Everybody’s binning: MediaTek and Qualcomm both quietly cut GPU cores for cheaper flagships

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V series and the Dimensity 9500

ⓘ Qualcomm, Mediatek, edited

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V collection and the Dimensity 9500

GPU binning is quietly turning into the go-to transfer for cheaper flagship chips, with MediaTek and Qualcomm each chopping GPU cores whereas leaving CPU and NPU specs untouched.

A Geekbench itemizing for a tool recognized because the vivo V2573A, believed to be the iQOO Neo 11 Excessive Version (至尊版), exhibits an 11-core Arm Mali-G1-Extremely MC11 GPU as an alternative of the 12-core MC12 present in the usual Dimensity 9500. The itemizing scored 3,445 in single-core and 10,517 in multi-core testing on Geekbench 6.7.1 whereas working Android 16. The CPU configuration in any other case matches that of the usual chip.

The Geekbench results of the iQOO Neo 10 Excessive Version

This is not an remoted case. MediaTek’s personal Dimensity 9500s, which is a rebranded Dimensity 9400+, ships with two totally different GPU configurations relying on the machine. The Redmi Turbo 5 Max makes use of the total 12-core Mali Immortalis-G925 MC12, whereas the Poco X8 Professional Max reportedly makes use of the cut-down 11-core MC11, regardless of each telephones carrying the identical 9500s branding. This implies MediaTek is binning GPUs each throughout chip tiers and inside a single chip tier, relying on the OEM and machine during which the silicon is used.

Qualcomm has completed one thing related, not too long ago releasing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 V Series, a binned variant that trims the Adreno GPU whereas leaving the CPU and NPU untouched.

In all three circumstances, the CPU, NPU, and modem stay intact whereas the GPU takes the hit. This strategy lets chipmakers and OEMs retain flagship-tier advertising and marketing figures for CPU and AI efficiency whereas lowering prices by GPU binning alone, moderately than creating separate silicon for every worth tier. With DRAM and element prices persevering with to climb by 2026, GPU binning appears more likely to develop into an ordinary cost-cutting instrument for flagship SKUs moderately than an exception.

Specs from Geekbench listings and unofficial machine breakdowns might not mirror last retail configurations.

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