MediaTek is preparing a significant upgrade for its mid-range smartphone processors. The company is developing the Dimensity 8600 chipset, which will bring flagship-level manufacturing technology to more affordable phones.
The move comes as MediaTek also prepares its flagship Dimensity 9600 chip built on 2nm process technology for high-end devices later this year. The dual approach shows MediaTek’s strategy to compete across multiple price segments in the increasingly competitive smartphone chip market.
The Dimensity 8600 will be manufactured using a 3nm process, according to a leak from tipster Digital Chat Station. This represents a major jump from the current Dimensity 8500, which uses 4nm manufacturing technology and debuted in China in January 2026.
The smaller manufacturing process typically allows for better power efficiency and performance. For context, the current Dimensity 8500 powers popular mid-range phones including the Redmi Turbo 5, Poco X8 Pro, Honor Power 2, and several other models from major Chinese brands.
Several smartphone manufacturers are already testing devices with the new Dimensity 8600 processor. The leak suggests that Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, Honor, and their various sub-brands are evaluating phones powered by the upcoming chip. These devices could launch by the end of 2026.
The timing aligns with the typical smartphone development cycle, where chip makers provide processors to phone manufacturers months before consumer launch. MediaTek’s mid-range chips have become increasingly popular with brands looking to offer flagship-like performance at lower price points.
Some phones using the Dimensity 8600 may feature unusually large batteries exceeding 10,000mAh capacity. This could address one of the main consumer complaints about smartphone battery life, though such large batteries would likely result in thicker and heavier devices.
The Honor Power 3 appears to be one of the confirmed devices that will use the new processor. It’s unclear whether other popular mid-range series like the Redmi Turbo 6 and Poco X9 Pro will adopt the Dimensity 8600 or stick with the current generation chip.
MediaTek’s focus on bringing advanced manufacturing to mid-range chips reflects broader industry trends. As flagship phones push past $1,000 price points, there’s growing demand for phones that offer similar performance at half the cost. The 3nm manufacturing process was previously reserved for premium processors, making this a notable shift in the market.