Snapdragon vs. MediaTek: Which Processor Is Best for High-End Phones?

When it comes to the high-end smartphones, there is a lot of competition and often the distinction between two devices boils down to the specific processor. While iPhones all use Apple’s in-house chips, Android smartphones are divided between chips from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon and MediaTek. Even though both offer the best performance possible, there are differences which make one better than the other depending on the user’s preference.

qualcomm vs mediatek

A Comparison of the Price between Snapdragon and MediaTek

High-end phones are expensive and this is one of the most important factors to consider when making a purchase. In general, the devices with Snapdragon processors have a higher variability of price. For instance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is used in devices, which may start from affordable flagship killers and go up to the high-end devices.

However, MediaTek’s Dimensity processors like the Dimensity 9300+ are also used in high-end devices although they are not as common as the Snapdragon processors especially in markets such as Spain. This can be an issue with regards to the price and the availability of the MediaTek powered phones, and one such phone is the Vivo X90 Pro with its Dimensity 9200, which was released at €1,199.

Performance: Snapdragon vs. MediaTek

The Snapdragon processors especially the versions 8 Gen 2 and 8 Gen 3 have been noted to be among the best in the market in terms of performance especially when it comes to gaming among other activities. The MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300+ though is at the moment ahead of other chips such as Snapdragon’s in benchmarks like AnTuTu in terms of raw power.

Still, it is availability that matters – most of the premium Android devices available in the Western markets continue to ship with Snapdragon chips inside them; hence, devices powered by Snapdragon remain more ubiquitous.

Extras: AI and 5G technologies and System Optimization

The two main competitors, Snapdragon and MediaTek both have 5G and AI capabilities that are pivotal to this generation’s smartphones. However, the Snapdragon chips work better with the Android operating system, and this means efficiency especially in the areas of camera and multitasking. This is advantageous for any device that is powered by Snapdragon processor since the application launches smoother.

Conclusion: What Processor to Select?

If flexibility and scalability of the system are of paramount importance, the Snapdragon processors will be more suitable, as well as provide a greater variety and better compatibility with Android. But for those who are interested in performance only, MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300+ is currently the king of the benchmark and would be a great choice if you can get it in your part of the world.