The MediaTek MT8196 processor is generating a lot of buzz in the world of Chromebooks, and for good reason. This upcoming chip is expected to deliver a significant boost in performance potentially making it one of the most powerful processors ever designed for ChromeOS devices. With its advanced architecture and promising benchmark results, the MT8196 could set a new standard for ARM-based Chromebooks.
Built for power and efficiency
The MT8196 is essentially a customised version of MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400, tailored specifically for Chromebooks. According to recent findings from Chrome Unboxed, it features a high-performance configuration with four Cortex-A720 cores, three Cortex-X4 cores, and one Cortex-X925 core, along with the Arm Immortalis-G925 MC12 GPU. This combination ensures that the chip can handle everything from multitasking and productivity to gaming and media editing with ease.
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What sets this processor apart is its focus on balancing power and efficiency. MediaTek has designed the MT8196 to deliver top-tier performance while maintaining excellent energy efficiency, making it ideal for lightweight, fanless Chromebooks with long battery life.
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Its performance has already been demonstrated in early Geekbench 6 benchmarks. According to Chrome Unboxed, the processor shows a 24% improvement in single-core performance and a 30% boost in multi-core performance compared to its predecessor, the MT8195 (Kompanio 1380).
These numbers put it on par with Intel’s 12th-generation Core i3 processors, which are commonly found in higher-end Chromebooks.
In fact, the MT8196 outperformed even some of Intel’s more powerful offerings. When tested against devices like the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor), the MT8196 excelled across all categories, including single-core, multi-core, GPU, and AI processing performance. This makes it clear that MediaTek is not just competing with Intel but is ready to surpass them in certain areas.
Beyond raw performance, the MT8196 brings several advanced features that make it future-proof. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity for modern workflows and streaming needs. The chip also offers support for 8K60 video capture, which could open up new possibilities for multimedia-focused Chromebooks.
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These features are complemented by its ARM architecture, which is known for being power-efficient without sacrificing capability. This means users can expect Chromebooks powered by the MT8196 to deliver smooth performance while maintaining excellent battery life.
What devices we can expect?
Development of MT8196-powered Chromebooks has been underway since late 2023 under codenames like ‘Rauru,’ ‘Hylia,’ and ‘Navi.’ These devices are expected to hit the market in 2025, possibly during Google’s spring or autumn Chromebook events. While there has been speculation about one of these devices being a tablet (‘Hylia’), most are likely to be clamshell or convertible Chromebooks designed to showcase the chip’s capabilities.
Price – The tricky part
The MediaTek MT8196 is undoubtedly a game-changer for Chromebooks globally with its performance. However, its success in price-sensitive markets like India will hinge on strategic pricing that aligns with local market expectations.
If manufacturers can launch devices powered by this chip within the ₹30,000–₹40,000 range while emphasising key benefits like long battery life and superior Android app compatibility, they could unlock significant growth opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing tech markets.
Going beyond 40,000, you will find decent Windows laptops, good enough for basic tasks and going with a Windows laptop, in most cases is still a better choice compared to buying an expensive Chromebook as you don’t have to deal with limitations a Chromebook has.
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Sagar Sharma
A software engineer who happens to love testing computers and sometimes they crash. While reviving his crashed system, you can find him reading literature, manga, or watering plants. View Full Profile
