Introduction

The Dimensity 9400e vs Exynos 2500 vs Dimensity 9300 Plus comparison is particularly interesting because these three chipsets approach high-end smartphone performance in different ways. The Dimensity 9400e is the newest member of this MediaTek trio, while the Dimensity 9300 Plus is an older but still highly capable flagship-class platform. Samsung’s Exynos 2500 takes a different route with a 3nm manufacturing process, a 10-core CPU and Xclipse 950 graphics.

On paper, the Dimensity 9400e looks like a refinement rather than a dramatic departure from the Dimensity 9300 Plus. Both use an 8-core CPU with the same Cortex-X4/Cortex-A720 arrangement, the same 4nm process, and the same Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU according to 91mobiles. However, benchmark results and platform-level improvements give the 9400e an advantage in several areas.

The Exynos 2500 is the technical outlier. Its 3nm process, 10-core CPU, 16MB L3 cache and Xclipse 950 GPU give it an impressive specification sheet. Yet benchmark results differ substantially between testing databases, making it important to separate theoretical specifications from measured performance.

For buyers and smartphone enthusiasts, the important question is therefore not simply which chip has the newest name. The better question is which processor delivers the strongest combination of CPU performance, graphics capability, efficiency, memory support, AI processing, multimedia features and connectivity.

Processor Overview

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400e was announced in May 2025 and is manufactured on a 4nm process. It uses eight cores: one Cortex-X4 at 3.4GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores at 2.85GHz and four Cortex-A720 cores at 2GHz. Its graphics are handled by the Immortalis-G720 MC12 running at 1.3GHz. NanoReview also lists the MediaTek NPU 790 as its AI accelerator.

The Samsung Exynos 2500 arrived in June 2025 and uses Samsung’s 3nm process. Its CPU contains ten cores: one Cortex-X925 at 3.3GHz, two Cortex-A725 cores at 2.74GHz, five Cortex-A725 cores at 2.36GHz and two Cortex-A520 efficiency cores at 1.8GHz. Graphics are supplied by the Xclipse 950 GPU.

The Dimensity 9300 Plus, announced in May 2024, also uses a 4nm process and exactly the same core configuration reported for the Dimensity 9400e: one Cortex-X4 at 3.4GHz, three Cortex-X4 cores at 2.85GHz and four Cortex-A720 cores at 2GHz. It also uses the Immortalis-G720 MC12 at 1.3GHz.

This immediately creates an interesting hierarchy. The 9400e and 9300 Plus are extremely similar at the CPU and GPU specification level, whereas the Exynos 2500 introduces a newer CPU architecture and smaller manufacturing node.

CPU Architecture & Processing Power

CPU specifications tell an important part of the story.

The Dimensity 9400e and Dimensity 9300 Plus both rely heavily on performance-oriented Cortex-X4 cores. Each has four high-performance Cortex-X4 cores, with one reaching 3.4GHz and three reaching 2.85GHz. Their four Cortex-A720 cores operate at 2GHz. This is a powerful configuration because the design does not depend on a large number of conventional efficiency cores for its basic workload structure.

The Exynos 2500 uses a more diverse 10-core configuration. Its Cortex-X925 prime core reaches 3.3GHz, followed by seven Cortex-A725 cores at two different frequencies and two Cortex-A520 efficiency cores. It also carries 16MB of L3 cache, compared with 8MB listed for the Dimensity 9400e and Dimensity 9300 Plus.

That does not mean the Exynos automatically wins CPU performance. Architecture, clocks, cache hierarchy, software optimization and sustained power behavior all influence actual performance.

The benchmark evidence is revealing. NanoReview reports Geekbench 6 results of 2,233 single-core and 7,478 multi-core for the Dimensity 9400e, while the Dimensity 9300 Plus records 2,250 single-core and 7,315 multi-core. This makes the 9300 Plus slightly ahead in the supplied single-core result, while the 9400e takes the multi-core lead.

NanoReview reports the Exynos 2500 at 2,285 single-core and 7,874 multi-core, giving Samsung’s chip the strongest multi-core result among these particular NanoReview figures.

The CPU conclusion is therefore more nuanced than simply declaring one winner. The Exynos 2500 has the most advanced CPU architecture and highest multi-core figure in NanoReview’s dataset, while the Dimensity 9400e remains highly competitive and clearly improves on the 9300 Plus in multi-core testing.

GPU & Gaming Performance

Graphics performance is one of the strongest areas for the Dimensity 9400e.

The Dimensity 9400e and Dimensity 9300 Plus both use the Immortalis-G720 MC12, with 12 pipelines, 128 shading units and 1,536 total shaders listed by 91mobiles. Their reported GPU frequency is 1.3GHz. This means there is no obvious specification-based GPU hardware advantage between these two MediaTek chips.

The Exynos 2500 uses Samsung’s Xclipse 950, based on RDNA 3 according to NanoReview. It has eight pipelines, 128 shading units and 1,024 shaders, with a listed clock of 999MHz. Its theoretical FLOPS figure is higher than the G720’s on the cited database, but theoretical compute throughput should not be treated as a direct prediction of game frame rates.

NanoReview gives the Dimensity 9400e and Dimensity 9300 Plus identical 65 gaming-performance ratings, while the Exynos 2500 is also rated 65 for gaming. This suggests that the databases do not show a decisive gaming-rating separation between the three.

For gaming-oriented buyers, the 9400e’s advantage is therefore less about a dramatically different GPU specification and more about its overall platform performance. Actual gaming results will still depend heavily on the smartphone’s cooling system, game optimization, display resolution and sustained power limits.

Manufacturing Process & Efficiency

The Exynos 2500 has the smallest manufacturing node here at 3nm, while both MediaTek processors use 4nm technology.

A smaller process can provide opportunities for better efficiency and transistor density, but it should never be interpreted as an automatic guarantee of lower power consumption. Chip architecture and implementation matter just as much.

NanoReview gives the Exynos 2500 a battery-life/efficiency rating of 88, compared with 91 for both the Dimensity 9400e and Dimensity 9300 Plus. These are platform-level database ratings rather than a guarantee of smartphone battery life.

That makes the 9400e particularly interesting: despite remaining on 4nm, it receives a stronger efficiency rating than the newer-node Exynos 2500 in NanoReview’s comparison data.

Memory & Storage Support

All three processors support LPDDR5X memory and up to 24GB RAM in the cited specifications. All three also support UFS 4.0 storage.

The Dimensity 9400e supports a maximum memory bandwidth of 76.8Gb/s in 91mobiles’ specification data. NanoReview lists 76.8Gb/s as well, although its listed memory frequency differs between database entries, so the bandwidth figure is the cleaner comparison.

The Exynos 2500 is also listed at 76.8Gb/s by 91mobiles and NanoReview. The Dimensity 9300 Plus receives the same 76.8Gb/s figure in the cited specifications.

Consequently, memory support is effectively a tie at the headline level. The real-world difference will depend more on the amount and configuration of RAM used by each smartphone than on the chipset name alone.

AI & NPU Capabilities

AI processing is increasingly important in flagship smartphones, but the available source data is not equally detailed for every processor.

NanoReview lists the MediaTek NPU 790 for both the Dimensity 9400e and Dimensity 9300 Plus. MediaTek’s own specifications describe the Dimensity 9400e’s NPU 790 as supporting generative AI, alongside MediaTek NeuroPilot.

NanoReview lists the Exynos 2500 with an NPU and a theoretical performance figure of 59 TOPS.

However, TOPS figures from different architectures should not automatically be treated as equivalent. AI workload performance depends on software frameworks, model support, precision, memory behavior and optimization.

For AI-focused buyers, the Exynos 2500 has a clearly published theoretical TOPS figure, while the Dimensity 9400e has a documented NPU 790 and generative-AI support. Neither figure alone is sufficient to predict every AI application.

ISP, Camera & Video Capabilities

All three processors support impressive camera hardware.

91mobiles lists a maximum supported camera sensor resolution of 320MP for the Dimensity 9400e and Exynos 2500, while NanoReview gives the same 320MP figure for all three.

Video support is more interesting. The Dimensity 9400e supports 8K recording at 30FPS and 4K at 60FPS according to NanoReview and MediaTek. The Dimensity 9300 Plus is also listed for 8K at 30FPS and 4K at 60FPS.

The Exynos 2500 supports 8K at 30FPS and 4K at 120FPS in NanoReview’s specification data, giving it an advantage for high-frame-rate 4K capture on paper.

Still, processor support does not guarantee that every smartphone will expose every capability. Camera sensors, thermal limits and manufacturer software determine what users actually receive.

Display Support

The Dimensity 9400e supports up to 4K at 120Hz and up to WQHD at 180Hz according to MediaTek’s specifications. 91mobiles lists a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz.

The Dimensity 9300 Plus is listed with a maximum 4K display resolution and does not show the same 180Hz capability in the cited NanoReview specification.

The Exynos 2500 is listed with a maximum UHD display resolution and 120Hz maximum refresh rate.

Therefore, the Dimensity 9400e has the strongest headline display flexibility, particularly for smartphones targeting high-refresh-rate panels.

5G, Modem & Connectivity

Connectivity is an area where the Exynos 2500 has a major theoretical advantage.

91mobiles lists the Exynos 2500 with an Exynos 5400 modem, peak download speeds of up to 12.1Gbps, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

The Dimensity 9400e supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, with a listed peak download speed of 7.3Gbps. MediaTek also specifies 5G carrier aggregation and support for both sub-6GHz and mmWave technologies.

The Dimensity 9300 Plus supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, with NanoReview listing up to 7.9Gbps download speed.

Thus, the Exynos 2500 wins on the published peak download figure, while the Dimensity 9400e has the newer Bluetooth 6.0 implementation among these three.

Benchmark Comparison

Benchmark comparisons require special caution because 91mobiles and NanoReview report different results.

91mobiles records the Dimensity 9400e at 2,125,733 AnTuTu, compared with 1,981,630 for the Dimensity 9300 Plus and 1,515,751 for the Exynos 2500. On this dataset, the 9400e leads the other two by a substantial margin.

NanoReview’s AnTuTu 11 dataset instead reports 2,502,910 for the Dimensity 9400e, 2,351,914 for the Dimensity 9300 Plus and 2,289,696 for the Exynos 2500.

The important conclusion is not that one database is necessarily wrong. Benchmark databases can use different devices, testing conditions, sample sizes and result-selection methodologies. Therefore, the safest comparison is to use each database internally rather than mixing numbers into one artificial ranking.

Within NanoReview’s AnTuTu 11 results, the 9400e leads the 9300 Plus by roughly 6%, while its advantage over the Exynos 2500 is around 9%. The 9300 Plus and Exynos 2500 are much closer.

Real-World Performance

For everyday use, all three processors provide more than enough CPU capability for demanding smartphone workloads. The differences become more meaningful during heavy multitasking, sustained gaming, video processing and computational workloads.

The Dimensity 9400e is the most compelling balanced option. Its strong CPU configuration, powerful Immortalis-G720 GPU, LPDDR5X/UFS 4.0 support, Wi-Fi 7 and high-refresh display support make it well suited to premium smartphones.

The Exynos 2500 has several technical strengths: a 3nm node, Cortex-X925 CPU, 16MB L3 cache, Xclipse 950 graphics, 59 TOPS listed AI capability and 12.1Gbps peak download support. Its weakness in this comparison is not the specification sheet but the inconsistency between benchmark datasets and the lower 91mobiles AnTuTu result.

The Dimensity 9300 Plus remains impressive despite being the oldest processor here. Its CPU and GPU specifications are remarkably close to the 9400e, and NanoReview’s benchmark data shows it remains highly competitive. However, the 9400e generally represents the stronger evolution of this design.

For gaming, the 9400e and 9300 Plus have essentially identical GPU hardware specifications, so smartphone cooling and software optimization can be decisive. For connectivity, Exynos 2500 has the highest published peak download capability. For AI, all three have dedicated AI hardware, but the Exynos has the clearest published TOPS figure.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Dimensity 9400e

Strengths

• Strong 8-core Cortex-X4 CPU
• Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU
• LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0
• 180Hz display support
• Strong NanoReview efficiency rating

Weaknesses

• Uses 4nm rather than 3nm
• Lower theoretical peak 5G download than Exynos 2500
• GPU hardware is similar to the older 9300 Plus

Exynos 2500

Strengths

• 3nm manufacturing process
• New Cortex-X925 prime core
• 10-core CPU
• 16MB L3 cache
• Xclipse 950 GPU
• 59 TOPS listed AI performance
• 12.1Gbps peak download

Weaknesses

• Bluetooth 5.4 versus 6.0 on 9400e
• 120Hz maximum refresh rate in cited data
• Lower 91mobiles AnTuTu result than both MediaTek rivals

Dimensity 9300 Plus

Strengths

• Strong Cortex-X4 CPU configuration
• Immortalis-G720 MC12 graphics
• LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0
• Wi-Fi 7
• Strong benchmark performance
• Mature flagship platform

Weaknesses

• Older 2024 platform
• Lower benchmark results than 9400e in both cited datasets
• Bluetooth 5.4
• Less advanced positioning than the 9400e

Best Processor For Different Users

Best Overall: Dimensity 9400e

Best CPU Architecture: Exynos 2500

Best Gaming Platform: Dimensity 9400e, with the Dimensity 9300 Plus remaining highly competitive

Best Connectivity: Exynos 2500 for peak download capability

Best Display Flexibility: Dimensity 9400e

Best AI Specification: Exynos 2500 based on its published 59 TOPS figure

Best Balanced Choice: Dimensity 9400e

Best Older-Generation Value Platform: Dimensity 9300 Plus

Final Verdict & Ranking

Final Verdict

1. MediaTek Dimensity 9400e — Best Overall

The Dimensity 9400e takes the overall crown because it combines very strong CPU performance, capable flagship graphics, excellent memory and storage support, modern connectivity and high-refresh display capabilities. Its benchmark advantage over the 9300 Plus is also consistent across the cited 91mobiles and NanoReview datasets, although the absolute scores differ between sources.

2. Samsung Exynos 2500 — Best For Advanced CPU & Connectivity

The Exynos 2500 is technically fascinating. Its 3nm manufacturing process, Cortex-X925 architecture, 16MB L3 cache, Xclipse 950 GPU and 12.1Gbps peak download specification make it a serious flagship processor. Its strongest case is not raw AnTuTu leadership but the breadth of its architecture and connectivity features.

3. MediaTek Dimensity 9300 Plus — Still Powerful

The Dimensity 9300 Plus finishes third primarily because it is the oldest of the three. Its core configuration and GPU remain extremely capable, and its NanoReview performance numbers show that it has not become irrelevant. However, the newer Dimensity 9400e delivers a measurable step forward while retaining much of the same fundamental CPU/GPU formula.

Best for Gaming: Dimensity 9400e

Best for AI: Exynos 2500 based on published TOPS data

Best for Efficiency: Dimensity 9400e based on NanoReview’s efficiency rating

Best Balanced Choice: Dimensity 9400e

Bottom Line: The Dimensity 9400e is the strongest all-round choice in this three-way comparison. The Exynos 2500 has the most interesting technical architecture and the strongest theoretical connectivity specification, while the Dimensity 9300 Plus remains a highly capable older flagship. For a new smartphone designed around performance, gaming, high-refresh displays, modern wireless connectivity and balanced efficiency, the 9400e offers the most convincing overall package.