MediaTek Dimensity 7400

MediaTek Dimensity 7400: A Balance of Power and Efficiency in 2025 Smartphones

April 2025

Modern mobile processors are the heart of any smartphone, defining its capabilities. The MediaTek Dimensity 7400, unveiled in early 2025, is the company's response to market demands: affordable performance, support for new technologies, and energy efficiency. Let's take a closer look at what makes this system-on-chip (SoC) noteworthy and who it is suited for.

1. Architecture and Technology: What's Inside the Dimensity 7400?

Cores and Frequencies: A Hybrid Scheme for Balance

The MediaTek Dimensity 7400 is built on a hybrid architecture with 8 cores, divided into two clusters:

- 2 high-performance Cortex-A78 cores running at 2.6 GHz for resource-intensive tasks;

- 6 energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0 GHz for background processes.

This configuration optimizes energy consumption: powerful cores activate during gaming or video rendering, while background apps run on the economical cores.

Graphics: Mali-G615 MP2

The Mali-G615 MP2 GPU supports Vulkan 1.3 and OpenGL ES 3.2 APIs, ensuring smooth performance in games at resolutions up to Full HD+ (1080x2400) and frame rates of 90–120 Hz. The HyperEngine 6.0 technology enhances frame rate stability by dynamically allocating resources between the CPU and GPU.

4-nm Technology: Efficiency at its Best

The chip is manufactured using TSMC's 4-nm process, reducing heat generation and increasing efficiency. This is particularly important for smartphones with compact designs, where overheating can limit performance.

2. Real-world Performance

Gaming: Comfort without Extremes

With the Dimensity 7400, games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at medium graphics settings (60 FPS), while less demanding titles (PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends) can run at maximum settings (90 FPS). However, for 4K gaming or ray tracing, the Mali-G615 MP2 does not have enough power, where it falls short compared to flagship solutions.

Multimedia: 4K and HDR

The processor supports video decoding in 4K@60 FPS and encoding in 4K@30 FPS, as well as HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats. This makes it an excellent choice for streaming and editing short videos directly on the smartphone.

AI Tasks: Accelerating Neural Networks

The MediaTek APU 550 block accelerates AI algorithms for camera functions (like scene recognition and portrait enhancement), voice assistants, and AR applications. For example, photo processing in Lightroom Mobile takes 20% less time compared to the Dimensity 7200.

Power Consumption and Heating

Thanks to the 4-nm process and optimizations, the chip shows 15% better energy efficiency compared to its predecessor (Dimensity 7200). In the PCMark Battery Life test, smartphones powered by the Dimensity 7400 can last up to 14 hours of active usage. The cooling system depends on the manufacturer: in top models (like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro), a graphite layer and vapor chamber are used to prevent throttling.

3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity of the Future

5G and 4G: Speeds up to 3.77 Gbps

The built-in MediaTek M80 modem supports Sub-6 GHz 5G networks (up to 3.3 Gbps) and 4G LTE-A Cat.24 (up to 2.5 Gbps). This guarantees stable streaming even on the move (for example, in trains or cars).

Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3

The chip is equipped with a Wi-Fi 6E module that supports the 6 GHz frequency for minimal latency in online gaming. Bluetooth 5.3 improves connectivity with wireless headphones (like LC3 codecs for high-quality audio) and smart home devices.

Satellite Communication: Emergency Situations

The Dimensity 7400 is one of the first mid-range processors with support for satellite communication (emergency messaging through systems like Iridium). This feature is valuable for travelers and adventurers.

4. Comparison with Competitors

Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3:

- Better GPU (Adreno 725 vs. Mali-G615 MP2) — Snapdragon excels in gaming;

- Higher price for smartphones ($450–600 vs. $300–500 for Dimensity);

- Weaker energy efficiency (5-nm process).

Exynos 1380:

- Comparable CPU performance;

- No satellite communication;

- Lower prevalence (primarily in Samsung's A-series).

Apple A16 Bionic:

- Leader in single-core performance (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: ~1950);

- Significantly more expensive (smartphones starting at $700);

- Limited compatibility (only for iPhones).

Conclusion: The Dimensity 7400 offers an optimal balance of price and capabilities, falling short of flagships in GPU performance while excelling in cost and energy efficiency.

5. Use Cases

Gaming:

- Recommended for casual gamers: games at medium settings, streaming through cloud services (GeForce Now).

Everyday Tasks:

- Smooth operation with social media, web browsing, and office applications. Support for up to 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM allows keeping dozens of tabs open in the background.

Photo and Video:

- Cameras up to 200 MP (with support for Samsung ISOCELL HP3 sensors);

- Recording video at 4K@30 FPS with EIS;

- AI stabilization and detail enhancement in low light.

6. Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Energy efficiency from the 4-nm process;

- Support for current communication standards (5G, Wi-Fi 6E);

- Affordable device prices.

Cons:

- GPU weaker than that of Snapdragon 7 Gen 3;

- No support for 8K video;

- Limited optimization in premium games.

7. Smartphone Selection Tips

- Cooling: Look for models with liquid cooling systems.

- Display: An AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 90–120 Hz will unlock the GPU's potential.

- Memory: At least 8/256 GB for comfortable operation.

- Price: Devices with Dimensity 7400 range from $300–500 (new models from Realme, Redmi, and vivo).

8. Final Conclusion: Who is the Dimensity 7400 Suitable For?

This processor is an ideal choice for those looking for:

- A smartphone under $500 with 5G support and a smooth interface;

- A device for work, streaming, and casual gaming;

- Reliable battery life (14+ hours of screen time).

Key Benefits: Modern communication technologies, energy efficiency, and decent performance at a reasonable price. If you're not a demanding gamer or a professional photographer, the Dimensity 7400 will serve as an excellent companion for 2–3 years.