A new benchmark suggests that MediaTek’s MT8196 chipset could power the fastest Chromebooks ever seen. This has sparked excitement about the potential for significant performance improvements in upcoming 2025 Chromebook models. Could this ARM-based SoC outperform even Intel’s latest offerings?
Motherboard ‘Navi’
Recent GeekBench scores for the MediaTek MT8196, housed on a motherboard codenamed ‘Navi,’ reveal impressive performance in single-core and multi-core tests, along with strong GPU, NPU, and other benchmark results. ChromeUnboxed reports that the MT8196 is likely a reconfigured Dimensity 9400, a flagship SoC typically found in smartphones and tablets, known for its speed and often compared to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon line.
The benchmark results show the ‘Navi’ device outperforming current top-tier Chromebooks, most of which utilize Intel Core Ultra 7 processors. One example cited by ChromeUnboxed is the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, codenamed ‘Karis.’ This suggests a substantial leap in performance for Chromebooks.
However, Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake processors could pose a challenge to MediaTek’s dominance. With no Panther Lake benchmarks available yet, it’s difficult to predict how the two will compare. The race for the fastest Chromebook chip remains open.
Google is expected to unveil new Chromebooks in the spring, potentially followed by another launch in the fall, mirroring last year’s release cycle. This will be the moment of truth for the MT8196, revealing its real-world performance in shipping Chromebooks.
Another device, codenamed ‘Hylia,’ is rumored to be a Chromebook tablet. While ChromeUnboxed is tracking this development, it’s unclear whether the ‘Hylia’ will feature the MT8196. More information is needed to confirm the specifications of this potential new tablet.
