Samsung Exynos 1280 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8050

The midrange smartphone market is evolving rapidly, blurring the once well-defined boundaries. Consequently, new System-on-Chips (SoCs) have emerged to claim their positions in this changing landscape. In this comparison, we'll take a closer look at the Samsung Exynos 1280 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8050.

The Samsung Exynos 1280, introduced in March 2022, is the older of the two SoCs under consideration. It represents Samsung's initiative to revitalize its upper midrange product lineup.

As it is with most Exynos SoCs, the Exynos 1280 is exclusively made for and used by Samsung phones. These include Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, A53 5G, M33, M34 5G, and F34 5G.

On the flip side, the Dimensity 8050 is rather new as it was announced in May of 2023. It is also an upper midrange SoC as well, although it would be more correct to call it a premium mid-ranger.

Unlike most MediaTek SoCs, the Dimensity 8050 has been very unpopular, only making an appearance on Transsion devices like the Infinix GT 10 Pro, Infinix Note 30 VIP, and Tecno Camon 20 Pro 5G.

Now that we have enough info on these SoCs, let us get into the comparison properly.

(Samsung Exynos 1280 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8050 - link to full specs table)

Performance of the Samsung Exynos 1280 vs MediaTek Dimensity 8050

Both SoCs sport ARM Cortex A78 and ARM Cortex A55 CPU cores but their architecture is very different. The Exynos 1280 is arranged in the typical 2 Cortex A78 + 6 Cortex A55 setup with a max clock speed of 2.4GHz. The Dimensity 8050 on the other hand utilizes a far superior 1 Cortex A78 + 3 Cortex A78 + Cortex A55 setup with a max speed of 3.0GHz.

This means that the Dimensity 8050 destroys the Exynos 1280 when it comes to pure performance. The Dimensity 8050 is far superior.

Performance: Dimensity 8050

Gaming Performance of the Exynos 1280 vs Dimensity 8050

In terms of gaming performance, the Dimensity 8050 boasts a superior Mali G77 MP9 GPU when compared to the Mali G68 MP4 GPU found in the Exynos 1280.

This means that the Dimensity 8050 will play games far better than the Exynos 1280 ever would.

Gaming: Dimensity 8050

Camera and Video Capability

When it comes to photography, the Dimensity takes the lead as it supports a maximum of 200MP cameras while the Exynos 1280 can only support a max 108MP. In the video department, both SoCs can record a max of 4K video quality, but the Dimensity 8050 can do it at 60FPS whilst the Exynos 1280 can only do it at 30FPS.

Camera and Video: Dimensity 8050

RAM and Storage

Both SoCs use the same LPDDR4x (2133MHz) RAM but the Dimensity 8050 can handle more apps in memory because it has a greater memory bandwidth. For the internal storage, the Dimensity 8050 supports UFS 3.1 storage whilst the Exynos 1280 is stuck on UFS 2.2.

RAM and Storage: Dimensity 8050

Network Connectivity

As with most modern SoCs these days, both SoCs support 5G connectivity, however, the Dimensity 8050 supports faster upload and download speeds. It also supports stronger network signal strength and a newer Wi-Fi 6.

Battery life

Finally, an area where the Exynos 1280 can actually do well. The Exynos 1280 is built on a 5nm Samsung process and it runs cooler, more efficiently, and goes easier on the battery. The Dimensity 8050 on the other hand, is built on an older 6nm process and with all its power should run hotter and use more battery.

Conclusion

Apart from its impressive battery life, the Exynos 1280 falls short when compared to the Dimensity 8050. So, if you happen to be undecided between these two SoCs, you now have a clear choice based on your priorities.