MediaTek Dimensity 9500 official: A flagship SoC with revamped CPU, faster storage, and bigger bets on on-device AI

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is announced, positioning it as its most advanced mobile chipset to date. The company’s focus spans three pillars: higher on-device AI throughput, console-style gaming features, and better power efficiency for top-tier Android phones. As with any launch, most numbers are vendor estimates; real-world results will hinge on handset design and software tuning by OEMs.

CPU architecture and performance claims

The Dimensity 9500 debuts a new CPU layout built around a 4.21 GHz “ultra” core, backed by three premium cores and four performance cores. MediaTek says the configuration lifts single-core performance by 29% and multi-core by 16% versus the Dimensity 9400 used in devices such as the OPPO Find X8 Pro and Vivo X200 Pro. The firm also claims the ultra core can cut power draw by up to 55% at peak, a figure aimed at extending battery life during heavy tasks like video editing or gaming.

Four-channel UFS 4.1 storage

In a first for smartphones, MediaTek is adding native support for 4-channel UFS 4.1. The company says this doubles read/write throughput compared with Dimensity 9400 platforms and shortens load times for local AI models.

AI engine, models, and efficiency

The SoC integrates the NPU 990 alongside Generative AI Engine 2.0. MediaTek’s guidance points to 2× AI compute and lower energy use through BitNet 1-bit large-model support. The NPU is said to sustain smaller models continuously while using over 40% less power, handle contexts up to 128K tokens for LLMs, and generate 4K images on-device, all while targeting faster response times.

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 – Graphics and gaming

Graphics switch to Arm’s G1-Ultra GPU. MediaTek cites up to 33% higher GPU performance and 42% better power efficiency gen-on-gen. The GPU supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing and frame-rate interpolation up to 120 fps, features intended to close the gap between mobile and console-grade visuals.

Imaging pipeline

The Imagiq 1190 ISP introduces RAW-domain pre-processing, up to 200 MP photo capture, and NPU-assisted autofocus. MediaTek says upcoming flagships from brands such as Vivo and OPPO will leverage the imaging stack to deliver cinematic 4K/60 fps portrait video, targeting creators and mobile videography.

MediaTek Dimensity 9500 – Availability outlook

MediaTek is positioning the Dimensity 9500 for ultra-premium phones launching later this cycle. As always, headline gains are contingent on thermal budgets, storage configuration, display choices, and the quality of OEM software optimization.