Qualcomm is reportedly preparing to unveil a new version of its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 System on Chip (SoC) later this year. This information comes from the well-known leaker Digital Chat Station, who shared insights via Weibo.
Details of the Upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC
The upcoming SoC is expected to carry the model number SM8850-1-AB. While it shares many similarities with the existing Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, indicated by comparable Geekbench 6 scores, it aims to cater to a more budget-conscious market.
Pricing and Market Positioning
According to reports, devices equipped with this new chipset will be priced below CNY 4,000, which translates to approximately $590. This pricing strategy suggests that the new SoC will be more affordable than the current Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, identified by the model number SM8850-AC.
Current Snapdragon 8 Series Offerings
Currently, there are three versions of the Snapdragon 8 series available in the market. The standard model, the SM8850-AC, is already popular, while the SM8850-5-AC features a seven-core CPU and is found in Oppo's Find N6. Additionally, the SM8850-1-AD is utilized in Samsung's Galaxy S26 family and the Galaxy Z Fold8 series.
What This Means for Consumers
This new iteration, being the fourth in the lineup, raises curiosity about which devices will adopt it. It's likely to appeal to manufacturers looking for a cost-effective solution without sacrificing performance, especially when considering the anticipated higher price of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.
As the launch approaches, industry watchers will be keen to see how Qualcomm positions this new SoC within its lineup and the broader smartphone market.
Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/qualcomm_is_allegedly_launching_a_new_snapdragon_8_elite_gen_5_soc_this_year-news-73846.php


