Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3⁣ leak suggests dual-chip strategy

⁣ Updated ⁤June 12,2025

the Snapdragon 8 Elite ‍series currently powers many top-tier Android phones. However, a new leak suggests the upcoming Snapdragon‍ 8 Elite Gen 3 processor might ⁤adopt a dual-version strategy, similar to Apple’s⁣ approach with ‍its A-series chips.

According to Digital Chat Station, the Qualcomm SM8950 chipset, believed to be the Snapdragon 8 elite Gen‍ 3, could be offered in two variants. The leaker ‍refers to⁣ a perhaps less powerful version as the SM8945.

Apple’s iPhone 16 is expected to follow a similar pattern, with the standard⁤ models using the A18 ⁣processor, ⁣while the Pro versions get the A18 Pro. While both⁢ share the same CPU, the Pro variant boasts more cache and a more powerful ‍GPU.

Reportedly,Qualcomm will⁤ use TSMC’s 2nm process for these chips. However,the leaker⁤ suggests that the cost of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 has “soared,” potentially leading to price increases for flagship phones released from late 2026 onward.

This price increase could mean that⁢ the standard flagship phones might not use the full Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3. Rather, ⁤the “SM8945” chip could be used in these models, ‍reserving the more powerful chip for premium devices. This could result in phones like the Galaxy S27 and Xiaomi 17⁢ having less impressive performance than their higher-end counterparts.

It’s ⁣vital to note that Qualcomm‍ has yet to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Elite⁤ Gen 2, let alone the Gen 3. therefore, these⁢ details are ⁢subject to change before⁤ the anticipated launch window in late 2026.

What’s next

The mobile tech⁢ world awaits official announcements⁣ from qualcomm regarding the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and further details⁤ on the Gen 3. The potential shift to a dual-chip strategy and its impact on flagship phone pricing ⁢will be closely watched.