A new Chromebook benchmark with MediaTek appears, showing surprising speed.
The MediaTek MT8196 chip has appeared on the Geekbench testing platform, indicating that it could become one of the most powerful processors for Chromebooks this year.
Numerous SoCs are being prepared for devices set to launch in 2025, and a recent performance analysis suggests that a MediaTek chipset could enable Chromebooks to achieve unprecedented speed levels this year. A report analyzing GeekBench scores revealed the results of the MediaTek MT8196 chip, which has garnered attention in recent months. This chip is integrated into a motherboard codenamed ‘Navi’, and the results show that it excels in both single-core and multi-core tests, as well as in GPU, NPU operations, and other assessments.
The MediaTek MT8196 is an ARM-based SoC that appears to be a tailored version of the Dimensity 9400 chip, designed for operation in Chromebooks. Typically, this chip is regarded as a flagship SoC in smartphones and tablets, known for its speed. Its main competitor is the Qualcomm Snapdragon line of chips.
In comparison with other Chromebooks, the MediaTek MT8196 ‘Navi’ device has outperformed the fastest models currently available, which are based on the Intel Core Ultra 7, such as the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, known as ‘Karis’. However, there is a potential limitation for the MediaTek MT8196 to deliver the highest performance in Chromebooks in 2025; this will depend on whether devices with the new Intel Panther Lake are released first. Currently, no performance tests have been conducted on the SoC, leaving its market behavior uncertain.
Despite this, Google is expected to start introducing new Chromebooks in the spring. The unveiling of models and specifications at that time will be of great interest. If the company maintains a similar launch cycle to last year, an event to showcase Chromebooks may also take place in the fall. Additionally, there are rumors of a device codenamed ‘Hylia’ that could take the form of a tablet, although it has not yet been confirmed whether this Chromebook will utilize the MediaTek MT8196 chip.
