Bluetooth connectivity usually has a limited operational distance, typically reaching up to around 33 feet. However, MediaTek has unveiled the Dimensity 9400 Plus, a cutting-edge chipset that boasts the ability to support connections up to 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles). The previous model, the Dimensity 9400, was capable of facilitating connections over 1.5 kilometers, marking a significant enhancement. However, the details are not quite as straightforward as they may appear.
This estimated range applies to phone-to-phone Bluetooth links, meaning your wireless earbuds won’t experience a sudden upgrade in performance over extended distances. MediaTek’s website specifies, “The Dimensity 9400+ can extend direct phone-to-phone Bluetooth connections up to 10km under line-of-sight conditions, providing a remarkable increase of over 6.6 times when compared to the Dimensity 9400. These long-range connections operate without needing cellular services, enhancing privacy and conserving data.”
While line-of-sight might elevate the effective range a little, achieving 10 kilometers in practice would require an unobstructed area similar to an airport runway. In everyday scenarios, the practical applications of this extended range are somewhat constrained, but any enhancement in connectivity is certainly an advantage. It may even lead to some amusing pranks involving AirDrop.
In addition to improved Bluetooth technology, the Dimensity 9400 Plus features enhancements in CPU performance, AI capabilities, and more. This chipset includes a 12-core GPU for nearly PC-like gaming visuals, upgraded HDR video support, and much else. It can achieve speeds of up to 3.73GHz, larger Wi-Fi coverage, and also supports Wi-Fi 7.
Keep in mind that this is merely a system-on-chip (SoC), and manufacturers will need to incorporate it into their devices for users to benefit from these advancements. The emergence of this technology, representing a significant leap forward, is definitely promising. The Dimensity 9400 Plus is positioned as a serious contender to the popular Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it could greatly enhance the next wave of smartphones.
