MediaTek Dimensity 800 5G Chipset Mid-Range Phones

Yes, the MediaTek Dimensity 800 is a 5G-capable chipset designed specifically for mid-range smartphones, and it powers a range of devices that offer a balance of performance, connectivity, and price. It was announced in late 2019 and became widely available in phones from 2020 onward, targeting the upper-mid-tier segment where buyers want 5G without flagship pricing.

What Is the Dimensity 800?

The Dimensity 800 is an octa-core system-on-chip (SoC) manufactured on a 7nm process. It uses two ARM Cortex-A76 performance cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz and six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores at up to 2.0 GHz. The GPU is a Mali-G57 MC4. It integrates MediaTek’s 5G modem, which supports both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) 5G networks, along with dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) for 5G on both SIM slots. The chip also handles Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, and supports displays up to 90Hz refresh rates.

Why It Matters for Mid-Range Phones

Before the Dimensity 800, 5G was largely a flagship feature. MediaTek aimed to democratize 5G by offering a chipset that could deliver 5G connectivity and solid everyday performance at a lower cost than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G or 768G. This allowed brands like Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Realme to release 5G phones in the $250–$400 range, making 5G accessible to a broader audience. The chip’s integrated modem also reduces power consumption compared to separate 5G modems, which is a key advantage for battery life.

Performance and Gaming

In real-world use, the Dimensity 800 handles typical tasks—web browsing, social media, video streaming, and light gaming—smoothly. The two Cortex-A76 cores provide a noticeable boost over older mid-range chips, and the Mali-G57 GPU can run popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. However, it is not a flagship-tier gaming chip; heavy titles like Genshin Impact will require lower graphics settings to maintain smooth performance. Benchmark scores place the Dimensity 800 slightly below the Snapdragon 765G in CPU performance but competitive in GPU tasks, though real-world differences are minor for most users.

5G Connectivity and Network Support

The Dimensity 800 supports sub-6 GHz 5G bands, which are the most common globally. It also includes MediaTek’s 5G UltraSave technology, which intelligently manages power consumption by switching between network modes based on usage. The chip supports dual 5G SIM standby, meaning both SIM cards can connect to 5G networks simultaneously, though only one can be active for data at a time. It also supports carrier aggregation for 4G and 5G, improving speed and reliability in areas with weaker signals. It does not support mmWave 5G, which is only used in some markets like the US, so phone buyers in those regions should check if that matters to them.

Phones That Use the Dimensity 800

Several mid-range phones feature the Dimensity 800. Notable examples include:

• Oppo A92s – a 2020 device with a 6.57-inch 90Hz display and quad cameras.
• Vivo Y70s – a 2020 phone with a 6.53-inch display and a 4500mAh battery.
• Honor Play 4 – a 2020 phone aimed at gaming, with a 6.81-inch display.
• Realme X7 – a 2020 phone with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display and 50W fast charging.

These phones typically offer 4GB to 8GB of RAM and 64GB to 128GB of storage, with prices ranging from around $250 to $400 at launch. The chipset is also found in some tablets and other devices, though phones are the primary market.

Comparing Dimensity 800 to Rivals

When the Dimensity 800 launched, its main competitors were the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G and the Samsung Exynos 880. In CPU benchmarks, the Dimensity 800 often edges out the Snapdragon 765G in multi-core scores, but the Snapdragon has a slightly better GPU for sustained gaming. The Exynos 880 is similar in performance but less common in global markets. The Dimensity 800 also competes with MediaTek’s own Dimensity 820, which offers a higher clocked GPU and better AI performance. For everyday use, the differences are minor, but the Dimensity 800’s integrated 5G modem and lower cost made it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Common Issues and Limitations

Some users have reported that Dimensity 800 phones run warmer than expected under heavy load, though this is not universal. The chip’s GPU is not as powerful as flagship GPUs, so demanding games may require lower settings. Also, because the Dimensity 800 lacks mmWave support, it won’t work on US carriers that rely on mmWave for their fastest 5G speeds, though it will still connect to sub-6 GHz networks. Software update support varies by manufacturer, so some phones may not receive the latest Android versions for as long as flagship devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dimensity 800 good for gaming?

Yes, for casual and mid-tier gaming. It can run popular titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings with smooth performance. For more demanding games, you may need to lower graphics settings to avoid frame drops.

Does the Dimensity 800 support 5G on both SIM slots?

Yes, it supports dual 5G SIM standby, meaning both SIM cards can be connected to 5G networks simultaneously, but only one can be active for data at any given time.

Is the Dimensity 800 better than the Snapdragon 765G?

In CPU multi-core performance, the Dimensity 800 is often slightly faster, but the Snapdragon 765G has a better GPU for sustained gaming. Overall, they are comparable for everyday use.

Will a Dimensity 800 phone work with my carrier’s 5G?

Most likely, if your carrier uses sub-6 GHz 5G (which is common globally). However, it does not support mmWave, so on carriers that rely on mmWave for their fastest 5G, you’ll only get sub-6 GHz speeds.

Is the Dimensity 800 outdated in 2024?

It is an older chipset, but it can still handle everyday tasks and light gaming. For new purchases, you might find newer, more powerful mid-range chips, but used or budget phones with the Dimensity 800 can still be good value.

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