HiSilicon Kirin 9000E
HiSilicon Kirin 9000E: Power and Efficiency in a Compact Form Factor
April 2025
Introduction
In the world of mobile technology, processors play a crucial role, determining not only the speed of a smartphone but also its capabilities in gaming, photography, and multitasking. HiSilicon Kirin 9000E, released in late 2020, remains a relevant solution for premium devices, especially in light of Huawei's limited access to advanced manufacturing technologies after 2023. In this article, we will explore what makes this SoC (System-on-Chip) noteworthy, how it performs in real-world scenarios, and who should pay attention to it.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: The Foundation of Performance
The Kirin 9000E is built on TSMC's 5-nanometer process technology, ensuring high transistor density and energy efficiency. The chip includes:
- 8-core CPU with a hybrid architecture:
- 1× Cortex-A77 @ 3.13 GHz (high-performance core);
- 3× Cortex-A77 @ 2.54 GHz;
- 4× Cortex-A55 @ 2.05 GHz (energy-efficient cores).
- Mali-G78 MP22 GPU with 22 compute units—the highest in the Mali series, which enhances graphical performance.
Thanks to the 5 nm process technology, the processor balances between power and moderate heat dissipation (TDP 6W). The Big.LITTLE architecture allows for task distribution among cores: demanding applications (games, rendering) utilize the A77 cluster, while background processes use the energy-efficient A55.
2. Performance in Real Tasks
Gaming: The Mali-G78 MP22 demonstrates up to a 30% performance improvement compared to the Mali-G77. In 2025, the Kirin 9000E still handles modern titles like Genshin Impact on medium settings (45-50 FPS) and Call of Duty: Mobile on high settings (60 FPS). However, in ray-traced games, it noticeably lags behind flagship devices using Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Multimedia:
- Support for 8K@30fps video and HDR10+ decoding;
- Hardware acceleration for AV1 and H.265 codecs;
- High photo processing speed thanks to the Da Vinci 2.0 ISP (Image Signal Processor).
AI Tasks: The built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit) with two cores accelerates object recognition in frames, automatic tuning of photography parameters, and the operation of voice assistants. For instance, processing a photo in "Night Mode" takes less than 2 seconds.
Power Consumption and Heat: Under moderate use (social media, video), a smartphone with Kirin 9000E lasts 1.5 days without recharging. In intensive scenarios (gaming, 4K shooting), temperatures can reach up to 42°C, but the cooling system in devices (e.g., Huawei Mate 40 Pro) prevents throttling.
3. Integrated Modules: The Future of Connectivity
- Balong 5000 Modem: Supports 5G SA/NSA and 4G LTE Cat.21. Download speeds can reach up to 4.6 Gbps. However, by 2025, the lack of compatibility with new 5G frequency bands (e.g., n258) limits speeds in some regions.
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2: Stable connections to Wi-Fi 6 routers (up to 2400 Mbps), support for dual-channel data transmission via Bluetooth.
- Navigation: GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou—high accuracy even in densely built areas.
4. Comparison with Competitors
By 2025, the Kirin 9000E competes with chips from 2022-2023:
- Snapdragon 888 (2021): Better in gaming (Adreno 660 vs. Mali-G78), but runs hotter (TDP up to 8W).
- Apple A14 Bionic (2020): Leader in Single-Core performance (Geekbench 6: 1580 vs. 1176), but weaker in multi-threading (3850 vs. 3255).
- Tensor G2 (2023): Excels in AI tasks but falls short in energy efficiency.
The Kirin 9000E outperforms its predecessor, the Kirin 990 5G, by 25% in GPU performance and 15% in CPU performance. However, new processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 leave it behind.
5. Use Cases
- Gaming: Suitable for casual games and medium settings in AAA titles. For hardcore gamers, devices with active cooling are recommended.
- Daily Tasks: Instant app launches, smooth browsing with up to 15 tabs open simultaneously.
- Photography and Video: Capability for 8K shooting, portrait mode with accurate subject-background separation, and AI-enhanced details in low light.
6. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Energy efficiency from 5 nm process technology;
- Powerful GPU for graphics;
- Support for modern communication standards.
Cons:
- No compatibility with current 5G frequency bands;
- Lacks hardware acceleration for certain codecs (e.g., AV2);
- Limited availability in new devices due to sanctions against Huawei.
7. Practical Tips When Choosing a Smartphone
- Cooling: Look for models with vapor chambers (e.g., Huawei Mate 40 Pro).
- Battery: Ideally, 4500–5000 mAh to compensate for high energy consumption in gaming.
- Price: Devices with Kirin 9000E in 2025 are priced between $600 and $800 (new). Typically, these are flagship Huawei and Honor models with top-tier cameras (Leica lenses, variable aperture).
8. Conclusion: Who Should Consider the Kirin 9000E?
This processor is a choice for those who value:
1. Balance of price and performance: For $600–$800 you get a chip equivalent to top flagships from 2021-2022.
2. Quality photography: AI algorithms and the Da Vinci ISP still compete with modern sensors.
3. Long-term support: Huawei promises HarmonyOS updates until 2027.
However, if you need maximum FPS in gaming or compatibility with 6G networks, it’s worth looking at newer SoCs. The Kirin 9000E remains a reliable option for everyday tasks, creativity, and moderate gaming, maintaining its relevance in 2025.