Eyeing higher-level generative AI performance for the smartphone sector, MediaTek, a Taiwan-based semiconductor manufacturer, said its latest chip product has targeted agentic AI applications.

Paired with a powerful NPU to accelerate GenAI tasks, the Dimensity 8400 chipset can help turn traditional AI applications into "sophisticated agentic AI applications" that are able to predict user needs and deliver personalized intelligent services, MediaTek said when unveiling the new AI chip on Monday.

Agentic AI refers to AI systems designed to act autonomously, make decisions and take actions to achieve specific goals. Unlike purely reactive AI, which only responds to inputs without proactively seeking outcomes, agentic AI possesses a degree of self-directedness and goal-oriented behavior.

By supporting global mainstream large language models, small language models and multimodal large models, the product will also enable on-device GenAI experiences such as AI-powered translation, text rewriting, contextual intelligent responses, call summaries and multimedia content generation.

"Dimensity 8400's GenAI and agentic AI capabilities are expected to empower end devices to bring cutting-edge AI technology to a wider audience," said Yenchi Lee, general manager of MediaTek's wireless communications business unit.

Redmi Turbo 4 will be the first smartphone to be powered by the new chip, said Wang Teng, general manager of Redmi, a subsidiary brand owned by Chinese electronics company Xiaomi, while other Chinese smartphone brands such as Oppo and Vivo have also shown interest in including the chip in their models.

According to a report from market research company MarketsandMarkets, the global AI chip market size is projected to grow from $123.16 billion in 2024 to $311.58 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 20.4 percent during the forecast period.

The report added that Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market during the forecast period, and the escalating adoption of AI technologies in countries such as China, South Korea, India and Japan will stimulate market growth.