MediaTek is gearing up to launch its next mid-range powerhouse — the Dimensity 8500. According to new leaks, the chipmaker is currently testing the SoC, which will succeed the Dimensity 8400. Early reports suggest it could power upcoming smartphones from Honor and Xiaomi, including a model featuring a massive 10,000mAh battery.
The Dimensity 8500 is said to bring faster performance, improved graphics, and better efficiency compared to its predecessor, which currently powers mid-range phones like the Vivo Y300 GT.
Built on TSMC’s 4nm Process
As per tipster Digital Chat Station, the Dimensity 8500 is being manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 4nm process. It will reportedly feature an octa-core CPU based on Cortex-A725 cores, with early test units achieving clock speeds up to 3.4GHz.
This marks a notable jump from the Dimensity 8400, indicating that MediaTek is pushing for both higher performance and better power efficiency in this generation.
Graphics and Benchmark Performance
The upcoming chip will also feature an upgraded Mali-G720 GPU, clocked at 1.5GHz, which should deliver a big boost in graphics performance. In benchmark tests, the Dimensity 8500 is said to have scored over 2.2 million points on AnTuTu, putting it in the same league as some high-end processors.
Interestingly, early reports suggest that the chip’s GPU performance could even outperform Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, making it one of the most powerful graphics performers in the mid-range segment so far.
Phones Expected to Feature the Dimensity 8500
If leaks are accurate, the Xiaomi 17T could be among the first phones to launch with the new SoC. The Xiaomi 17T Pro, on the other hand, is expected to feature the flagship Dimensity 9500. Both handsets, codenamed “chagall” and “warhol”, are reportedly planned for a February 2026 launch.
Additionally, an upcoming Honor smartphone, rumored to be called the Honor Power 2, may also use the Dimensity 8500 — and it’s expected to pack an enormous 10,000mAh battery, which could set new endurance benchmarks in the smartphone industry.
No Official Confirmation Yet
So far, MediaTek has not officially confirmed the existence or launch timeline of the Dimensity 8500. The company’s most recent major release was the Dimensity 9500, its 3nm flagship chip that delivers speeds up to 4.21GHz and supports UFS 4.1 storage. That processor now powers several high-end phones, including the Vivo X300 series and Oppo X9 lineup.
With the Dimensity 8500 in testing and early results looking promising, MediaTek appears ready to strengthen its hold on the mid-range market, offering flagship-level performance at more affordable prices.
