MediaTek Dimensity 9500

Review Cycle

April 2026

Read Time

4 min read

Technical Depth

70% Detailed

MediaTek Dimensity 9500
Source: Mediatek

Executive Summary

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is a flagship 5G processor designed to deliver unparalleled performance, stunning graphics, and advanced intelligence to smartphones. It features an elite pairing of CPU, GPU, and NPU, ensuring the ultimate flagship experience and a smartphone that runs effortlessly cool. With its 3rd-generation All Big Core design, the Dimensity 9500 is the most powerful and capable Dimensity ever, making it a significant player in the mobile segment. The Dimensity 9500 is built on the latest Armv9.3 architecture with Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2) and features a performance-first CPU architecture. It includes the new C1-Ultra core, which delivers a 10% IPC uplift compared to the previous-generation processor, along with the C1-Premium and C1-Pro processors in its octa-core design. The increased in-chip cache sizes accelerate performance and improve power efficiency, making it an attractive option for demanding smartphone users.

Architecture & Design

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 features a 3rd-generation All Big Core design, which includes the new C1-Ultra core, C1-Premium core, and C1-Pro core. The C1-Ultra core delivers a 10% IPC uplift compared to the previous-generation processor. The octa-core design consists of one C1-Ultra core, three C1-Premium cores, and four C1-Pro cores. The Dimensity 9500 also features a super-large in-chip cache to accelerate performance and improve power efficiency. The cache sizes have been increased, with a 100% bigger L1 cache and a 33% bigger L3 cache. The Dimensity 9500 is built on the latest Armv9.3 architecture with Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2) and features a performance-first CPU architecture. It also features a 2nd generation Dimensity Scheduling technology and Super zRAM technology, which deliver the #1 consistently fastest action response. The processor supports 4-lane UFS 4.1, which delivers 100% faster sequential data speeds and accelerates AI model load efficiency by up to 40%. The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 also features a new MediaTek Imagiq 1190 ISP with support for 200MP capture with 30fps continuous focus tracking and 4K 60fps portrait video recording with advanced RAW-domain pre-processing. The processor is designed to deliver ultra-consistent, lightning-fast app launch response times, averaging 42ms with only 6ms deviation. It also features seamless, full-frame animations for both the OS and third-party apps, and industry-leading responsive scrolling performance for smooth and immediate feedback.

Performance & Thermal

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 delivers up to 32% faster single-core performance and up to 55% improved Ultra-core peak power efficiency. It also features up to 37% lower CPU peak power use, making it a power-efficient option for smartphones. The processor is designed to deliver ultra-consistent performance, with up to 30% more power efficiency while multitasking in games and social audio calling apps. The Dimensity 9500 features a new MediaTek NPU 990, which is twice as powerful as the previous generation. The NPU 990 is the ultimate edge AI processor for seamless, more immediate experiences, with up to 56% reduced peak power use and over 2x faster token generation speed. It supports 4K resolution text-to-image generation and is designed to deliver transformative Generative and Agentic AI for creativity, video conferencing, and productivity.

Market Positioning

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is positioned as a flagship 5G processor, designed to deliver unparalleled performance, stunning graphics, and advanced intelligence to smartphones. It is expected to close the performance gap against Apple and Qualcomm in the mobile segment. The processor is designed to deliver the ultimate flagship experience, making it an attractive option for demanding smartphone users. The Dimensity 9500 is designed to deliver ultra-consistent performance, with up to 30% more power efficiency while multitasking in games and social audio calling apps. It features a super-large in-chip cache to accelerate performance and improve power efficiency, making it a power-efficient option for smartphones. The processor is built on the latest TSMC N3P process, which delivers more performance per milliwatt than ever before.

Verdict

The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is a powerful and capable processor, designed to deliver unparalleled performance, stunning graphics, and advanced intelligence to smartphones. With its 3rd-generation All Big Core design, the Dimensity 9500 is the most powerful and capable Dimensity ever, making it a significant player in the mobile segment. The processor is designed to deliver ultra-consistent performance, with up to 30% more power efficiency while multitasking in games and social audio calling apps, making it an attractive option for demanding smartphone users. The Dimensity 9500 features a new MediaTek NPU 990, which is twice as powerful as the previous generation, and is designed to deliver transformative Generative and Agentic AI for creativity, video conferencing, and productivity. The processor is built on the latest Armv9.3 architecture with Scalable Matrix Extension 2 (SME2) and features a performance-first CPU architecture, making it a powerful and efficient option for smartphones. Overall, the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is a powerful and capable processor, designed to deliver unparalleled performance, stunning graphics, and advanced intelligence to smartphones. With its ultra-consistent performance, power-efficient design, and advanced AI capabilities, the Dimensity 9500 is an attractive option for demanding smartphone users.

Specifications

CPU ArchitectureArmv9.3
CPU Cores1 x C1-Ultra, 3 x C1-Premium, 4 x C1-Pro
CPU Clock SpeedUp to 4.21 GHz
GPUG1 Ultra
NPUNPU 990
Process NodeTSMC N3P
Cache Size100% bigger L1 cache, 33% bigger L3 cache
UFS Support4-lane UFS 4.1
ISPMediaTek Imagiq 1190
Camera SupportUp to 200MP capture with 30fps continuous focus tracking
Video RecordingUp to 4K 60fps portrait video recording with advanced RAW-domain pre-processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPU architecture of the MediaTek Dimensity 9500?

Armv9.3

How many CPU cores does the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 have?

8 cores (1 x C1-Ultra, 3 x C1-Premium, 4 x C1-Pro)

What is the clock speed of the MediaTek Dimensity 9500?

Up to 4.21 GHz

What is the GPU of the MediaTek Dimensity 9500?

G1 Ultra

What is the NPU of the MediaTek Dimensity 9500?

NPU 990