MediaTek Dimensity 9500s and Dimensity 8500 unveiled in India bringing stronger flagship competition

The Indian premium segment of Android-based smartphones is going to witness a much more competitive landscape in the very near future. This, as MediaTek, in a recent Tech Day conference in Delhi, India, announced the official introduction of a pair of flagship-caliber mobile chipsets named Dimensity 9500s series and Dimensity 8500 series. Moreover, there was confirmation that prominent mobile brands, including OPPO and POCO, were working on brand new smartphones featuring one of these chipsets in India.

This indicates a major shift in the premium segment of the Android world. As MediaTek pushes hard to innovate in performance, gaming, AI, and efficiency, the public might see improved options outside of Snapdragon flagships, possibly at a lower price point.

Dimensity 9500s brings true flagship-class power

The Dimensity 9500s is the most advanced smartphone chip developed by MediaTek so far. Built around an advanced 3nm fabrication technology, this processor aims primarily at offering top-notch performances while significantly enhancing its power efficiency, which is another key consideration for top-of-the-line smartphones today.

At the core of the chipset is the All-Big core CPU design, which is intended to deal with burdensome operations like gaming, processing photographs, and executing AI tasks in real time in a more stable framework. Unlike other core processor systems known as the hybrid core design, the chipset promises to offer maximum processing speeds over a particular period without exposure to overheating or battery drainage issues. As a result, users can enjoy a seamless user interface when handling burdensome tasks or gaming activities.

The GPU tasks are taken care of by an Immortalis-G925 GPU, and there is support for advanced visuals that make use of ray tracing features. This provides for greater realism and console-like visuals within mobile devices. Also, MediaTek has introduced new and upgraded features for frame and power control so that gamers can use their devices for extended hours without draining battery power excessively.

In the imaging sphere, the Dimensity 9500 series offers the capability to record 8K Dolby Vision HDR, which includes the recording of video with the ability to track motion in real time. This ability to create and record high-quality video content on a smartphone shifts the focus of smartphone cameras to the realm of professional equipment.

Connectivity is another significant high point. The support for 5G Release 17, improved carrier aggregation, a better Wi-Fi range, and better Bluetooth stability means that this chipset is now capable of delivering better connectivity, even in high-density urban environments or low-signal strength situations.

Dimensity 8500 targets premium performance at lower cost

In addition to the 9500s, MediaTek announced its Dimensity 8500, which is designed for the latest premium smartphones. However, it ensures near-premium performance without ultra-premium price tags.

The Dimensity 8500 is based on the improved 4nm process and comes with eight powerful CPU cores as well as the newly announced Mali G720 GPU. The new combination promises substantial enhancements in the speed of multitasking, faster app launch times, and smooth performance in games, all while being power-efficient.

AI capabilities receive a meaningful upgrade as well. The chipset supports modern AI imaging and photography models, enabling improvements such as:

• Sharper zoom photography

• Better low-light image processing

• Smarter scene detection and optimization

For everyday users, these enhancements typically translate into clearer photos, faster camera response, and more intelligent image tuning without manual adjustments.

Interestingly, the Dimensity 8500 is set to take on other high-performance sub-flagship-grade processors, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 found in devices such as the OnePlus 15R in India. The resulting rivalry might create greater competition in the ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 range, which is an extremely crucial segment in the overall Indian smartphone ecosystem.

OPPO and POCO prepare first Dimensity 9500s phones

The MediaTek announcement wasn’t just about the silicon, though, as it also talked about devices that are expected to be released. OPPO confirmed that their Find X9s devices will be arriving in India, powered by the Dimensity 9500s, while also disclosing that a Dimensity-powered flagship from POCO is in development.

The rumoured device could be a compact flagship, a term that seems to be gaining traction amid consumer demand for a powerful device in a smaller and more portable package. If this is indeed the case, a device dubbed the Find X9s could be a standout in a crowded field where many devices offer massive screens, yet powerful gaming and AI capabilities still abound in premium offerings.

In the meantime, the forthcoming POCO smartphone, the Dimensity 9500s, is reportedly focused on a performance-driven value strategy that might allow the handset to feature top-end specifications at a price point which is lower than the general premium flagships. This is in-line with the kind of pricing that POCO is known for.

Why MediaTek’s new chips matter for India

The arrival of the Dimensity 9500s and Dimensity 8500 could reshape the competitive landscape in several ways:

1. Stronger flagship competition

MediaTek’s 3nm flagship chip challenges Snapdragon dominance, encouraging brands to diversify their premium offerings.

2. Better pricing for consumers

More chipset competition often results in lower smartphone prices or better specifications at the same cost.

3. Wider performance choices

From compact flagships to affordable near-flagship phones, buyers may soon have more variety across price segments.

4. Faster AI and camera innovation

Enhanced on-device AI processing can accelerate improvements in photography, video, and smart features across upcoming smartphones.

What to expect next

With OPPO, POCO, and potentially other manufacturers preparing Dimensity-powered devices, the coming months could bring a wave of new smartphones targeting both flagship and premium segments in India.

The Dimensity 9500s-powered Find X9s and POCO’s upcoming flagship are likely to appeal to users seeking:

• High-end gaming performance

• Advanced camera and video capabilities

• Strong battery efficiency

• Competitive flagship pricing

At the same time, smartphones built around the Dimensity 8500 may become ideal choices for buyers who want near-flagship speed without paying top-tier prices.

The recent launch from MediaTek represents a landmark event in the Indian smartphone market, where a new chipset promises state-of-the-art 3nm flagship-grade capabilities and superior, cost-effective premium chipsets, thus aiming to pose a strong challenge in the high-end Android segment.

If these future smartphones from OPPO, POCO, and other makers are indeed as good as promised, people can look forward to even better and upgraded devices in the future. For anyone thinking of planning a high-end upgrade in 2026, it would be a very smart move indeed to just hold on and await real-world results of the Dimensity 9500s and Dimensity 8500 series.