MediaTek has officially introduced the MediaTek Dimensity 8550, a refreshed version of the Dimensity 8500 that puts a stronger focus on on device AI features while keeping most of the original hardware intact.
The new chipset adds support for Google’s Gemini Nano V3 along with MediaTek’s LLM Booster technology, pushing more advanced AI processing directly onto smartphones without relying heavily on cloud services.
AI Is the Main Upgrade This Time
Unlike a full generational leap, the Dimensity 8550 mainly builds on the existing Dimensity 8500 platform with new AI capabilities.
The chipset now supports:
- MediaTek LLM Booster
- Google Gemini Nano V3
These features are designed to improve on device generative AI experiences, including large language model processing directly on smartphones.
Despite the new AI additions, the chip still uses the same:
- NPU 880 AI processor
Same All Big Core CPU Setup Returns
The Dimensity 8550 continues using:
- TSMC’s 4nm N4P process
Just like the Dimensity 8500, the chip features an all big core CPU configuration consisting entirely of Cortex A725 cores.
The setup includes:
- 1x Cortex A725 core clocked up to 3.4GHz with 1MB L2 cache
- 3x Cortex A725 cores clocked up to 3.2GHz with 512KB L2 cache each
- 4x Cortex A725 cores clocked up to 2.2GHz with 256KB L2 cache each
Mali G720 GPU Supports 144Hz Displays
Graphics are handled by the:
- Mali G720 MC8 GPU
The GPU supports:
- 1440p+ displays
- Up to 144Hz refresh rates
For media capabilities, the chipset supports:
- 4K 60fps video encoding
- AV1 video decoding
Fast RAM, UFS 4 Storage, and 5G Connectivity Included
The Dimensity 8550 is also compatible with:
- LPDDR5X RAM up to 9,600Mbps
- UFS 4 storage
Connectivity features include:
- Dual SIM dual active 5G modem
- Wi Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.4
First Phone With the Chip Is Already Official
MediaTek also confirmed that the first smartphone powered by the Dimensity 8550 is already here.
The Chinese version of the HONOR 600 Pro becomes the first device to launch with the new chipset onboard.
With the Dimensity 8550, MediaTek appears to be doubling down on mobile AI rather than making major raw performance changes, bringing newer on device generative AI features to upper midrange and flagship killer smartphones.