MediaTek Dimensity 1200 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Compare MediaTek Dimensity 1200 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 870: Performance, efficiency, and features for high-end smartphones
MediaTek Dimensity 1200 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 870
3 min
21 Jul 25

If you are thinking about buying a phone that costs between Rs. 25,000 and Rs. 35,000, and you are confused between two options — one with MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and the other with Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 — that is very normal. Many people want a phone that is fast, has good battery life, and can handle games and videos without problems. If you like playing mobile games and want smooth performance, or if you watch a lot of videos and do not want buffering, or if you use many apps at the same time like for work and social media, then the processor inside the phone becomes very important. The processor helps the phone run fast and smooth. The Dimensity 1200 is a newer chip and can work up to 22% faster than the older version. Snapdragon 870 is also very popular and used in many phones. So if you want a phone that gives you strong performance without spending too much, it is good to compare these two processors before buying.

Buying a MediaTek Dimensity 1200 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 phone is easy because Bajaj Finserv offers loans to fund your purchase. Check your loan eligibility and visit your nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store to check out the phones in person. There are over 1.5 lakh Bajaj Finserv partner stores across 4,000+ cities in India. Once you finalise the phone, choose your preferred repayment tenure and shop for it on Easy EMIs. Select models also come with zero down payment.

MediaTek Dimensity 1200 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 are two powerful processors that offer flagship-like performance at mid-range prices. Both chips are built for users who want fast performance, solid gaming capabilities, and reliable multitasking across everyday apps and demanding tasks.

The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 is known for its strong performance and power efficiency. It handles high refresh rate displays, runs heavy apps smoothly, and offers good thermal control—making it a great fit for top-performing MediaTek processor phones. It is especially well-suited for gaming and multitasking, without heating up too quickly.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870, meanwhile, is a slightly improved version of the popular Snapdragon 865+, offering strong CPU and GPU performance with excellent stability. Found in several popular Snapdragon processor phones, it delivers fast app response, better camera support, and consistent frame rates for gaming.

In terms of gaming and raw performance, the Snapdragon 870 often holds a slight edge with better GPU output and long-term performance, while the Dimensity 1200 highlights efficient power usage and smooth handling of everyday tasks.

For users looking for premium speed and performance in Snapdragon processor phones, the Snapdragon 870 is a solid pick. For those who want a powerful and efficient alternative with excellent value, the Dimensity 1200 in MediaTek processor phones offers an equally capable experience, especially for gaming and daily use.

Technical specifications - MediaTek Dimensity 1200 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 are powerful smartphone chipsets designed for high-end performance. Both offer fast processing, advanced graphics, and 5G support. These processors ensure smooth multitasking, efficient power use, and enhanced gaming. With similar benchmarks and modern features, they deliver excellent experiences for users seeking premium smartphones at a slightly more affordable price point.

General

The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 were both released in January 2021 as high-end chipsets. Built for top-tier smartphones, they offer efficient processing, 5G network support, and flagship-level capabilities. MediaTek’s Dimensity 1200 carries model MT6893, while Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 870 is marked SM8250-AC. Both are engineered for speed, performance, and multitasking in premium smartphones from major global brands.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Announced

20 January 2021

19 January 2021

Class

High-end

High-end

Model number

MT6893

SM8250-AC

Brand

MediaTek

Qualcomm

Also check: Slim and lightweight mobiles

CPU

The CPU architecture in both processors is designed for speed and responsiveness. MediaTek uses Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores, while Qualcomm features Cortex-A77 and Cortex-A55. The Snapdragon 870 clocks slightly higher at 3.2 GHz versus Dimensity 1200’s 3.0 GHz. Built on 6 nm and 7 nm processes, both deliver strong performance with efficient power usage for apps, games, and daily smartphone tasks.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Architecture

1x Cortex-A78 + 3x Cortex-A78 + 4x Cortex-A55

1x Cortex-A77 + 3x Cortex-A77 + 4x Cortex-A55

Cores

8

8

Frequency

Up to 3.0 GHz

Up to 3.2 GHz

Instruction set

ARMv8.2-A

ARMv8.2-A

Process

6 nm

7 nm

TDP (Sustained power limit)

10 W

10 W

Manufacturing

TSMC

TSMC


Also check: Qualcomm Snapdragon processor phones

Graphics

The Dimensity 1200 uses Mali-G77 MC9 graphics, while the Snapdragon 870 features an Adreno 650 GPU. Both GPUs support advanced gaming and high-resolution visuals. MediaTek provides more FLOPS and higher GPU frequency, whereas Qualcomm offers more optimised performance for gaming apps. Both deliver smooth frame rates, fast rendering, and strong support for modern graphics APIs like Vulkan and DirectX 12.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

SoC

MediaTek

Qualcomm

GPU name

Mali-G77 MC9

Adreno 650

Architecture

Valhall

Adreno 6xx

GPU frequency

850 MHz

670 MHz

Execution units

9

No

Shading units

72

No

Total shaders

72

No

FLOPS

2.5 TFLOPS

1.3 TFLOPS

Vulkan version

1.1

1.1

OpenCL version

2.0

2.0

DirectX version

12

12

Also check: Notch display phones

Memory

Both chipsets support LPDDR4x and LPDDR5 memory with maximum sizes up to 16GB. The Dimensity 1200 provides higher memory frequencies, up to 4266 MHz, and slightly more bandwidth, making it ideal for faster data access. Snapdragon 870 also handles large memory loads efficiently. These specifications ensure reliable multitasking, seamless app switching, and responsive performance across gaming, photography, and productivity tasks.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Memory type

LPDDR4x, LPDDR5

LPDDR4x, LPDDR5

Memory frequency

Up to 4266 MHz

Up to 2750 MHz

Bus

4x 16-bit channels

2x 32-bit channels

Max bandwidth

51.2GB/s

44GB/s

Max size

16GB

16GB

Also check: 12GB RAM mobile phones

Multimedia (ISP)

The Dimensity 1200 and Snapdragon 870 support UFS 3.1 storage, 200MP camera sensors, and 4K video recording. Snapdragon leads in multimedia with support for 8K video capture and playback. Both processors are suitable for content creators and mobile users who demand sharp visuals, smooth playback, and rich sound quality using popular video and audio codecs such as VP9 and FLAC.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Storage type

UFS 3.1

UFS 3.1

Max display resolution

2520 x 1080

3840 x 2160

Max camera resolution

200MP

200MP

Video capture

4K at 60 FPS

8K at 30 FPS

Video playback

4K at 60 FPS

8K at 30 FPS

Video codecs

H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9

H.264, H.265/HEVC, VP9

Audio codecs

AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, FLAC

AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, FLAC

Connectivity and network

Both processors offer integrated 5G modems, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and support for global navigation systems. The Snapdragon 870 supports faster download and upload speeds, with up to 7.5GB/s and 3GB/s respectively. Dimensity 1200 provides slightly lower speeds but remains reliable. These chipsets ensure smooth streaming, faster browsing, and excellent network connectivity in both 4G and 5G environments.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Modern

Integrated 5G

Integrated 5G

4G support

Yes

Yes

5G support

Yes

Yes

Download speed

Up to 4.7GB/s

Up to 7.5GB/s

Upload speed

Up to 2.5GB/s

Up to 3GB/s

Wi-Fi

6

6

Bluetooth

5.2

5.2

Navigation

GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo

GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo

Also check: Upcoming 5G mobile phones

MediaTek Dimensity 1200 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 - Benchmarking

Benchmark comparisons show that the Snapdragon 870 consistently outperforms the Dimensity 1200 across major tests. Qualcomm's chipset achieves higher scores in CPU and GPU benchmarks, making it better for heavy gaming and productivity. However, Dimensity 1200 remains competitive, offering strong energy efficiency, fast real-world app performance, and solid support for demanding tasks across smartphones with premium-level capabilities.

AnTuTu 10

In AnTuTu 10 benchmark results, Snapdragon 870 achieves a higher total score of 680,000 compared to Dimensity 1200’s 630,000. Snapdragon leads in all key components including CPU, GPU, memory, and user experience. This makes it better suited for demanding apps and multitasking. MediaTek still delivers great performance but falls slightly behind in high-end stress testing and GPU graphics rendering.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

CPU

180,000

195,000

GPU

220,000

240,000

Memory

120,000

130,000

UX

110,000

115,000

Total score

630,000

680,000

GeekBench 6

GeekBench 6 evaluates real-world performance through various processing tasks. The Snapdragon 870 scores higher in asset compression, PDF rendering, and photo processing. Its higher HTML5 and ray tracing scores reflect more efficient handling of everyday and advanced workloads. While Dimensity 1200 performs well across the board, Snapdragon 870 shows stronger results in multi-core applications, offering better output under high-performance usage conditions.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Asset compression

5,500

6,000

HTML 5 browse

6,000

6,500

PDF render

4,800

5,200

Image detection

7,000

7,500

HDR

6,800

7,200

Background blur

5,900

6,400

Photo processing

7,100

7,600

Ray tracing

4,500

5,000

3DMark

The 3DMark test results show that the Snapdragon 870 delivers slightly higher scores in graphics tests and overall stability. With a score of 7200 versus Dimensity 1200’s 6700, it leads in GPU performance and gaming capability. Both processors perform well, but Snapdragon maintains a slight edge in sustained frame rate performance, making it the better choice for advanced gaming and 3D visuals.

Component

MediaTek Dimensity 1200

Qualcomm Snapdragon 870

Stability

99%

98%

Graphics test

6,500

7,000

Score

6,700

7,200

Explore the MediaTek and Snapdragon mobiles on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finserv

Bajaj Mall is the best online destination for you to read about all the details, features, and specs of MediaTek and Snapdragon mobiles. Once you have gathered all the information you want, head to the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store and select the mobile you want. Use Bajaj Finserv’s financing options to make the payment. You can choose a convenient repayment tenure and repay your purchase with Easy EMIs. Explore the latest offers from Bajaj Finserv to get the best deals on the phone of your choice.

Benefits of shopping with Bajaj Finserv

  1. Competitive prices: Bajaj Finserv partner stores offer unbeatable prices, making sure that your purchase fits your budget effortlessly. 

  2. Easy EMIs: With Bajaj Finserv’s financing options, you can easily afford your selected product. Enjoy the freedom to choose a repayment tenure that aligns with your financial comfort. 

  3. No upfront payment: Enjoy the convenience of no initial lump sum payment on select products, thanks to the zero down payment policy. 

  4. Wide selection and accessibility: Finding your preferred product has never been simple. Explore an extensive collection that is available at Bajaj Finserv partner stores across the country. 

  5. Exclusive deals and cashback: When you shop from a Bajaj Finserv partner store, you unlock access to exclusive deals and exciting cashback offers, enhancing your shopping experience. 

Mobile by brands

vivo mobile

LAVA phones

iQOO mobiles

TECNO mobiles

OnePlus mobiles

Samsung mobiles

realme mobiles

Nokia mobiles

Xiaomi mobiles

Infinix mobiles

motorola mobiles

 

Mobile by budget

mobiles under Rs. 10,000

mobiles under Rs. 15,000

mobiles under Rs. 20,000

mobiles under Rs. 25,000

mobiles under Rs. 30,000

mobiles under Rs. 35,000

mobiles under Rs. 50,000

mobiles under Rs. 60,000

mobiles under Rs. 80,000

5G mobiles by brand

OPPO 5G mobiles

realme 5G mobiles

Nokia 5G mobiles

Motorola 5G mobiles

Samsung 5G mobiles

Mi 5G mobiles

vivo 5G mobiles

Google 5G mobiles

iQ00 5G mobiles

Frequently asked questions

Is Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 better than MediaTek Dimensity 1200?

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 performs better than the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 in most cases. It delivers stronger CPU and GPU performance, especially for gaming and multitasking. The Snapdragon 870 is built for smooth, responsive use, offering flagship-like stability. While Dimensity 1200 is powerful too, the Snapdragon 870 has a slight edge in consistent real-world performance. To buy products with powerful processors without any trouble, check your eligibility for Bajaj Finserv financing options and enjoy Easy EMIs on the latest gadget.

Is Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 equal to MediaTek Dimensity 1200?
While both processors deliver high performance, the Snapdragon 870 has a slight edge in CPU speed and GPU performance, though the Dimensity 1200 is very competitive in efficiency and integrated AI capabilities.

Which processor is more power-efficient, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 or the MediaTek Dimensity 1200?
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 tends to be more power-efficient due to its advanced 6nm manufacturing process, which helps in better energy management compared to the Snapdragon 870's 7nm process.

What are the key differences in features between Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 and MediaTek Dimensity 1200?
 Key differences include the Snapdragon 870's higher CPU clock speed and better GPU performance, while the Dimensity 1200 excels in power efficiency and advanced AI capabilities. Both support 5G, high-resolution cameras, and similar memory technologies.

Show More Show Less

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page. 

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.

Disclaimer

While care is taken to update the information, products, and services included in or available on our website and related platforms/websites, there may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the information. The material contained in this site, and on associated web pages, is for reference and general information purpose and the details mentioned in the respective product/service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency. Subscribers and users should seek professional advice before acting on the basis of the information contained herein. Please take an informed decision with respect to any product or service after going through the relevant product/service document and applicable terms and conditions. In case any inconsistencies observed, please click on reach us

*Terms and conditions apply 

Show All Text

Do more with the Bajaj Finserv App!

UPI, Wallet, Loans, Investments, Cards, Shopping and more