Tag: SM8845

  • 2026 Flagship Phones: Cheaper Qualcomm Processors vs Snapdragon 8 Elite 2

    2026 Flagship Phones: Cheaper Qualcomm Processors vs Snapdragon 8 Elite 2

    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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  • Qualcomm SM8845: Bridging Snapdragon 8 Elite and 8s Gen 4

    Qualcomm SM8845: Bridging Snapdragon 8 Elite and 8s Gen 4

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm is developing the SM8845 chip to fill a gap between the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8 Elite, targeting affordable performance enthusiasts.
    2. The SM8845 will utilize TSMC’s N3P 3nm process and Oryon CPU cores, featuring two prime cores and six performance cores for good performance and efficiency.
    3. This new chip aims to offer premium features to mid-range devices, challenging the notion that high-end performance is exclusive to flagship models.
    4. The release of the SM8845 is anticipated in autumn 2025, potentially alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, although a specific launch date is not confirmed.
    5. If successful, the SM8845 could transform the Android market by providing high-performance capabilities at lower price points, enhancing value for consumers.


    Qualcomm might be on the verge of transforming the smartphone chipset market with an exciting new product: the SM8845. This chip sits between the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and the soon-to-launch Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it could offer nearly top-notch performance in more affordable phones aimed at performance enthusiasts.

    New Chip Design

    This latest processor is said to be a bit less powerful than the 8 Elite, but it shares some features with the 8 Elite 2. The information comes from a report by Digital Chat Station, which indicates that Qualcomm is working on the SM8845 to fill a gap in its 2025 product lineup. This shift follows the company’s recent changes, where they moved from the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, likely due to its similarities with the X Elite chips used in laptops. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which doesn’t include Oryon CPU cores, was overlooked, while the 8 Elite drives flagship devices like the OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 Ultra. Now, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, which is equipped with ARM Cortex-X4 and Cortex-A720 cores, is aimed at mid-range phones, creating space for another chip below the 8 Elite.

    Technical Specifications

    The SM8845 is distinct from other models such as the SM8550 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), SM8735 (8s Gen 4), and SM8850 (8 Elite 2). It is reported to utilize TSMC’s N3P 3nm fabrication process with Oryon CPU cores, which includes two prime cores and six performance cores akin to the 8 Elite. This configuration is expected to deliver good performance and efficiency, although it may not reach the peak levels of the 8 Elite.

    When will this new chipset make its appearance? While an exact launch date is still not disclosed, it may arrive in autumn, potentially alongside the 8 Elite 2. Information about GPU specifications is also currently unavailable.

    Market Impact

    By introducing this new chip, Qualcomm aims to bridge the divide between its existing ‘S’ series chips and the highest tier flagship processors, allowing sub-brands to access premium features. This move challenges the idea that high-end performance is only for top-tier devices. Nevertheless, with scant information and a lack of official announcements, doubts remain—after all, leaks can sometimes promise too much. If the SM8845 comes to fruition, it could significantly change the landscape of value within the Android market by late 2025.

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