What you need to know
- MediaTek has announced a new 5G chip for mid-tier smartphones.
- Built on TSMC's 7nm process, the new Dimensity 720 has an 8-core configuration with two ARM Cortex-A76 "Big" cores running at 2GHz.
- Similar to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 690, the MediaTek Dimensity 720 is designed for global sub-6GHz 5G networks.
Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 690 chipset last month, aiming to bring 5G connectivity to affordable phones. MediaTek has now announced a rival to the Snapdragon 690, dubbed Dimensity 720.
Dr. Yenchi Lee, Deputy General Manager, Wireless Communication Business Unit, MediaTek, said in a statement:
The Dimensity 720 sets a new standard, delivering feature-packed 5G experiences and technology to devices that are more accessible to mass market consumers. This chip is highly power-efficient, has impressive performance and advanced display and imaging technologies. All of that combined will help brands usher in differentiated 5G devices for consumers around the globe.
The Dimensity 720 has an eight-core configuration with two "Big" ARM Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2GHz and six ARM Cortex-A55 cores running at 2 GHz. It includes an ARM Mali-G57 MC3 GPU, which supports up to 4K @30fps video encoding and playback. The chipset also offers support for FHD+ displays with a 90Hz refresh rate, 64MP single or 20MP + 16MP dual rear cameras, UFS 2.2 storage, and 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM.
Just like the company's flagship Dimensity 1000 chipset, the new Dimensity 720 is built on a 7nm process. MediaTek claims the new chip is integrated with the most power-efficient 5G modem in its class, featuring 5G UltraSave technology to help extend battery life.
In terms of connectivity, the chipset offers support for both SA and NSA sub-6GHz networks with peak download speeds of 2.3Gbps. Since the chipset is aimed at affordable Android phones, it isn't surprising that the Dimensity 720 lacks mmWave 5G support.
Hey Google — how about making a phone with a MediaTek processor for a change?
