Quick Answer
The MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus is an iterative upgrade over the Dimensity 9200 Plus. The primary differences lie in a higher peak CPU clock speed for the prime core and a more advanced AI Processing Unit (APU) in the 9300 Plus, while both share the same fundamental “all-big-core” CPU architecture and GPU.
MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus vs MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus: Full Comparison
Introduction
Understanding the differences between successive generations of mobile chipsets is important for evaluating the evolution of smartphone performance and features. This comparison examines the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus and its direct predecessor, the Dimensity 9200 Plus. Both are flagship-tier processors designed for high-end smartphones, but the 9300 Plus brings refinements that may influence device capabilities. This analysis will break down their specifications, performance, and feature sets to clarify what each platform offers.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
Both chipsets are built on TSMC’s second-generation 4nm process technology, which generally offers a balance of performance and power efficiency. The foundational CPU architecture is also shared: both utilize MediaTek’s innovative “all-big-core” design, moving away from traditional low-power efficiency cores.
- Dimensity 9200 Plus: Features a CPU with 1x Cortex-X3, 3x Cortex-A715, and 4x Cortex-A510 cores.
- Dimensity 9300 Plus: Features a CPU with 1x Cortex-X4, 3x Cortex-X4, and 4x Cortex-A720 cores. This configuration represents a more uniform shift to higher-performance cores.
The move from the 9200 Plus’s hybrid big-core setup to the 9300 Plus’s quad Cortex-X4 cluster is a significant architectural change aimed at sustained high performance.
CPU and GPU Performance
The performance uplift between these two chipsets is typically characterized as an incremental generation-over-generation gain, focusing on higher peak speeds and architectural efficiencies.
- CPU Clock Speeds: The Dimensity 9300 Plus increases the peak clock speed of its prime Cortex-X4 core to 3.4 GHz, compared to the 3.35 GHz of the Cortex-X3 core in the 9200 Plus. The other performance cores also see adjusted clock speeds for the new architecture.
- GPU: Both System-on-Chips (SoCs) integrate the ARM Immortalis-G715 GPU. The core count and architecture are fundamentally similar, with performance differences primarily stemming from the higher CPU clocks and potential driver optimizations in the newer chipset.
In synthetic benchmarks, the Dimensity 9300 Plus generally shows a single-digit percentage improvement in CPU tasks and a comparable uplift in GPU workloads over the 9200 Plus.
AI and Connectivity
One of the more distinct areas of improvement is in artificial intelligence processing and modern connectivity standards.
- AI Processing Unit (APU): The Dimensity 9300 Plus includes a newer-generation APU 790. This unit is designed to be more power-efficient and offers faster performance for generative AI tasks, such as running large language models (LLMs) on-device, compared to the APU in the 9200 Plus.
- Connectivity: Both platforms feature integrated 5G modems with sub-6GHz and mmWave support, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The implementations are very similar, offering top-tier wireless connectivity for their respective launch periods.
- Imaging: Both support advanced camera features, including always-on HDR for video and high-resolution sensors. The 9300 Plus’s more powerful APU can enable more sophisticated real-time photo and video processing.
Devices and Availability
The Dimensity 9200 Plus was announced in mid-2023 and appeared in flagship phones later that year. The Dimensity 9300 Plus was announced in mid-2024 as a mid-cycle refresh of the Dimensity 9300, and devices featuring it began to appear in the second half of 2024. As a newer platform, the 9300 Plus is typically found in more recently released smartphone models.
Comparison Table: Dimensity 9300 Plus vs Dimensity 9200 Plus
| Feature | MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus | MediaTek Dimensity 9200 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | May 2024 | May 2023 |
| Process Technology | TSMC 4nm (2nd Gen) | TSMC 4nm (2nd Gen) |
| CPU Architecture | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.4GHz 3x Cortex-X4 @ 2.85GHz 4x Cortex-A720 @ 2.0GHz |
1x Cortex-X3 @ 3.35GHz 3x Cortex-A715 @ 3.0GHz 4x Cortex-A510 @ 2.0GHz |
| GPU | ARM Immortalis-G720 MC12 | ARM Immortalis-G715 MC11 |
| AI Processor | APU 790 | APU 690 (MediaTek APU) |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5T RAM, UFS 4.0 storage | LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage |
| Display Support | Up to WQHD+ @ 180Hz Up to 4K @ 120Hz |
Up to WQHD+ @ 180Hz Up to 4K @ 120Hz |
| Camera ISP | Imagiq 990, 18-bit HDR-ISP Supports 320MP camera |
Imagiq 890, 18-bit HDR-ISP Supports 320MP camera |
| Video Capture | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 60fps | 8K @ 30fps, 4K @ 60fps |
| 5G Modem | Integrated 5G (Sub-6 & mmWave) | Integrated 5G (Sub-6 & mmWave) |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the Dimensity 9300 Plus and 9200 Plus?
The most significant differences are the updated CPU architecture, featuring four Cortex-X4 cores in the 9300 Plus, and a more advanced AI Processing Unit (APU 790). The GPU also sees an incremental update from the Immortalis-G715 to the G720.
Is the Dimensity 9300 Plus much faster for gaming?
The performance uplift in gaming is generally incremental. While the newer GPU and CPU provide a measurable boost in frame rates and efficiency, the difference may not be dramatic in all titles compared to the already high-performing 9200 Plus.
Which chipset is better for AI features?
The Dimensity 9300 Plus, with its APU 790, is designed for better performance and power efficiency in AI tasks. It typically offers faster processing for features like on-device generative AI and advanced image processing.
Do both chipsets support the same connectivity?
They are very similar, both supporting integrated 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and high-grade Bluetooth. The Dimensity 9300 Plus supports Bluetooth 5.4, a minor revision over the 5.3 support in the 9200 Plus.
Should I choose a phone with the newer 9300 Plus?
Phones with the Dimensity 9300 Plus are typically newer models and may offer slightly better peak performance and more advanced AI capabilities. However, devices with the 9200 Plus often represent a mature, high-performance option that may be available at different price points.
Final Thoughts
The MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus builds upon the foundation of the 9200 Plus with targeted improvements. The shift to a CPU with four ultra-performance cores and a next-generation APU highlights a focus on sustained high compute performance and on-device AI. The Dimensity 9200 Plus remains a capable flagship chipset with a very similar feature set for connectivity, display, and imaging. The choice between devices powered by these two platforms often comes down to the specific implementation by the phone manufacturer, the age of the device, and the value placed on the incremental gains in CPU, GPU, and AI performance offered by the newer chipset.