MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro Sets New Standard for Flagship Smartphone Chips
MediaTek unveils its first 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro and a lower-tier 9600M to boost on-device AI, gaming and imaging this quarter.
Rhea-AI Summary
MediaTek (MDTKF) launched its flagship Dimensity 9600 Pro smartphone chipset on Sept. 15, 2026, built on an advanced 2nm process node and featuring a 2+3+3 all big core CPU design.
The chip delivers up to 17% higher single-core and 15% higher multi-core performance versus the prior generation, while cutting multi-core power consumption by 61%. A dual-NPU architecture powers on-device agentic AI, with a second-generation efficient NPU reducing always-on AI power by 40% and the NPU 1090 improving LLM prefill performance by 51% and token generation per watt by 55%. The G2-Ultra NX GPU offers up to 27% higher peak performance, 24% lower peak power use, and 18% faster ray tracing, enabling gaming up to 185fps. An Imagiq 1290 ISP and AI imaging architecture support advanced 4K video and computational photography. MediaTek also introduced the Dimensity 9600M to extend similar AI, imaging and gaming capabilities to a broader range of devices.
Positive
- 2nm process node adoption positions Dimensity 9600 Pro at the leading edge of smartphone SoC manufacturing
- CPU efficiency: 61% reduction in multi-core power consumption with up to 17% higher single-core and 15% higher multi-core performance vs prior generation
- AI efficiency: second-generation NPU cuts always-on AI power by 40%, NPU 1090 lifts LLM prefill by 51% and token generation per watt by 55%
- GPU performance: G2-Ultra NX delivers up to 27% higher peak performance, 24% lower power at peak, and 18% faster ray tracing, supporting up to 185fps gaming
- Imaging upgrade: Imagiq 1290 ISP and AI imaging enable 4K240 ultra-slow motion, 4K60 AI True Color Tone, 4K120 cinematic log and 17EV imaging range
- Broader market reach: Dimensity 9600M brings similar AI, gaming and imaging capabilities to more users while aiming to maintain power efficiency
Negative
- None.
News Explained
The Dimensity 9600 Pro is launched, while the 9600M remains upcoming; MediaTek says the first smartphones using either chip are expected this quarter, so the release establishes product availability plans rather than completed handset launches.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Advanced 2nm SoC delivers leap in performance and efficiency for agentic AI, gaming, imaging, and compute, including
HSINCHU, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MediaTek, the world's number one provider of mobile chipsets, today announced the launch of the Dimensity 9600 Pro. This flagship SoC achieved a significant technological milestone, adopting the new 2nm process node; as the first company to announce reaching this threshold, MediaTek is showcasing its leadership in innovation with the Dimensity 9600 Pro. With the next generation of silicon now available in the Dimensity lineup, the Dimensity 9600 Pro will enable many transformative capabilities, combining flagship performance and power efficiency with advanced agentic AI experiences.
"AI is central to the smartphone experience, and devices need greater performance, efficiency, and intelligence to keep pace with rapidly evolving user demands," said JC Hsu, corporate senior vice president at MediaTek and general manager of the Wireless Communications Business Unit. "The Dimensity 9600 Pro meets these demands with a Native AI architecture and dual improvement in performance and power efficiency to deliver new agentic AI experiences."
Improved Compute Performance
The MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro packs a punch, featuring a 2+3+3 All Big Core CPU design which offers faster, more responsive experiences and an impressive
Advanced AI Experiences
The Dimensity 9600 Pro's dual-NPU architecture and Agentic AI Engine are designed to power the next generation of on-device AI, enabling smartphones to perceive, reason and act more intelligently while keeping AI experiences secure. Its second-generation Super Efficient NPU reduces power consumption by
AI Computing Fusion Architecture on the Dimensity 9600 Pro brings together the CPU and NPU to create a powerful foundation for AI computing, supported by a larger 34.5MB cache and, for the first time, LPDDR6 memory and UFS 5.0 storage. Its upgraded Dimensity Scheduling Engine coordinates hardware and software to intelligently allocate computing, power and memory resources, helping smartphone manufacturers deliver fast, power-efficient systems that keep multiple applications running smoothly in the background.
Smoother Gaming
Integrating the G2-Ultra NX GPU, the Dimensity 9600 Pro shines at gaming. The latest GPU delivers up to
High-quality Imaging
Additionally, the Dimensity 9600 Pro features the Imagiq 1290 ISP and new Dimensity AI Imaging Fusion Architecture, combining ISP and NPU capabilities to deliver advanced computational photography and content creation. It supports NPU-powered 60fps motion capture and introduces 4K240 native direct-output ultra-slow-motion video to the Dimensity platform, alongside 4K60 AI True Color Tone, 4K120 cinematic log and 17EV imaging for high-quality photos and videos across a range of shooting scenarios.
The MediaTek Dimensity 9600M: Bringing Flagship Experiences to More Users
In addition to the Dimensity 9600 Pro, MediaTek is introducing the Dimensity 9600M. This upcoming chipset will ensure flagship-level performance and power efficiency is accessible to more users, combining MediaTek's signature high-performance computing cores and power efficiency expertise with the company's advanced hardware and software technologies. Across AI, imaging, gaming and everyday performance, the Dimensity 9600M uses the latest Agentic AI Engine and Dimensity Scheduling Engine to deliver intelligent, responsive and power-efficient experiences.
Its powerful NPU enables advanced on-device AI, including always-on perception and real-time AI-enhanced imaging, while its ISP supports professional-quality imaging and real-time tracking. For gamers, MediaTek HyperEngine enables smooth gameplay at up to 185fps, while advanced connectivity technologies help deliver fast, reliable mobile experiences. Together, these capabilities give users a more responsive, intelligent and immersive smartphone experience without compromising power efficiency.
The first smartphones powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro and Dimensity 9600M are expected to launch this quarter. To learn more about the MediaTek Dimensity flagship portfolio, please visit: https://www.mediatek.com/products/smartphones/dimensity-5g
About MediaTek Inc.
MediaTek (TWSE: 2454) is a global leader in fabless semiconductor design, providing solutions from the edge to the cloud. Powering over 2 billion connected devices every year, MediaTek's leading-edge technology keeps the world connected and enhances everyday life. At the forefront of innovation, MediaTek drives advancements in transformative technologies such as AI, 5G/6G, and Wi-Fi 7/Wi-Fi 8. Our high-performance, power-efficient products form the foundation for a smarter, more connected world, enabling devices from smartphones, smart homes and AI PCs to high-performance computing, automotive, and AI data centers. As a trusted partner to the world's leading brands, MediaTek leads the industry in creating solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global community, ensuring access to world-class technology for everyone. Our commitment to accelerating AI underscores our dedication to enriching the future of humanity.
Visit http://www.mediatek.com for more information.
*Performance metrics achieved via demo device testing in MediaTek labs.
CONTACT: Kevin Keating, pr@mediatek.com
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SOURCE MediaTek Inc.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
When are smartphones with the Dimensity 9600 Pro and 9600M expected to be available?
The first smartphones powered by the Dimensity 9600 Pro and Dimensity 9600M are expected to launch this quarter.
How does the CPU architecture of the Dimensity 9600 Pro compare to the previous generation?
The Dimensity 9600 Pro uses a 2+3+3 all big core CPU design with two C2-Ultra cores up to 4.55GHz, three C2-Pro cores at 4.35GHz, and three C2-Pro cores at 3.1GHz, delivering up to 17% higher single-core and 15% higher multi-core performance versus the previous generation while reducing multi-core power consumption by 61%.
What AI enhancements does the Dimensity 9600 Pro specifically provide?
The Dimensity 9600 Pro features a dual-NPU architecture and an Agentic AI Engine, with a second-generation Super Efficient NPU reducing power use for always-on AI by 40%. The NPU 1090 provides 51% higher LLM prefill performance and 55% higher token generation per watt, and supports on-device models up to 30B parameters for capabilities such as proactive assistance and personalized responses.
What are the main differences in positioning between the Dimensity 9600 Pro and Dimensity 9600M?
The Dimensity 9600 Pro is presented as the flagship 2nm chipset with the full performance and feature set. The Dimensity 9600M is described as an upcoming chipset that brings flagship-level performance and power efficiency to more users, using the same Agentic AI Engine and Dimensity Scheduling Engine to deliver advanced AI, imaging, gaming up to 185fps, and everyday performance at a wider range of device tiers.
What gaming features are enabled by the Dimensity 9600 series?
The Dimensity 9600 Pro integrates the G2-Ultra NX GPU, offering up to 27% higher peak performance, 24% lower power at peak, and 18% faster ray tracing, enabling gaming at up to 185fps. MediaTek HyperEngine further optimizes gameplay for smoother, high-resolution experiences, and the Dimensity 9600M also supports gaming up to 185fps.
Which new imaging capabilities does the Dimensity 9600 Pro support?
The Dimensity 9600 Pro includes the Imagiq 1290 ISP and Dimensity AI Imaging Fusion Architecture, supporting NPU-powered 60fps motion capture, 4K240 native direct-output ultra-slow-motion video, 4K60 AI True Color Tone, 4K120 cinematic log, and 17EV imaging for high-quality photos and videos.