The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 compare across processor architecture, graphics capability, multimedia support, AI processing, connectivity, memory compatibility, and benchmark-oriented hardware. These specifications influence smartphone responsiveness, gaming performance, photography, multitasking, battery efficiency, and everyday user experience across premium Android devices.
General
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 are premium 5G mobile processors introduced in 2021 for flagship Android smartphones. Both deliver powerful CPU performance, advanced AI capabilities, high-refresh-rate display support, fast LPDDR5 memory, and UFS 3.1 storage compatibility. Designed for gaming, photography, multitasking, and demanding applications, these chipsets provide a premium smartphone experience with efficient power management and modern connectivity.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| Brand | MediaTek | Qualcomm |
| Model | Dimensity 1200 | Snapdragon 870 |
| Launch date | January 2021 | January 2021 |
| Target segment | Premium flagship | Premium flagship |
| Cellular technology | 5G | 5G |
| Process node | 6nm | 7nm |
| Foundry | TSMC | TSMC |
| AI engine | MediaTek APU 3.0 | Qualcomm Hexagon 698 AI Engine |
| Integrated modem | Yes | Yes |
CPU
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 features a modern ARM Cortex-A78 architecture with one high-performance prime core and three performance cores, delivering strong efficiency and responsive multitasking. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 uses Qualcomm's Kryo 585 CPU based on the Cortex-A77 architecture and offers a higher peak clock speed of 3.2GHz, making it suitable for intensive gaming, productivity, and demanding applications.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| CPU architecture | ARM Cortex-A78 + Cortex-A55 | Qualcomm Kryo 585 (Cortex-A77 based) |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Performance cores | 1x Cortex-A78 @ 3.0GHz + 3x Cortex-A78 @ 2.6GHz | 1x Kryo 585 Prime @ 3.2GHz + 3x Kryo 585 Gold @ 2.42GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 4x Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz | 4x Kryo 585 Silver @ 1.8GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 3.0GHz | 3.2GHz |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction set | ARMv8.2-A | ARMv8.2-A |
| Process technology | 6nm | 7nm |
Graphics
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 integrates the Mali-G77 MC9 GPU based on ARM's Valhall architecture, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 features the Adreno 650 GPU for premium gaming and graphics-intensive workloads. Both processors support modern graphics APIs, hardware-accelerated video processing, HDR content, and high-refresh-rate displays for smooth gaming and multimedia experiences.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| GPU | Mali-G77 MC9 | Adreno 650 |
| GPU architecture | Valhall | Adreno 6xx |
| Vulkan | Supported | Supported |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| OpenCL | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| AI graphics acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware video acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| High-refresh-rate display support | Up to 168Hz | Up to 144Hz |
| HDR gaming | Yes | Yes |
Memory
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 support both LPDDR4X and LPDDR5 memory along with UFS 3.1 storage. These technologies improve application loading, multitasking, gaming performance, and overall system responsiveness while providing sufficient bandwidth for premium smartphone workloads.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR4X, LPDDR5 | LPDDR4X, LPDDR5 |
| Maximum memory speed | LPDDR5 up to 5,500MT/s | LPDDR5 up to 5,500MT/s |
| Memory bus width | 4 × 16-bit | 4 × 16-bit |
| Maximum RAM support | Up to 16GB | Up to 16GB |
| Storage interface | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
Multimedia (ISP)
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 features the Imagiq 5.0 image signal processor, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 integrates the Spectra 480 ISP. Both processors support high-resolution cameras, advanced computational photography, 4K video recording, HDR imaging, and fast display refresh rates, enabling premium photography and multimedia experiences.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| ISP | MediaTek Imagiq 5.0 | Qualcomm Spectra 480 |
| Maximum camera resolution | Up to 200MP | Up to 200MP |
| Multi-camera support | Dual and triple camera support | Dual and triple camera support |
| Video capture | Up to 4K @ 60fps | Up to 4K @ 60fps |
| Slow-motion video | Up to 1080p @ 240fps | Up to 1080p @ 240fps |
| Video playback | Up to 4K HDR | Up to 4K HDR |
| Maximum display resolution | Up to FHD+ | Up to QHD+ |
| Maximum refresh rate | Up to 168Hz (device dependent) | Up to 144Hz (device dependent) |
| HDR support | HDR10+ | HDR10, HDR10+ (device dependent) |
| Storage support | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
Connectivity and network
The MediaTek Dimensity 1200 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 offer integrated 5G connectivity for fast downloads, low-latency gaming, and smooth video streaming. While the Dimensity 1200 focuses on Sub-6GHz 5G networks with MediaTek UltraSave technology, the Snapdragon 870 additionally supports mmWave connectivity for higher peak speeds in compatible markets.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| 5G modem | MediaTek 5G UltraSave | Snapdragon X55 Modem-RF System |
| 5G support | Sub-6GHz | Sub-6GHz, mmWave |
| Maximum download speed | Up to 4.7Gbps | Up to 7.5Gbps |
| Maximum upload speed | Up to 2.5Gbps | Up to 3Gbps |
| 4G LTE | Cat-24 | Cat-24 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NavIC |
| Navigation support | Dual-frequency GNSS | Dual-frequency GNSS |