MediaTek Dimensity 9400 emerges as the flagship all-rounder processor as RaRe Quadrant analysis – Leads the flagship chipsets with an NPS of 92
In the hyper-competitive flagship smartphone market, customer delight has overtaken raw specifications as the defining success metric. According to this InsightsPro, based on Techarc’s Flagship Delight Study, processor performance has emerged as the single most critical driver of premium user experience, now accounting for nearly 70% of overall perceived performance and satisfaction.
The study highlights a decisive shift in user perception: the processor is no longer viewed merely as a component, but as the engine powering speed, responsiveness, efficiency, and long-term reliability in flagship smartphones.
1.0 The Shifting Priorities of Smartphone Users
Techarc’s analysis reveals a clear divergence between mass-market and flagship user priorities.
Top 3 Delight Factors
|
Smartphones Overall |
Flagship Smartphones |
|
1. Battery |
1. Processor |
|
2. Camera |
2. Camera |
|
3. Processor |
3. Battery |
For flagship users, processor performance now ranks above battery life, underscoring a demand for uncompromised speed, smoothness, and sustained power. Camera performance remains a consistent delight factor across all segments.
2.0 Competitive Performance Analysis of Flagship Chipsets
Using Techarc’s RaRe Quadrant framework, the study evaluates flagship chipsets across overall experience, core features, and gaming performance.
2.1 Overall Performance Delight
Most flagship chipsets fall within the Delight quadrant; however, MediaTek Dimensity 9400 leads as the top all-round performer, followed closely by Dimensity 9300+, translating into superior user advocacy.
2.2 Core Performance Pillars
- Processor Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 9400 leads, followed by Apple Silicon A18 Pro.
- Camera Performance: Dimensity 9400 ranks highest, with Dimensity 9300+ close behind.
- Battery Efficiency: Dimensity 9400 again tops user delight, reinforcing its balanced performance leadership.
MediaTek’s clean sweep across all three pillars signals strong optimisation across power, efficiency, and real-world usability.
2.3 The Gaming Acid Test
In high-performance gaming, Apple Silicon A18 Pro leads in user delight, followed by MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate, indicating targeted optimisation for sustained graphical workloads.
3.0 Strategic Positioning of Chipset Providers
3.1 Pureplay vs. Proprietary Focus
- Pureplay makers (MediaTek, Qualcomm): Lead in processor performance and efficiency delight.
- Proprietary solutions (Apple, Google, Samsung): Primarily drive delight through camera performance via tight hardware-software integration.
3.2 MediaTek Portfolio Analysis
MediaTek’s strength in the flagship segment comes from a broad and balanced Dimensity portfolio that delivers strong customer delight across key use cases. By addressing performance, camera, battery efficiency, gaming, and AI across price tiers, the portfolio gives OEMs flexibility to build differentiated flagship devices without compromising core user expectations.
This portfolio-led approach positions MediaTek as a holistic enabler of flagship customer delight at scale.
3.3 Qualcomm Snapdragon Portfolio Analysis
Qualcomm’s flagship portfolio delivers delight, led by Snapdragon 8 Elite, though its relatively narrower range limits OEM differentiation.
4.0 Net Promoter Score (NPS) Analysis
4.1 Brand-Level User Recommendation
- MediaTek Dimensity: 83
- Apple Silicon: 80
- Google Tensor: 74
- Qualcomm Snapdragon: 73
- Samsung Exynos: 70
MediaTek leads in user trust and recommendation at the brand level.
4.2 Standout Performers: Chipset-Level NPS
Only two chipsets crossed the elite 90+ NPS threshold:
- MediaTek Dimensity 9400: 92
- MediaTek Dimensity 9300+: 91
These scores indicate exceptional customer advocacy and deep user confidence.
5.0 Conclusion: The Processor as the Engine of Future Growth and Loyalty
The study concludes that in the flagship segment, the processor has become the definitive driver of customer delight, brand advocacy, and long-term loyalty. While camera and battery remain important, smooth, fast, and efficient processor performance now defines the premium experience.
With AI integration accelerating, the importance of processor performance is set to increase further, with flagship trends expected to cascade into the broader smartphone market by 2026.
For OEMs and chipset makers, the mandate is clear: delivering a superior processor experience is no longer optional, it is the core strategic lever for winning the premium smartphone market.
Gurgaon, Srinagar, December 16, 2025
