MediaTek Launches Improved AI Processor To Compete With Qualcomm

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Bloomberg: MediaTek is launching a mobile processor more capable of handling agentic AI tasks on devices, positioning to better compete with Qualcomm. The new Dimensity 9500 will provide users with better summaries of calls and meetings, improved output from AI models and superior 4K photos, the Taiwanese company said in a statement. The chip is made using an advanced 3-nanometer process by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., according to MediaTek, and handsets carrying the new chip will become available in the fourth quarter.

Xiaomi is set to launch its latest handset range powered by Qualcomm's newest Snapdragon processor later this week, and the Chinese smartphone maker is aiming to benchmark its upcoming devices against Apple Inc.'s iPhone 17. MediaTek's processor, meanwhile, is expected to give Xiaomi's rivals including Vivo a boost in the premium segment. [...] Separately, the Taiwanese company is preparing to place chip orders for automotive and more sensitive applications with TSMC's Arizona plant as some US customers have security concerns, according to the executives.

Fix your modems

[rsilvergun]

I switched from a mediatek chipset to a Qualcomm chipset because the modems suck. The difference was immediate and obvious. It sucked because it was a difference between a really nice $300 phone and a mediocre $500 phone but the modem made it worth it.

I really hate how everyone focuses on nonsense AI and not on whether or not I can receive texts and make calls.

Mediatek sells Processors sans Modems

[williamyf]

I switched from a mediatek chipset to a Qualcomm chipset because the modems suck. The difference was immediate and obvious. It sucked because it was a difference between a really nice $300 phone and a mediocre $500 phone but the modem made it worth it.
I really hate how everyone focuses on nonsense AI and not on whether or not I can receive texts and make calls.

Thanks for the warning. It will be supper usefull for people living/working in areas with subpar "tower" coverage.

But, Mediatek sells processors without modems too, so, blame "whomevur" sold you the phone with Mediatek modems, instead of a Mediatek+Qualcomm hybrid. Yes, using the bundle is ussualy cheaper. But even a hybrid will be cheaper than a Qualcomm-only solution (as Qualcomm charges premium prices all the way through their stack).

Besides, there is plenty of people in this world who live in areas with