine camera support and features.
- Dimensity 700: Supports a single main camera up to 64MP or dual 16MP+16MP setups. Its AI capabilities are adequate for standard scene recognition and optimization.
- Dimensity 1080: Boasts a more advanced ISP that can handle a 200MP single camera or 108MP+16MP dual cameras. It also incorporates a newer AI Processing Unit (APU) for enhanced computational photography, enabling features like better night mode, HDR, and real-time video enhancements.
Phones with the Dimensity 1080 can typically offer more advanced camera systems and better photo processing.
Display & Connectivity
Both chips support modern standards, but with some generational improvements.
- Display: The Dimensity 700 supports displays with up to a 90Hz refresh rate at Full HD+ resolution. The Dimensity 1080 increases this support to 120Hz at Full HD+, allowing for smoother scrolling and animations.
- 5G & Connectivity: Both are integrated 5G chipsets with support for sub-6GHz networks. They include standard connectivity like Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1. The Dimensity 1080 may offer marginal improvements in modem efficiency.
Comparison Table: Dimensity 700 vs Dimensity 1080
| Feature | MediaTek Dimensity 700 | MediaTek Dimensity 1080 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 7nm | 6nm |
| CPU Cores | 2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.2GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz |
2x Cortex-A78 @ 2.6GHz 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz |
| GPU | ARM Mali-G57 MC2 | ARM Mali-G68 MC4 |
| Max Display Support | 90Hz @ 2520 x 1080 (FHD+) | 120Hz @ 2520 x 1080 (FHD+) |
| Camera ISP | Up to 64MP single or 16MP+16MP dual | Up to 200MP single or 108MP+16MP dual |
| 5G Modem | Integrated Sub-6GHz | Integrated Sub-6GHz |
| AI Processing Unit | Standard MediaTek APU | MediaTek APU (Enhanced) |
| Typical Device Segment | Entry-Level / Budget 5G | Mid-Range 5G |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the Dimensity 700 and Dimensity 1080?
The primary differences are the newer 6nm manufacturing process, faster Cortex-A78 CPU cores, more powerful Mali-G68 GPU, and support for higher-resolution cameras (up to 200MP) and 120Hz displays in the Dimensity 1080.
Is the Dimensity 1080 better for gaming than the Dimensity 700?
Yes, typically. The Dimensity 1080’s Mali-G68 MC4 GPU offers significantly better graphics performance, making it more suitable for playing modern mobile games at higher graphical settings compared to the Mali-G57 MC2 in the Dimensity 700.
Which chipset is more power-efficient?
The Dimensity 1080, built on a more advanced 6nm process, generally offers better power efficiency, which can contribute to longer battery life under similar usage conditions compared to the 7nm Dimensity 700.
Can a phone with a Dimensity 700 have a good camera?
It can have a capable camera for everyday photography, but it is limited by the chipset’s ISP to sensors up to 64MP. The Dimensity 1080 supports much higher-resolution sensors and more advanced AI-based camera features, which often lead to better overall camera performance in devices.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Dimensity 1080 represents a clear generational upgrade over the Dimensity 700 across all major aspects, including processing power, graphics capability, camera support, and display technology. The Dimensity 700 remains a competent chipset for basic 5G connectivity and everyday tasks in budget devices. The choice between them ultimately depends on the performance level, camera features, and display smoothness a user prioritizes, with the Dimensity 1080 catering to more demanding use cases typically found in the mid-range segment.