The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 are powerful mobile processors designed for high-performance smartphones. Both chipsets deliver excellent gaming, multitasking, AI processing, and 5G connectivity. However, they differ in CPU architecture, graphics capabilities, memory support, multimedia features, and network performance. The comparison below highlights their key specifications to help you understand their strengths.
General
Both processors are manufactured by TSMC and support 5G connectivity. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 is built on a more efficient 5nm process, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 is based on a 7nm process and is designed for flagship-grade performance.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
| Manufacturer | MediaTek | Qualcomm |
| Model number | MT6895Z | SM8250-AC |
| Launch date | March 2022 | January 2021 |
| Target segment | Upper mid-range 5G smartphones | Flagship 5G smartphones |
| Network support | 5G | 5G |
| Manufacturing process | 5nm | 7nm |
| Foundry | TSMC | TSMC |
| CPU architecture | ARM Cortex-A78 / Cortex-A55 | ARM Cortex-A77 / Cortex-A55 |
CPU
The CPU determines how efficiently a smartphone handles gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 features four Cortex-A78 performance cores, while the Snapdragon 870 combines a high-clocked Prime core with three additional Cortex-A77 performance cores for excellent single-core performance.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
| CPU cores | Octa-core | Octa-core |
| Performance cores | 4 × Cortex-A78 @ 2.85GHz | 1 × Cortex-A77 @ 3.2GHz + 3 × Cortex-A77 @ 2.42GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 4 × Cortex-A55 @ 2.0GHz | 4 × Cortex-A55 @ 1.8GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.85GHz | 3.2GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8.2-A 64-bit | ARMv8-A 64-bit |
| Process node | 5nm | 7nm |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
Graphics
The GPU plays a key role in gaming, graphics rendering, and multimedia performance. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 features the Mali-G610 MC6 GPU with HyperEngine 5.0 gaming technology, while the Snapdragon 870 integrates the Adreno 650 GPU with Snapdragon Elite Gaming features for smooth and immersive gameplay.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
| GPU | Mali-G610 MC6 | Adreno 650 |
| GPU architecture | Arm Valhall | Qualcomm Adreno architecture |
| GPU cores | 6 cores | Custom Adreno architecture |
| Vulkan support | Vulkan 1.3 | Vulkan 1.1 |
| OpenGL ES support | OpenGL ES 3.2 | OpenGL ES 3.2 |
| Gaming technology | MediaTek HyperEngine 5.0 | Snapdragon Elite Gaming |
| Video acceleration | H.264, H.265, AV1 decode | H.264, H.265 decode |
Memory
Memory performance affects app loading, multitasking, and gaming responsiveness. Both processors support LPDDR5 memory, while the MediaTek Dimensity 8100 offers higher memory bandwidth for faster data transfer and improved overall performance.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
| Memory type | LPDDR5 / LPDDR4X | LPDDR5 / LPDDR4X |
| Maximum memory frequency | Up to 6,400Mbps | Up to 2,750MHz |
| Memory bus width | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Maximum bandwidth | Up to 51.2GB/s | Up to 44GB/s |
| Maximum RAM support | 16GB | 16GB |
| ECC memory support | No | Yes |
Multimedia (ISP)
The image signal processor (ISP) enhances photography, video recording, and display performance. Both processors support high-resolution cameras and 4K HDR video recording, making them suitable for content creation and multimedia applications.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
| ISP | MediaTek Imagiq 780 | Qualcomm Spectra 480 |
| ISP processing capability | 5Gbps image processing | 2 gigapixels/s image processing |
| Storage support | UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.1 |
| Maximum display resolution | 3200 × 1440 pixel | 3840 × 2160 pixel |
| Maximum refresh rate | 120Hz (WQHD+) | 144Hz (QHD+) |
| Maximum camera resolution | 200MP | 200MP |
| Multi-camera support | Dual camera with AI processing | Dual camera concurrent processing |
| Video recording | 4K at 60fps HDR10+ | 4K at 60fps HDR10+ |
| Video playback | 4K HDR | 8K HDR |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, AV1 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
| Audio codecs | AAC, AIFF, FLAC, MP3 | AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3 |
Connectivity and network
Reliable connectivity ensures fast downloads, smooth streaming, and responsive online gaming. The MediaTek Dimensity 8100 integrates the MediaTek M80 5G modem, while the Snapdragon 870 features the Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF with higher peak download speeds and mmWave support.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 8100 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
| Cellular modem | MediaTek M80 5G modem | Snapdragon X55 5G Modem-RF |
| Network support | 5G Sub-6GHz, 4G LTE | 5G Sub-6GHz, mmWave, 4G LTE |
| Maximum download speed | 4.7Gbps | 7.5Gbps |
| Maximum upload speed | 2.5Gbps | 3Gbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Navigation | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS |