A variety of system on chips (SoCs) are in the works for devices expected to launch in 2025. Recent benchmarks indicate that a MediaTek chipset could significantly boost the speed of Chromebooks this year, leading to some of the fastest models ever produced.
According to a GeekBench benchmark, ChromeUnboxed has uncovered impressive scores for the MediaTek MT8196 chip. This chip has been in the spotlight for a while and is integrated into a motherboard referred to as ‘Navi.’ The benchmark highlights its strong performance not only in single-core and multi-core tests but also in graphics processing unit (GPU) and neural processing unit (NPU) evaluations, along with various other assessments.
The MT8196 is an ARM-based SoC, likely a modified version of the Dimensity 9400 chip that has primarily powered smartphones and tablets so far, known for its impressive speed. Its main rival in the market will be chips from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series.
In performance comparisons, the MediaTek MT8196 ‘Navi’ already outperforms existing high-speed Chromebooks equipped with Intel’s Core Ultra 7 processors. As an example, ChromeUnboxed cited the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714, codenamed ‘Karis.’
However, one potential setback for the MediaTek MT8196 in becoming the go-to chip for 2025 Chromebooks could be the early arrival of Intel’s Panther Lake SoCs, which have yet to be benchmarked, making it difficult to assess their competitive power in the market.
Despite this uncertainty, Google is expected to unveil new Chromebook models in the spring. This event will be closely watched to confirm the specifications and models, with a possibility of an additional launch in the fall if the company follows a similar timeline as last year.
There have also been reports about a device codenamed ‘Hylia,’ which ChromeUnboxed is monitoring. This device might feature a tablet format, but it remains unconfirmed whether it will utilize the MediaTek MT8196 chip.
