MediaTek just lifted the curtain on its latest smartphone chip, the Dimensity 8450, and while it’s not a massive leap from the previous model, it brings thoughtful upgrades that make a real difference, especially for gamers, content creators, and GenAI users.
The Dimensity 8450 has already made its debut inside the Oppo Reno14 Pro, meaning it’s not just an announcement this chip is already powering real devices.
What’s New in Dimensity 8450?
At first glance, the Dimensity 8450 looks a lot like the Dimensity 8400 from December 2024. Both are made using TSMC’s second-gen 4nm process, and they share the same core setup:
| Feature | Dimensity 8450 |
|---|---|
| Process | TSMC 4nm (2nd Gen) |
| CPU | 1x Cortex-X4 @ 3.25 GHz 3x Cortex-A720 @ 3.0 GHz 4x Cortex-A520 @ 2.1 GHz |
| GPU | Mali-G720 MC7 @ 1300 MHz |
| NPU | MediaTek NPU 880 |
| Modem | 5G with UltraSave 3.0+ |
At a hardware level, nothing has changed; it’s the software and system-level improvements that matter most.
Smarter Gaming with StarSpeed Engine
The GPU still uses Mali-G720, but now includes StarSpeed Engine, a new feature designed to make games run smoother and more efficiently. It improves frame stability during gameplay and reduces power spikes — a subtle but helpful boost, especially in action-heavy games.
Camera and Streaming Get a Boost
The ISP (Image Signal Processor) has been updated to support zero-lag HDR and high-res sensors up to 320MP, which is wild, even if phones don’t fully use that power yet.
But what really stands out is the new support for live-streaming optimization. This helps content creators stream in better quality with less delay and smoother camera performance. Think cleaner video in low light and better real-time processing while streaming.
GenAI Ready with Agentic AI Engine
MediaTek also added its Agentic AI Engine, which helps with on-device AI tasks, including large language models (LLMs) and other GenAI features. So if your phone is running AI features like live transcription or smart photo editing, this chip can now handle more of that without sending data to the cloud, which means faster results and better privacy.
Better Battery Life on 5G
One quiet but welcome improvement is the updated UltraSave 3.0+ power-saving mode for 5G. It reduces power drain during standby and low-data use. For everyday users, that means slightly longer battery life, especially when you’re just browsing or scrolling social media on mobile data.
Final Thoughts
The Dimensity 8450 isn’t trying to be the most powerful chip out there, it’s aimed at upper mid-range smartphones and focuses on real-world improvements that people actually notice. Better gaming, smoother streaming, smarter AI, and battery tweaks all without changing the basic hardware formula.
Phones powered by this chip, like the Oppo Reno14 Pro, are expected to hit more markets soon, and other brands are likely to follow in the coming months.
For users who want a smooth, smartphone experience without going for a flagship, the Dimensity 8450 might just hit the sweet spot.
Also Read | Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: What’s New, What’s Better, and Why It Matters
