Introducing the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro: A Game-Changing Processor with Advanced 2nm Technology and Dual NPU Design

MediaTek has unveiled its newest flagship smartphone chipset, the Dimensity 9600 Pro, built on a cutting-edge 2nm process. This chipset succeeds the Dimensity 9500 and is lauded by MediaTek for its innovative native AI architecture, combining high performance with efficiency.

The Pro designation signifies a significant redesign rather than a mere update to the previous chip. One of the key changes is the distribution of AI processing across various components of the platform. Instead of relying solely on a dedicated NPU, MediaTek has integrated the NPU with the CPU, GPU, image signal processor, and connectivity hardware to enable each component to handle AI workloads directly.

All performance and power efficiency metrics provided by MediaTek are compared against the Dimensity 9500 and are based on internal testing. Independent reviews will offer more insights once smartphones utilizing the chipset are reviewed.

A New Native AI Architecture

MediaTek’s approach to AI involves three layers: the device layer (hardware components like the CPU, GPU, and NPU), the system layer (Dimensity Agentic AI Engine), and the ecosystem layer (collaboration with developers and partners).

Within the chip, each hardware pairing has been given a specific name:

1. CPU and NPU: AI Compute Fusion Architecture
2. Performance NPU and efficiency NPU: Dual-NPU Architecture
3. GPU and NPU: Neural Graphics Architecture
4. ISP and NPU: AI Imaging Fusion Architecture
5. Connectivity and AI: AI-optimized connectivity framework
   

   CPU
   

   The CPU architecture has been completely overhauled, adopting an all big core design with a 2+3+3 layout. This includes two C2-Ultra cores, three C2-Pro cores, and three additional C2-Pro cores. Notable enhancements include a larger cache size and improved efficiency figures compared to the Dimensity 9500.

   Dual NPU Architecture
   

   The primary AI processor, NPU 1090, features a performance core and a flexible core, running Generative AI Engine 3.0. The chip also includes the super efficient eNPU 2.0 with an integrated SensorHub for low-power always-on AI tasks.

   Security and Privacy
   

   The Dimensity 9600 Pro incorporates MediaTek’s AISeal architecture for enhanced security, with features like data isolation, verification, traceability, and data control to safeguard user data and ensure controlled access by AI applications.

   GPU and Gaming
   

   The chipset utilizes the Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU, integrating neural capabilities directly into the GPU. MediaTek emphasizes AI graphics work with a combination of neural accelerators inside the GPU and the powerful NPU 1090 for tasks like super-resolution upscaling.

   Camera and Imaging
   

   The Imagiq 1290 ISP is MediaTek’s most powerful ISP to date, offering advanced features for photography and video recording, including industry-first capabilities like full range depth-of-field computational optical imaging and 4K 240fps super slow motion recording.

   Connectivity
   

   The 5G-Advanced modem supports advanced features like in-modem AI, five component carrier aggregation, and Dimensity AI Network Selection 2.0 for intelligent handover between base stations. The chip also includes enhancements for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite positioning.

   Key Specifications
   

   • Process: 2nm
   • CPU: 2x C2-Ultra, 6x C2-Pro (2+3+3 all big core)
   • Cache: 34.5MB total (L2, 16MB L3, and system cache)
   • GPU: Mali G2-Ultra NX with six neural accelerators
   • NPU: NPU 1090 and super efficient eNPU 2.0
   • ISP: Imagiq 1290
   • Memory: LPDDR6 and LPDDR5X
   • Storage: UFS 5.0
   • Video: Up to 4K 240fps recording, H.266 hardware decoding
   • Cellular: 5G-Advanced, 5CC-CA, more than 7.4Gbps downlink
   • Wireless: Bluetooth 6.2
   • Security: HWRoT, PQC, AISeal with pKVM
     

     Availability and Pricing
     

     MediaTek has not disclosed pricing or specific smartphone models featuring the Dimensity 9600 Pro. Pricing will be determined by individual manufacturers upon the release of devices utilizing this advanced chipset.

     This comprehensive overview highlights the groundbreaking features and capabilities of the Dimensity 9600 Pro, positioning it as a top-tier chipset in the smartphone industry.