MediaTek has introduced the Dimensity 9600 Pro, a flagship mobile chipset built on a 2nm process and centered on an all-big-core CPU architecture. The platform brings upgraded processing, graphics, imaging, on-device AI and cellular capabilities for an upcoming generation of premium smartphones.
Eight CPU cores in a 2+3+3 configuration
The Dimensity 9600 Pro uses an eight-core processor divided into three groups. Two C2-Ultra cores operate at up to 4.55GHz, three C2-Pro cores run at up to 4.35GHz, and another three C2-Pro cores reach up to 3.10GHz. This creates a 2+3+3 configuration without the conventional small efficiency cores found in many mobile processors.
MediaTek says the new CPU delivers a 17% increase in single-core performance and a 15% improvement in multi-core performance compared with its predecessor. The company also claims energy-efficiency gains of 37% in single-core operation and 61% in multi-core workloads. These figures are manufacturer-provided comparisons, and performance in commercial devices will depend on each phone’s cooling system, power settings and software implementation.
The chipset is designed to work with LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage. Both standards represent a step beyond the memory and storage technologies commonly associated with current flagship phones, although actual configurations will be determined by individual smartphone manufacturers. MediaTek has not detailed the capacities or data rates that forthcoming devices will use.
New Mali graphics and Imagiq image processing
Graphics are handled by a 12-core Mali G2 Ultra NX GPU. MediaTek has not provided gaming benchmarks or detailed graphics performance figures, but the new GPU forms the visual processing component of the flagship platform alongside the upgraded CPU.
For camera workloads, the Dimensity 9600 Pro includes MediaTek’s new Imagiq 1290 image signal processor. The ISP supports recording 4K video at 120 frames per second in a cinematic Log format designed to retain color information. Log recording can provide more flexibility during post-production, though the final recording options and camera capabilities will depend on how phone makers integrate the chipset with their sensors, optics and software.
The imaging pipeline also includes support for processing photo and video content with AI algorithms directly on the device. MediaTek has not disclosed specific camera resolutions, sensor requirements or a complete list of computational photography functions, so those details will need to come from the first smartphones using the platform.
NPU 1090 expands on-device AI performance
A new NPU 1090 provides dedicated acceleration for artificial intelligence workloads. According to MediaTek, it offers twice the INT4 computing capability of the previous generation and improves large language model performance by 51%.
The emphasis on local processing reflects the growing role of generative AI and machine-learning features on smartphones. Running compatible tasks directly on a handset can reduce dependence on remote servers, but MediaTek has not announced specific consumer-facing tools or language models for the Dimensity 9600 Pro. The functions available to buyers will therefore depend on the software developed by device makers and application providers.
By combining the NPU with its imaging hardware, MediaTek is positioning the chipset to handle both general AI workloads and AI-assisted media processing. However, the company has not supplied independent test results or details about memory requirements for large on-device models.
Faster modem technology and expected devices
MediaTek has also upgraded the integrated modem. With 5CC-CA technology, the Dimensity 9600 Pro is said to support download speeds exceeding 7.4Gbps. Real-world cellular performance will vary according to network coverage, available spectrum, carrier support, congestion and the antenna design of each smartphone.
The first phones powered by the Dimensity 9600 Pro are expected to appear within the coming weeks. The vivo X500 and OPPO Find X10 are among the models anticipated to use the new chipset, although final launch schedules and regional availability have not been confirmed in the supplied announcement.
No pricing information has been disclosed for the chipset or the expected smartphones. Further details about device-specific displays, cameras, batteries, cooling systems and software should emerge when manufacturers formally present their products.
The Dimensity 9600 Pro brings MediaTek’s flagship platform to a 2nm process while advancing CPU efficiency, AI acceleration, imaging and connectivity. Its real impact will become clearer once the first commercial phones arrive and reveal how manufacturers use the chip’s new capabilities.
