Quick Answer
The MediaTek Dimensity 930 and Dimensity 920 are both 5G system-on-chips (SoCs) designed for mid-range smartphones. The Dimensity 930 is the newer iteration, offering a slightly more advanced CPU configuration and a newer GPU architecture compared to the Dimensity 920. In practical terms, the performance difference is generally incremental, with the Dimensity 930 providing modest improvements in efficiency and AI processing.
MediaTek Dimensity 930 vs MediaTek Dimensity 920: Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a smartphone often involves understanding the processor that powers it. In the mid-range segment, MediaTek’s Dimensity series has become a prominent player. This comparison focuses on two chips from this lineup: the Dimensity 920 and its successor, the Dimensity 930. While they share many foundational technologies, key architectural differences can influence device performance, battery life, and feature sets. This analysis breaks down their specifications, performance characteristics, and typical use cases to help clarify which chip might be found in a device that suits specific needs.
Performance & CPU Architecture
Both SoCs are built on a 6nm manufacturing process, which typically offers a good balance of performance and power efficiency. The core difference lies in their CPU cluster configurations.
- Dimensity 920: Features an octa-core CPU with 2x Arm Cortex-A78 performance cores (clocked at up to 2.5GHz) and 6x Arm Cortex-A55 efficiency cores (up to 2.0GHz).
- Dimensity 930: Also an octa-core design, but it uses 2x Arm Cortex-A78 performance cores (at a slightly higher clock speed of up to 2.2GHz) paired with 6x Arm Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. Notably, it integrates these with a newer, more power-efficient core design from Arm.
The clock speed difference is minor. The more significant change in the Dimensity 930 is the use of newer, revised CPU cores that aim for better efficiency per clock cycle, which can contribute to slightly better battery life under similar loads.
Graphics & Gaming (GPU)
The GPU is responsible for rendering visuals in games and interfaces.
- Dimensity 920: Utilizes an Arm Mali-G68 MC4 GPU.
- Dimensity 930: Steps up to an Imagination PowerVR B-Series GPU. This represents an architectural shift for MediaTek in this tier. The PowerVR GPU generally supports features like variable rate shading (VRS), which can improve gaming efficiency by rendering different parts of a scene at varying levels of detail.
In real-world gaming, the performance leap is typically not drastic, but the Dimensity 930’s newer GPU architecture may offer better support for certain graphical features and improved efficiency in specific titles.
Camera & AI Processing
The integrated image signal processor (ISP) and AI processing unit (APU) determine camera capabilities and computational photography features.
- Dimensity 920: Supports a single camera of up to 108MP or dual-camera setups (20MP + 20MP). Its MediaTek APU is capable of handling various AI-camera enhancements.
- Dimensity 930: Offers a similar high-resolution camera support (up to 108MP) but is paired with a newer-generation MediaTek APU. This updated APU typically enables faster and more efficient AI tasks, such as scene detection, noise reduction, and background blur in video calls.
The actual camera performance in a phone depends heavily on the manufacturer’s sensor choice and software tuning, but the Dimensity 930 provides a more modern foundation for AI-enhanced photography and videography.
Connectivity & Network Features
Both chips are very similar in their core connectivity suites, which is a common trait among successors in the same product family.
- 5G: Both feature integrated 5G modems with support for sub-6GHz networks. They offer dual-SIM 5G standby and strong power efficiency for mobile data.
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: They typically support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring modern wireless connectivity standards.
- Display & Media: Both support Full HD+ displays with high refresh rates (up to 120Hz), HDR video playback, and advanced audio codecs.
There is no major generational gap in connectivity between these two chipsets.
Comparison Table: MediaTek Dimensity 930 vs Dimensity 920
| Feature | MediaTek Dimensity 930 | MediaTek Dimensity 920 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | 6nm | 6nm |
| CPU Architecture | Octa-core: 2x Cortex-A78 (up to 2.2GHz) + 6x Cortex-A55 | Octa-core: 2x Cortex-A78 (up to 2.5GHz) + 6x Cortex-A55 |
| GPU | Imagination PowerVR B-Series | Arm Mali-G68 MC4 |
| AI Processing Unit (APU) | MediaTek APU (newer generation) | MediaTek APU |
| Camera ISP Support | Up to 108MP single camera | Up to 108MP single camera |
| 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 5.2 |
| Video Playback | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Dimensity 930 and Dimensity 920?
The primary differences are the CPU core design (newer, more efficient A78 cores in the 930), the switch from an Arm Mali GPU to an Imagination PowerVR GPU in the Dimensity 930, and an upgraded AI Processing Unit (APU).
Which chip is better for gaming, the Dimensity 930 or 920?
The Dimensity 930, with its newer PowerVR GPU architecture, generally has an edge. It supports features like variable rate shading, which can improve gaming efficiency and performance in supported titles, though real-world frame rate differences may be modest.
Does the Dimensity 930 have better battery life than the Dimensity 920?
In theory, yes. The Dimensity 930’s revised CPU cores and newer GPU architecture are designed for improved power efficiency. However, the actual battery life in a smartphone depends on many other factors, including display size, battery capacity, and software optimization.
Are phones with these chips still being released?
The Dimensity 920 was featured in phones released in late 2021 and 2022. The Dimensity 930, being its successor, typically appears in devices launched from 2023 onward. When comparing specific phone models, checking their launch date can indicate which chip they are likely to use.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Dimensity 930 represents an evolutionary step from the Dimensity 920. It builds upon a similar foundation—6nm process, integrated 5G, and high-refresh-rate display support—while introducing a newer GPU and a more efficient CPU design. For most everyday tasks, the performance difference between devices using these chips may not be stark. The choice often comes down to the specific smartphone implementation, including other hardware components and software features. The Dimensity 930 provides a slightly more modern feature set for AI tasks and potential gaming efficiency, making it a typical choice for newer device releases in its segment.