Key Takeaways
- MediaTek has introduced the Dimensity 9600M, a refreshed version of the Dimensity 9500.
- The new chipset is used in the standard Vivo X500, while the Pro and Pro Max models use the Dimensity 9600 Pro.
- Key changes include a new scheduling system and enhanced AI features.
MediaTek has launched the Dimensity 9600M, a refreshed version of its flagship Dimensity 9500 chipset. The new chipset is set to power the standard Vivo X500, while the Vivo X500 Pro and Pro Max models will use the more powerful Dimensity 9600 Pro.
According to MediaTek, the Dimensity 9600M retains much of the same hardware as the Dimensity 9500, including the 3nm N3P process, all-large-core CPU, and Arm Mali-G1 Ultra MC12 GPU.
The new chipset supports camera sensors of up to 320MP, 8K video at 60fps, and 4K at 120fps with electronic image stabilization. It also continues to use MediaTek’s Imagiq-based imaging pipeline.
One of the key changes is the move to Dimensity Scheduling Engine 3.0, which replaces the second-generation scheduler used in the Dimensity 9500. This new scheduling system is designed to improve resource management for CPU, GPU, and memory.
MediaTek claims that the Dimensity 9600M can support gaming at up to 185fps with neural network rendering, though the underlying frame interpolation hardware remains unchanged and continues to use MRFC 3.0.
The new chipset also introduces several AI features, including support for Gemini Nano 4 and Qwen 3.5 Omni 4B. Additionally, a new camera agent can provide photography suggestions based on the user's shooting scenario.
Despite these enhancements, the core CPU, GPU, NPU, memory, storage, and imaging hardware remain largely unchanged, making the Dimensity 9600M a minor refresh of the Dimensity 9500.
This launch positions the Dimensity 9600M as the more affordable option in MediaTek’s latest flagship lineup, offering a balance between performance and cost.
