iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 edges the Dimensity 9500s in the benchmark results currently listed by NanoReview, but the differences are small and do not establish a universal winner. NanoReview reports AnTuTu 11 totals of 3,057,215 and 3,032,039, respectively, and slightly higher Geekbench 6 scores for Snapdragon. These are aggregated results, not matched tests of phones using each chip. The available evidence identifies Snapdragon phones but does not establish a Dimensity 9500s handset for a direct phone-versus-phone comparison.
At a glance: Dimensity 9500s vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
Both are 3 nm mobile platforms with high-end CPU and GPU designs. MediaTek specifies an all-big-core CPU built from Arm Cortex cores, while Qualcomm lists a custom Oryon CPU. The listed benchmark results favor Snapdragon by a narrow margin, but chip specifications and aggregate scores alone cannot predict which phone will run cooler, last longer, or perform better in a particular game.
| Platform | CPU | Graphics | Process | Connectivity highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MediaTek Dimensity 9500s | Eight cores: 1 Cortex-X925 up to 3.73 GHz, 3 Cortex-X4, and 4 Cortex-A720 | Arm Immortalis-G925; 11- or 12-core configurations, depending on OEM specifications | 3 nm, per MediaTek | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 3GPP Release 17 cellular platform |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 | Custom Oryon CPU up to 3.8 GHz | Adreno GPU | 3 nm, per Qualcomm | Snapdragon X80 5G modem-RF system; Wi-Fi 7; Bluetooth 6.0 |
These are vendor-listed platform specifications, not guarantees that every phone will enable every capability. See the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s specifications and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 specifications.
What the benchmark comparison shows
NanoReview’s comparison page lists the following results. Its AnTuTu 11 totals are based on 91 Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 tests and 85 Dimensity 9500s tests. The page also displays dated user-submitted results; scores can change as submissions are added.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
| Benchmark | Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 | Dimensity 9500s | What the listed results indicate |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu 11 total | 3,057,215 | 3,032,039 | Near tie in this aggregate, with Snapdragon slightly ahead |
| Geekbench 6 single-core | 2,833 | 2,725 | Snapdragon scores higher |
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 9,119 | 8,932 | Snapdragon scores higher |
These figures come from the NanoReview comparison page, accessed October 7, 2026. They are not controlled, matched-device tests conducted for this article. Differences in phone design, cooling, software, test conditions, and benchmark version can affect results. The scores suggest a modest Snapdragon lead in the results shown; they do not prove better sustained gaming, thermals, battery life, or day-to-day responsiveness in every phone.
How the specifications differ
Dimensity 9500s: Arm CPU cores and configurable graphics
MediaTek announced the Dimensity 9500s on January 15, 2026, describing it as a 3 nm platform with an all-big-core CPU architecture. Its listed CPU has one Cortex-X925 core running up to 3.73 GHz with 2 MB of L2 cache, three Cortex-X4 cores with 1 MB of L2 cache each, and four Cortex-A720 cores with 512 KB of L2 cache each. MediaTek also lists 12 MB of L3 cache and 10 MB of system-level cache.
The platform uses an Arm Immortalis-G925 GPU. MediaTek lists 11- and 12-core GPU configurations and notes that the actual configuration depends on OEM specifications. Other listed capabilities include LPDDR5X memory up to 10,667 Mbps, UFS 4 with MCQ, and support for displays up to WQHD+ at 180 Hz. MediaTek lists video decode up to 8K60 and 10-bit encode up to 8K30; supported formats vary by function. A phone maker may expose only some of these platform capabilities.
Rank #2
- Factory Unlocked Compatibility: USA & Rest of the World, In USA Unlocked only for T-Mobile (GSM) and excluding Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular, No CDMA / Dual SIM (Nano-SIM slot 4FF, eSIM), Networks: 2G GSM, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G
- Display Specifications: 6.71 inches, OLED, FHD+ 1256 x 2808, 1.07 billion colors
- Storage and Memory: 1TB Storage, 16GB RAM
- Processor and Graphics: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 5) Mobile Platform, Adreno 840
- Connectivity Features: Bluetooth 6.0, Wi-Fi, NFC
MediaTek names gaming, efficiency, AI, imaging, and connectivity as design areas in its January 15, 2026 launch announcement. Those are vendor-described aims, not independent comparative test results.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: custom Oryon CPU and Qualcomm connectivity
Qualcomm lists a custom Oryon CPU running up to 3.8 GHz, an Adreno GPU, Hexagon NPU features, and the Snapdragon X80 5G modem-RF system. Its FastConnect 7900 connectivity platform supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. Qualcomm describes the chip as built on a 3 nm process.
Qualcomm reports a 36% CPU performance improvement, an 11% GPU improvement, a 46% faster NPU, and up to 13% overall SoC power savings versus the previous generation. These are Qualcomm’s generational claims; they are not direct measurements against the Dimensity 9500s. The company announced the platform on November 26, 2025, naming OnePlus, iQOO, Honor, Meizu, Motorola, and vivo among OEMs expected to use it. The announcement gives that launch context.
Rank #3
- SPLIT THE VIEW. MULTITASK¹ TO THE MAX: Productivity never felt this powerful. Use up to three apps¹ at once on the expansive inner screen of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to work, play, connect and more.
- MULTITASKING MADE SMARTER WITH AI: Stay one step ahead with AI² that suggests which apps you might need next. Then view those multiple windows side by side on the large screen of your Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
- ANY SHOT, ALL THE DETAILS: Dive into the details of any image with our best camera on a foldable smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra boasts a 200MP camera — and an upgraded 50MP Ultra Wide lens — for both stunning wide shots and extreme close-ups.
- ELITE CHIPSET. FLUID GRAPHICS: Experience what’s possible with our most advanced Galaxy Z Series processor. From immersive gaming and speedy multitasking to the latest Galaxy AI³ features, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 keeps everything running seamlessly.
- THE BATTERY YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: It’s the battery you’ve been wanting in a foldable cell phone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra packs a powerful ultra-sized⁴ battery in an ultra-slim design. Plus, with Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵, charge up faster than ever before.
Which chip should you choose?
Based on the published benchmark comparison alone, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is slightly ahead. That is not enough to choose a phone confidently: the results are not matched-device measurements, the AnTuTu difference is narrow, and the scores do not measure a complete ownership experience.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When comparing actual phones, check the implementation as well as the chipset:
- Sustained performance: Look for repeated CPU and GPU workloads rather than relying only on short peak scores.
- Gaming: Compare frame-rate consistency, heat, and throttling in the same games at the same settings. Game support and optimization can differ.
- Battery: Use comparable screen, network, and workload conditions when evaluating battery life or power draw.
- Phone hardware: Cooling, memory and storage configuration, display, and battery capacity all affect results.
- Camera and software: Compare the sensors, image processing, video modes, features enabled by the manufacturer, and software support on the exact models.
- Purchase details: Check price, region, carrier bands, and the exact handset variant.
Are there phones available for a direct comparison?
Qualcomm’s current device finder lists the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. The reviewed sources do not establish a Dimensity 9500s phone, so they do not support a direct comparison between a specific Snapdragon handset and a specific Dimensity handset. Device listings can change; check the Qualcomm Smartphone Device Finder for its current entries.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
