The new MediaTek Chromebook delivers astonishing speed.
A MediaTek chipset has the potential to provide Chromebooks with performance comparable to what they have shown this year.
Many systems on chip (SoC) are gearing up for devices set to launch in 2025, and a recent analysis suggests that a new MediaTek chipset could match the speed of current Chromebooks. According to a report based on the results from the GeekBench benchmark, a new MediaTek MT8196 chip has been identified, which has been on the radar for some time. This chip, which is integrated into a motherboard codenamed 'Navi', has shown remarkable performance in both single-core and multi-core tests, as well as in GPU, NPU, and other metrics.
The MediaTek MT8196 is based on ARM architecture and is believed to be an adapted version of the Dimensity 9400, originally designed for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. This chip positions itself as a key competitor against Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets. Compared to other Chromebooks available on the market, the MT8196 'Navi' SoC has outperformed the faster models powered by Intel Core Ultra 7. One example mentioned is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, known by its codename 'Karis'.
However, the advancement of the MediaTek MT8196 could be hindered if Intel launches devices equipped with Panther Lake before the new Chromebooks appear. Benchmark testing for the SoC has not yet been conducted, meaning its future performance in the industry remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Google is expected to start unveiling new Chromebook models in the spring, which will generate anticipation regarding the specifications that will be revealed at that time. The potential arrival of a device known as 'Hylia' is also being monitored, although it has not been confirmed whether this device will be able to use the MediaTek MT8196 chip.
