MediaTek's high-end chips are compatible with Gemini Nano

In case you don’t know, Google’s Gemini Nano AI model is the smallest and most efficient of the company’s AI models. It’s small enough to fit on a phone’s chip, and we’ve already seen it on the Google Tensor G3 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Well, according to a new report, MediaTek’s most advanced Dimensity chips are compatible with Gemini Nano.

Gemini Nano is currently powering generative AI features on the Pixel 8 Pro and the Galaxy S24 series. We are seeing new features rolling out for both platforms. This is something that all companies want, as we’ve been hearing rumors other companies developing their own on-device AI. For example, Oppo has announced that it’s going to be going all in on AI. So, more chips gaining generative AI capabilities is to be expected.

The highest-end MediaTek Dimensity chips are compatible with Gemini Nano

This wasn’t a last-minute decision or new addition; MediaTek actually worked with Google to make its large language model compatible with its two highest-end SoCs. The two chips in question are the latest and greatest MediaTek Dimensity 9300 and the still-powerful Dimensity 8300.

These chips are powering a handful of flagship and premium mid-range devices on the market. Devices using the Dimensity 9300 include the Oppo Find X7 series, iQOO Neo 9 Pro, Vivo X100 phones, and Techno Phantom V2 Fold. For the Dimensity 8300 SoC, phones include the Oppo Reno 12, Poco X6 Pro 5G, and Xiaomi Redmi K70E. That’s not a ton of phones, but more devices will use these chips as time goes on.

This is good news to hear because MediaTek processes are usually found in more affordable phones. While there are higher-end MediaTek chips in some very top-of-the-line devices such as the Lenovo Tab Extreme (Review), many affordable phones use Dimensity chips. This gives them access to a lot of power for a more palatable price.

Now, that power can come with enhanced capabilities. With Gemini Nano, phones using these two chips will be able to use on-device AI. This means that they will use powerful AI tools without having to connect to the internet and contact the server. That’s how AI technology has traditionally worked. However, we are at the dawn of the on-device generative AI age.

Now, it’s the developers’ turn

Google and MediaTek are currently working on releasing an APK for the two chips. This APK file will allow developers and phone manufacturers to collaborate and bring generative AI features to upcoming and current phones using these chips. It will only be a matter of time before on-device AI is standard across the smartphone community. Who knows if the next run-of-the-mill mid-range handset you buy for $199 will be able to utilize generative AI on-device?