The two chipsets use different CPU and GPU designs. Dimensity 7030 uses a newer 6nm process for efficient performance, while Snapdragon 865 uses a 7nm design focused on higher processing and graphics performance.
General
The MediaTek Dimensity 7030 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 are 5G smartphone chipsets from different generations. Dimensity 7030 uses a 6nm process and focuses on efficiency, 5G connectivity, and balanced performance. Snapdragon 865 is a 7nm premium chipset designed for demanding apps, gaming, imaging, and high-speed 5G connectivity.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
|---|
| Announced | September 2023 | December 2019 |
| Class | Mid-range | High-end |
| Model number | MT6879 | SM8250-AB (flagged — see note) |
| Brand | MediaTek | Qualcomm |
CPU
The CPU setup affects app loading, multitasking, and sustained performance. Dimensity 7030 combines Cortex-A78 performance cores with Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. Snapdragon 865 uses Kryo 585 cores with a higher peak clock speed, making it suited to heavier workloads.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
|---|
| Architecture | 2× Cortex-A78 + 6× Cortex-A55 | 1× Cortex-A77 + 3× Cortex-A77 + 4× Cortex-A55 |
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Frequency | Up to 2.5 GHz | Up to 2.84 GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8.2-A | ARMv8.2-A |
| Process | 6 nm | 7 nm |
| Manufacturing | TSMC | TSMC |
Graphics
GPU performance affects gaming, video playback, and graphics-heavy applications. Dimensity 7030 uses the Mali-G610 MC3 GPU. Snapdragon 865 uses Adreno 650 with Snapdragon Elite Gaming features, making it suitable for demanding games and high-resolution graphics.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
|---|
| GPU name | Mali-G610 MC3 | Adreno 650 |
| GPU architecture | Valhall 3rd gen | Adreno |
| GPU frequency | Up to 1,000 MHz | 587 MHz |
| Execution units | 3 | 3 pipelines |
| Shading units | 64 | 256 |
| Vulkan | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| OpenCL | Not specified | 2.0 FP |
| DirectX | Not specified | 12.1 |
Memory
Memory support affects multitasking, app switching, and data transfer. Dimensity 7030 supports LPDDR5 and LPDDR4x memory, while Snapdragon 865 supports LPDDR5 and LPDDR4x. Snapdragon 865 supports up to 16GB memory, while Dimensity 7030 supports up to 12GB.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR5, LPDDR4x | LPDDR5, LPDDR4x |
| Memory frequency | Up to 3,200 MHz | Up to 2,750 MHz |
| Bus | 4× 16-bit | 4× 16-bit |
| Max bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | 44 GB/s |
| Max size | 12GB | 16GB |
Multimedia (ISP)
Multimedia support determines camera, video, display, and storage capabilities. Dimensity 7030 supports up to 108MP cameras and 4K video capture. Snapdragon 865 supports up to 200MP cameras and 8K video, making it better suited to high-resolution imaging.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
|---|
| Storage type | UFS 3.1, UFS 2.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Max display resolution | 2520 × 1080 pixel | Up to UHD |
| Max camera resolution | 108MP | 200MP |
| Video capture | 4K at 30fps | 8K at 30fps |
| Video playback | 4K at 30fps | Up to 4K at 60fps |
| Video codecs | H.265/HEVC, H.264, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9 |
| Audio codecs | Not specified | AAC, AIFF, CAF, MP3, MP4, WAV |
Connectivity and network
Connectivity support affects mobile data, wireless accessories, navigation, and network reliability. Dimensity 7030 supports 5G with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. Snapdragon 865 uses the Snapdragon X55 5G modem, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and broad satellite navigation support.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
|---|
| Modem | Integrated 5G modem | Snapdragon X55 5G |
| 4G support | Yes | Yes |
| 5G support | Yes | Yes |
| Peak download speed | Up to 4.6 Gbps | Up to 7.5 Gbps |
| Peak upload speed | Not specified | Up to 3 Gbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| SIM support | Dual 5G SA, Dual VoNR | Global multi-SIM support |
| Navigation | GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, NavIC, QZSS |
| NFC | Not specified | Supported |
Device-level examples
The Motorola Edge 40 Neo demonstrates how Dimensity 7030 is used in a smartphone. It pairs the chipset with a 6.55-inch 144Hz pOLED display, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, 5,000 mAh battery, and 68 W charging. The phone also includes a 50MP OIS camera.
| Feature | Motorola Edge 40 Neo |
|---|
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7030 |
| Display | 6.55-inch pOLED |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB |
| Rear camera | 50MP + 13MP |
| Front camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging | 68 W |
| Operating system | Android 13 with MyUX |
| Connectivity | 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C |
| Fingerprint sensor | In-display |
| Dimensions | 159.63 × 71.99 × 7.89 mm |