Samsung is expected to launch its highly anticipated Galaxy S25 series early next year, and the devices are rumored to bring some notable changes to the lineup. Externally, we can expect rounded edges from the back and possibly a slightly bigger display but internally, the devices will get a major power boost thanks to the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip. A tipster claims that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, but the smaller S25 base variant is expected to port over to a Dimensity 9400 chip.
Samsung's Base Galaxy S25 to come with a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip instead of Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
It has recently been covered that the Dimensity 9400 chip is 20 percent cheaper than Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip, which makes it almost the same price as the 9 Gen 3. A tipster who goes by the name of Reve on X claims that the base variant of the Galaxy S25 will be powered by a Dimensity chip instead of Snapdragon, which means that Samsung is expanding its list of chip suppliers while aiming to keep the cost low.
This is not the first time that we have heard details on Samsung's planning to use an unnamed MediaTek chip. The reason behind Samsung's decision to shift from Snapdragon and Exynos Chips is the rising cost of components, especially the chipset. While it was initially rumored that Samsung will exclusively use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chips for its entire Galaxy S25 lineup, the latest news might surprise some fans.
If you are not familiar, per unit cost of the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip boils down to $155, which is significantly lower than that of the the potential cost of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. While it may come as a surprise, the Dimnsity 9400 is also significantly cheaper than Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, which has a per unit cost of $200. We are yet to see if Samsung is aiming to compromise on performance.
We have to take note that both chips from MediaTek and Qualcomm will use TSMC's 3nm fabrication process, which means that the performance levels will be more or less equal. Additionally, the tipster states that only one model of the Galaxy S25 series is expected to get the Dimensity 9400 treatment. Possibly, this is due to the fact that the smaller model is not as rich in demand as the 'Plus' or the 'Ultra,' and putting the same chip in the entire lineup would only incur extra cost.
It remains to be seen if Samsung will move away from Snapdragon chips in the long run due to their higher cost. We will let you know as soon as further information is available.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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