The MediaTek Dimensity 920 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 are 5G smartphone processors built for different performance categories, combining advanced CPU architectures, powerful GPUs, fast memory, and integrated connectivity. The MediaTek Dimensity 920 focuses on efficient mid-range performance with a 6nm process and modern Cortex-A78 cores, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 delivers flagship-grade computing with a 3.2GHz prime core, Adreno 650 graphics, and higher sustained performance for gaming, content creation, and demanding multitasking.
General
The MediaTek Dimensity 920 was announced in August 2021 and belongs to the mid-range class. On the other hand, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870, announced in January 2021, is a high-end processor. Both brands are renowned for their advancements in mobile processor technology.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 920 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| Brand | MediaTek | Qualcomm |
| Model | Dimensity 920 | Snapdragon 870 |
| Launch date | August 2021 | January 2021 |
| Target segment | Upper mid-range smartphones | Premium flagship smartphones |
| Network support | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Process node | 6nm | 7nm |
| Foundry | TSMC | TSMC |
| CPU architecture | ARMv8.2-A | ARMv8-A |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| AI engine | MediaTek APU 3.0 | Qualcomm Hexagon 698 AI Engine |
CPU
The MediaTek Dimensity 920 combines two Cortex-A78 performance cores with six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores to handle multitasking, video streaming, and productivity apps efficiently. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 uses one Cortex-A77 prime core running at 3.2GHz together with three Cortex-A77 performance cores and four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, allowing faster rendering, high-frame-rate gaming, and quicker application launches.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 920 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| CPU architecture | Cortex-A78 + Cortex-A55 | Cortex-A77 + Cortex-A55 |
| Core count | 8 cores | 8 cores |
| Performance cores | 2x Cortex-A78@2.5GHz | 1x Cortex-A77@3.2GHz + 3x Cortex-A77@2.42GHz |
| Efficiency cores | 6x Cortex-A55@2.0GHz | 4x Cortex-A55@1.8GHz |
| Maximum clock speed | 2.5GHz | 3.2GHz |
| Instruction set | ARMv8.2-A | ARMv8-A |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| L3 cache | 8MB | 4MB |
| Process node | 6nm (TSMC) | 7nm (TSMC) |
Graphics
The MediaTek Dimensity 920 integrates the Mali-G68 MC4 GPU for smooth gameplay in titles such as PUBG Mobile, Asphalt 9, and Call of Duty: Mobile at medium to high graphics settings. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 features the Adreno 650 GPU, supporting higher frame rates and more demanding games including BGMI and Genshin Impact with improved sustained graphics performance.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 920 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| GPU model | Mali-G68 MC4 | Adreno 650 |
| GPU architecture | Valhall | Adreno 6xx |
| Graphics API | Vulkan 1.2 | Vulkan 1.1 |
| OpenGL ES | 3.2 | 3.2 |
| OpenCL | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| DirectX support | 12 | 12 |
| AI graphics acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| Hardware video acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum display refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 144Hz |
Memory
The memory subsystem determines how efficiently a processor keeps apps responsive during multitasking, high-resolution photography, gaming, and content creation. The MediaTek Dimensity 920 supports high-speed LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage for faster app loading, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 combines LPDDR5 memory with greater memory bandwidth to sustain demanding workloads such as 4K video editing, large game installations, and multiple background applications.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 920 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| Memory type | LPDDR4X, LPDDR5 | LPDDR5 |
| Maximum memory frequency | 6,400Mbps | 5,500Mbps |
| Memory bus width | 4 x 16-bit (64-bit) | 4 x 16-bit (64-bit) |
| Maximum memory bandwidth | 51.2GB/s | 44GB/s |
| Maximum RAM support | 16GB | 16GB |
| ECC support | No | No |
| Storage support | UFS 2.2, UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.0, UFS 3.1 |
Multimedia (ISP)
The MediaTek Dimensity 920 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 include advanced image signal processors that support high-resolution photography, HDR video recording, AI-assisted imaging, and high-refresh-rate displays. The MediaTek Dimensity 920 is designed for modern mid-range camera systems with support for up to 108MP sensors, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 enables premium camera features including 8K video recording and more advanced computational photography.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 920 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| ISP | MediaTek Imagiq 5.0 | Qualcomm Spectra 480 ISP |
| Storage interface | UFS 2.2, UFS 3.1 | UFS 3.0, UFS 3.1 |
| Maximum display resolution | FHD+ | QHD+ |
| Maximum display refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 144Hz |
| Maximum camera resolution | 108MP | 200MP |
| Multi-camera support | Dual camera | Triple camera |
| Video capture | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K HDR@60fps |
| Video playback | 4K HDR | 8K HDR |
| HDR support | HDR10+ | HDR10, HDR10+ |
| Video codecs | H.264, H.265, AV1, VP9 | H.264, H.265, VP9 |
| AI camera enhancement | Yes | Yes |
Connectivity and network
The MediaTek Dimensity 920 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 integrate 5G modems for high-speed downloads, video streaming, cloud gaming, and video conferencing. The MediaTek Dimensity 920 includes MediaTek 5G UltraSave 2.0 technology for efficient network operation, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 integrates the Snapdragon X55 modem with higher peak throughput for flagship smartphones.
| Specification | MediaTek Dimensity 920 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 |
|---|
| Integrated modem | MediaTek 5G Release 16 | Snapdragon X55 5G |
| 5G support | Sub-6GHz | Sub-6GHz, mmWave |
| Maximum download speed | 4.7Gbps | 7.5Gbps |
| Maximum upload speed | 2.5Gbps | 3Gbps |
| 4G LTE download | 1.6Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS |
| Dual SIM 5G | Yes | Yes |
| 5G carrier aggregation | Yes | Yes |