Key Takeaways
1. Qualcomm is expanding its product range with new Snapdragon variants, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and a potential Snapdragon 8 Plus model.
2. The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is expected to launch around mid-September, with improved efficiency and features due to the TSMC N3P manufacturing process.
3. Many Android OEMs may adopt the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 alternative, featuring large 8,000 mAh batteries, particularly in the Chinese market.
4. Rumored features for devices using the new Snapdragon chip include a flat 1.5K display, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and premium metal casing.
5. Qualcomm faces competition from MediaTek and Samsung’s Exynos line, which are also launching high-end mobile chips, potentially impacting Qualcomm’s market share.
Qualcomm is broadening its product range. Similar to the Snapdragon X Elite and its various versions like the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X aimed at laptops, the premium Snapdragon 8 series is expected to introduce more affordable options in the mobile platform area. Recently, Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station has fueled this theory by posting detailed information about a variant of the SM8850, codenamed SM8845.
Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Insights
The SM8850 model number refers to the successor of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which might be marketed as the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or Elite Gen 2, with a reveal likely happening in mid-September. As for the SM8845’s final name, it’s still up in the air. A title like “Snapdragon 8 Plus” seems appropriate for this chip, as it’s rumored to perform similarly to the existing Snapdragon 8 Elite due to its identical Oryon cores. Additionally, it promises better efficiency thanks to the new TSMC N3P manufacturing process, along with several upgraded features from the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.
Android OEMs and Battery Innovations
Digital Chat Station also pointed out that many Android original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) considering this Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 alternative could include large batteries, around 8,000 mAh in capacity. This trend is likely to be more common in the Chinese market since regulations in Europe and the US are stricter. In another update, the leaker hinted at a flagship device equipped with this new SM8845 Qualcomm chip. While the brand and product name weren’t clearly stated, many commenters speculated it could be a OnePlus phone, likely the OnePlus Ace 6 Pro instead of the OnePlus 15.
Potential Features and Competitors
This powerful device is rumored to have a substantial battery, the previously mentioned “Snapdragon 8 Plus”, a flat 1.5K display, an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, and a metal casing. Other manufacturers like Honor, Vivo, and Oppo may also utilize this Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 variant in 2026. Another possible choice for Android OEMs could be the speculated SM8850s, a version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 that uses Samsung’s 2 nm technology, expected to be more budget-friendly than its TSMC counterpart.
Qualcomm’s competitors, including MediaTek, are also gearing up to unveil their high-end mobile chips, such as the Dimensity 9500. Nonetheless, the numerous Qualcomm alternatives to the Snapdragon 8 Elite might complicate things for these companies in attracting customers for their premium products. Lastly, Samsung will likely continue to promote the Exynos 2600 as an option in its next-generation camera flagship devices, which not only includes the Galaxy S26 series but might also extend to the successor of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 (available here on Amazon).
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