MediaTek Dimensity 8450 vs Dimensity 8400: Benchmarks and Specs

MediaTek has been expanding its chipset portfolio, and one of the most popular chipsets in its sub-flagship lineup is the Dimensity 8400. However, the Dimensity 8400 was superseded by Dimensity 8450, which brings better thermals and flagship killer DNA to the sub-flagships. But by what margin do they both differ? We benchmarked the Dimensity 8450 and the Dimensity 8400, and here's the difference.

Dimensity 8450 vs Dimensity 8400: AnTuTu Score

Right off the bat, we found a major discrepancy in the benchmark scores between the Oppo Reno 14 Pro running the Dimensity 8450 and the Poco X7 Pro running the Dimensity 8400. With 1,519,753 points, the Dimensity 8450 scores lower than the 8400 (1,827,426 points), which is weird considering the former is a slightly improved version. However, the score breakdown gives us a good picture of why this happens.

The Dimensity 8450 defeats the 8400 across the CPU and UX scores, while the memory score remains well within the margin of error. The difference is in the GPU department, where the Dimensity 8450 scores 210,593, whereas the Dimensity 8400 scores more than double, i.e., 582,057. This is the area Dimensity 8450 loses the most points, and as a result, "loses" the end comparison.

However, we believe the reason Dimensity 8450 loses its steam in the GPU department is due to the lack of a better heat dissipation system in the Reno 14 Pro. The Poco X7 Pro has a 3D IceLoop system, which, while smaller than the Oppo Reno 14 Pro's, is much better at dissipating heat. As a result, the Dimensity 8400 can transfer heat more effectively than the traditional VC in the Reno 14 Pro.

Therefore, had the Reno 14 Pro been running a similar cooling setup, the GPU scores would've been almost identical, and the Dimensity 8450 would've been the winner. That's because both have a similar core architecture, setup and even core clocks. The only "difference" is that MediaTek claims the Dimensity 8450 has slightly better thermal management, which ironically wasn't visible in these tests due to the Reno 14 Pro's poor heat management.

Both processors are based on TSMC's 4nm process and use ARM's fairly new ARMv9.2-A Cortex-A725 cores, in a 1+3+4 setup at 3.25 GHz, 3.0 GHz and 2.1 GHz clock speeds. GPU-wise, both feature ARM Mali-G720 MC7 GPUs.

MediaTek Dimensity 8450 vs Dimensity 8400: Geekbench Score

In Geekbench 6, the performance is identical. Both processors score around the same in single-core, but the Dimensity 8400 is barely ahead in multi-core. The Dimensity 8450 scores 6,268 points, whereas the Dimensity 8400 achieves around 70 points more, well within the margin of error.

Dimensity 8450 vs Dimensity 8400: CPU Throttling Test

This test highlights the difference in tuning. The Dimensity 8400 always pushes itself to its limits, even though that means it has to throttle a bit more, and therefore, the difference in the maximum scores. It also scores more in average and minimum scores.

The Dimensity 8400 scores around 8% higher in maximum burst performance and 4% higher in average score. However, it throttles more at 71%, whereas the Dimensity 8450 prioritises consistency by maintaining 77% stability. While its average throughput is lower, the Dimensity 8450 is the more stable performer.

MediaTek Dimensity 8450 vs Dimensity 8400: 3DMark Score

In the graphical stress test, it's yet again a tie between the two, with the Dimensity 8450 scoring 4,004 points and the Dimensity 8400 scoring 3,994 points. However, the Dimensity 8450 wins significantly on stability, with 71.3% stability, while the 8400 is much less stable at 61.5%.

This means the Dimensity 8400 runs hot and fast, throttling aggressively to keep temperatures in check during sustained loops, whereas the Dimensity 8450 manages to maintain its performance much better over time.

Dimensity 8450 vs Dimensity 8400: Speedometer Score

Since both processors have identical core specifications, they should perform similarly. In our Dimensity 8450 vs Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 comparison, the Dimensity 8450 scores 13.9 points, and the Dimensity 8400 should also score the same.

Benchmark Gallery

MediaTek Dimensity 8450 vs Dimensity 8400: Specs Comparison

Verdict

Despite the naming convention, there's very little to no difference between the Dimensity 8400 and the Dimensity 8450. However, despite that, they are meant for different kinds of users. The Dimensity 8400 is the more aggressive performer, while the Dimensity 8450 performs almost the same but with better stability. Therefore, the 8450 is a better daily driver than the Dimensity 8400.