MediaTek Dimensity 930
MediaTek Dimensity 930: Balance of Performance and Affordability in 2025
Overview of the Mid-Range Smartphone Processor
Introduction
The modern mobile processor market offers solutions for every taste, from budget to flagship. The MediaTek Dimensity 930, introduced at the end of 2024, occupies a niche as an "optimal choice" for users who want high performance without overpaying for top-end technologies. This chip is a logical continuation of the Dimensity 900 series, maintaining a balance between energy efficiency and power. In this article, we will explore what sets this processor apart, how it performs in real-world tasks, and who it is suitable for.
1. Architecture and Fabrication Process: The Foundation of Stability
6 nm Fabrication Process: Efficiency Above All
The Dimensity 930 is built using a 6-nm fabrication process (TSMC N6), ensuring a good balance between performance and energy consumption. While it may not be the most advanced process (compared to the 4-nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), it is an optimal choice for the mid-range segment. The chip does not overheat even under load, and its efficiency is higher than that of 7-nm counterparts.
Core Configuration: 8-Core Hybrid
The CPU architecture includes:
- 2 Cortex-A78 cores clocked up to 2.2 GHz for resource-intensive tasks: gaming, video rendering, AI processing.
- 6 Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz for background processes and power saving.
This configuration (2+6) allows for distributing tasks across clusters, avoiding excessive load on the high-performance cores. In Geekbench 6 tests, the chip scores 924 points in Single-Core and 2328 in Multi-Core, comparable to the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2.
GPU: IMG BXM-8-256 — Graphics Without Extremes
The graphics accelerator from Imagination Technologies supports Vulkan 1.3 and OpenGL ES 3.2 APIs, providing smooth performance in mobile games at medium settings. Its BXM architecture is optimized for rendering textures and shaders, but it lacks the power for ultra-settings in AAA projects (like Genshin Impact). However, in less demanding games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile), the BXM-8-256 demonstrates stable 60 FPS.
2. Performance in Real-World Tasks: From Gaming to AI
Gaming: Comfort on Medium Settings
The Dimensity 930 handles most popular games of 2024-2025, but compromises are necessary:
- PUBG Mobile: Ultra HD + 60 FPS (without glitches).
- Genshin Impact: Medium settings, 45–50 FPS (possible drops in areas with particle effects).
- Honkai: Star Rail: High settings, 50 FPS.
Importantly, the processor supports displays with up to a 120 Hz refresh rate, relevant for smartphones with AMOLED screens.
Multimedia: 4K and HDR
The chip decodes video in 4K@60 FPS (H.265, AV1) and encodes in 4K@30 FPS. Support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision makes it attractive for streaming and editing short videos. However, for professional video work (e.g., in DaVinci Resolve), it's better to choose flagship SoCs.
AI Tasks: Modest Yet Adequate
The integrated APU 3.0 (AI Processing Unit) accelerates neural network operations: photo processing (noise reduction, autofocus), voice assistants, AR applications. For complex tasks (image generation via Stable Diffusion), the power is insufficient, but it is adequate for everyday use (Google Lens, live broadcasts).
Energy Consumption and Heating: A Cold Calculation
Thanks to the 6-nm fabrication process and ARMv8.4 optimization, the chip consumes 15% less energy than the Dimensity 920. In PCMark Battery Life tests, smartphones with the Dimensity 930 demonstrate 12–14 hours of usage under moderate conditions. Even after an hour of gaming, the device temperature rarely exceeds 40°C, and throttling begins only after 25-30 minutes of continuous load.
3. Built-in Modules: Connectivity at a High Level
Modem: 5G Sub-6 GHz and 4G LTE
The integrated MediaTek M80 modem supports 5G SA/NSA in the Sub-6 GHz bands (speeds up to 2.77 Gbps) and 4G Cat-24 (up to 2 Gbps). This is the standard for 2025, but mmWave is not included, as such networks are still rare outside the USA.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
The chip is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (ax) with MU-MIMO and speeds up to 1.2 Gbps. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection with headphones and smartwatches, including support for the LC3 codec for high-quality audio.
Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Support for all major satellite systems (including QZSS and NavIC) allows for accurate location determination even in dense urban environments.
4. Comparison with Competitors: Who Are the Leaders?
Dimensity 930 vs Snapdragon 7 Gen 2
- CPU: The Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 (4 nm) is slightly faster in Multi-Core (2450 vs 2328) but is more expensive.
- GPU: Adreno 710 in Snapdragon performs better in games (15-20% higher FPS).
- Energy Efficiency: Dimensity 930 wins due to Cortex-A55 optimization.
Dimensity 930 vs Exynos 1380
- Samsung Exynos 1380 (5 nm) is close in CPU performance, but its Mali-G68 MP5 GPU falls short in stability.
- AnTuTu 10: Exynos 1380 scores ~440,000 points compared to 452,892 for MediaTek.
Generational Comparison: Dimensity 930 vs 920
- CPU performance increase: 12%, GPU: 18%.
- AV1 support in 930 is a key distinction for streamers.
5. Use Cases: Who Is It Suitable For?
Gaming: For Casual Players
The chip is ideal for casual games and emulator enthusiasts (PSP, Nintendo DS). For hardcore gamers, it’s better to choose devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3.
Everyday Tasks: Without Compromises
Social media, messaging, web browsing — everything works instantly. Multitasking (simultaneous running of 10+ applications) does not cause lag.
Photography and Video: Amateur Level
- Supports cameras up to 108 MP.
- Records 4K@30 FPS with EIS.
- AI enhancement for photos (night shooting, portrait mode).
For professional shooting (10-bit logging, RAW), the power is insufficient.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages
Strengths:
- Optimal price: smartphones from $300.
- Energy efficiency.
- Support for 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
- Good graphics for medium tasks.
Weaknesses:
- No mmWave 5G support.
- GPU is weaker than Snapdragon 7 Gen 2.
- Limited capabilities for professional video editing.
7. Practical Tips for Choosing a Smartphone
- Cooling: Look for models with vapor chambers or graphite thermal pads.
- RAM: Minimum of 8 GB for gaming, 6 GB for everyday tasks.
- Display: An AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 90-120 Hz will unlock the GPU's potential.
- Brands: Realme, Xiaomi, vivo are leaders in using Dimensity 930 in 2025.
Examples of models:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro: 8/256 GB, 120 Hz AMOLED, $349.
- Realme 11X 5G: 6/128 GB, 5000 mAh, $299.
8. Final Conclusion: Who Is the Dimensity 930 For?
This processor is the choice for those seeking a "golden mean":
- Students: Long battery life, smooth interface.
- Budget Gamers: Games at medium settings without overspending.
- 5G Users: Fast internet without flagship prices.
The Dimensity 930 proves that the mid-range segment in 2025 is not a compromise but a reasonable balance between technology and cost.
