MediaTek Dimensity 7450: Updated Modem and AI, but Not CPU and GPU

The MediaTek Dimensity 7450 is not a new level of performance compared to the Dimensity 7400, but rather an updated version of the same platform. The CPU, GPU, memory, storage, camera, display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and peak 5G speed have not changed significantly. The main difference is the transition to 5G Release 17 and improvements to the AI block.

This chip should not be seen as a reason to upgrade for increased FPS or benchmark scores. MediaTek has improved the connectivity and AI, but has kept the same hardware foundation. For consumers, this means no increase in speed, but rather a newer platform for new mid-range smartphones.

What's Changed Since Dimensity 7400

The Dimensity 7450 closely resembles the Dimensity 7400 in base specifications. The processing part remains unchanged: four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at up to 2.6 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores. The GPU has also not changed-it uses the Mali-G615 MC2. This is the same graphics processor that limits gaming performance in heavy projects.

The conclusion from the comparison is straightforward: the Dimensity 7450 does not elevate the smartphone to a higher class. In terms of CPU and GPU, it remains at the Dimensity 7400 level. The difference lies in networking and AI, not in overall performance.

Performance: No Increase Expected

The processing unit of the Dimensity 7450 does not change the class of the device. Four Cortex-A78 and four Cortex-A55 provide sufficient speed for the interface, browser, applications, camera, and multitasking, but this is not a new architectural leap. There are no new Cortex-A7xx cores here.

Therefore, the Dimensity 7450 does not appear as an upgrade for owners of smartphones with the Dimensity 7400 or similar chips. The difference in real-world performance will depend on the specific device: cooling, memory, storage, firmware, and power consumption limits.

Graphics: Same Mali-G615 MC2

There is also no gaming upgrade. The Dimensity 7450 uses the Mali-G615 MC2-a dual-core GPU of the same class as the Dimensity 7400. This is adequate for the interface, video, and less demanding games, but its headroom is limited in heavy projects.

This is an important point when evaluating smartphones with the Dimensity 7450. In models focused on display, battery life, connectivity, and camera, such GPU is appropriate. In a device with a gaming focus, it will be a weak point.

Connectivity: The Main Real Change

The main difference of the Dimensity 7450 is the transition from 5G Release 16 to 5G Release 17. However, the peak download speed has not increased: both chips are rated for up to 3.27 Gbps through 3CC carrier aggregation and a bandwidth of up to 140 MHz.

This does not mean an automatic increase in speed in real networks. The Dimensity 7450 has received a newer network platform, but the ultimate speed still depends on the operator, region, frequencies, antennas, and smartphone firmware.

Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 are not advantages of the Dimensity 7450 over the Dimensity 7400: these capabilities are present in both platforms. Therefore, it is not worth presenting them as new differences.

AI: Improvement, Not Class Change

The second difference is the AI block. The Dimensity 7400 features the NPU 655, while the Dimensity 7450 has a 6th generation NPU with claimed AI optimizations of up to 7%. This may be useful for camera processing and local AI tasks but does not change the overall class of the chip.

It is crucial not to confuse AI improvements with increases in ordinary performance. They do not make the CPU faster, do not enhance the GPU, and do not turn the Dimensity 7450 into a gaming platform.

Camera, Display, and Memory

In terms of the camera, the Dimensity 7450 does not provide noticeable advantages over the Dimensity 7400. Both chips support sensors of up to 200 MP and video up to 4K 30 FPS. This is sufficient for the mid-range segment, but the quality of the shoot will depend on the sensor, optics, stabilization, and processing by the manufacturer.

There are also no differences in displays: support for WFHD+ up to 120 Hz and Full HD+ up to 144 Hz is specified. In terms of memory and storage, it's the same configuration: LPDDR5 or LPDDR4x, UFS 3.1 or UFS 2.2. This is a typical configuration for mid-range smartphones, but it is not an advantage over the Dimensity 7400.

For Which Smartphones is the Dimensity 7450 Suitable?

The Dimensity 7450 is suitable for smartphones where the manufacturer focuses on a balance: a fast display, 5G, battery life, a camera without apparent limitations, and stable everyday speed. This is not a platform for records, nor is it a gaming solution.

Purchasing a smartphone with the Dimensity 7450 for an upgrade after the Dimensity 7400 does not make sense. However, if a specific model offers a high-quality display, a large battery, a good camera, and a reasonable price, the processor itself will not be a problem.

Conclusion

The MediaTek Dimensity 7450 is essentially a Dimensity 7400 with updated connectivity and an improved AI block. The CPU, GPU, memory, storage, camera, display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and peak 5G speed remain at the same level.

The main change is 5G Release 17. The second change is the 6th generation NPU and AI optimizations. Other key components have remained at the level of the Dimensity 7400.

The Dimensity 7450 should not be assessed as a new chip with increased performance, but rather as an updated version for new mid-range smartphones. In a balanced mid-range smartphone, the Dimensity 7450 is appropriate. However, in a premium model or a device with gaming positioning, its capabilities appear limited.