Qualcomm has lengthy adopted a chronological naming scheme for its Snapdragon cellular chipsets, with every new iteration constructing upon the final. Till now, the expectation for the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 was that it could proceed this custom, instantly succeeding the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Nevertheless, new info, revealed by way of a teaser for Xiaomi’s upcoming 15 sequence, means that Qualcomm is about to take a special route with the naming of its newest high-end system-on-chip (SoC), branding it because the “Snapdragon 8 Elite.” This shift attracts instant parallels to the Snapdragon X Elite, which was launched for Home windows-powered notebooks.
Breaking Custom: The Identify Change to Snapdragon 8 Elite
Earlier than the revealing of the Snapdragon X Elite, there was widespread hypothesis that Qualcomm’s subsequent Home windows pocket book chip could be named the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4, holding in step with its established naming conventions. Nevertheless, the corporate stunned everybody by abandoning that strategy, choosing the “Snapdragon X Elite” identify. This rebranding appeared to trace at a brand new technique by Qualcomm for its top-tier merchandise, and the newest leak from Xiaomi’s 15 sequence teaser strongly signifies that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will even undertake this “Elite” moniker.
In accordance with the Xiaomi 15 teaser, the Snapdragon 8 Elite will debut alongside the Chinese language smartphone vary, which is about to launch on October 23, 2024. This probably means Qualcomm will formally reveal the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC shortly earlier than the Xiaomi occasion. This potential identify change for Qualcomm’s flagship cellular SoC might result in some confusion, particularly as the corporate’s pocket book chip and cellular processors start to share comparable branding. Nevertheless, it seems that Qualcomm is making the “Elite” identify a trademark of its strongest and superior silicon choices throughout totally different product traces.
Snapdragon 8 Elite: Qualcomm’s First 3nm Cell Chip
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is anticipated to be Qualcomm’s first cellular processor constructed on TSMC’s superior 3nm course of node, promising main leaps in each efficiency and effectivity over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Whereas detailed specs of the chipset have but to be formally revealed, it’s broadly anticipated that the SoC will come geared up with the corporate’s newest Arm CPU cores, improved GPU, AI engine, and next-generation modem know-how. These upgrades are more likely to supply enhanced gaming, pictures, and battery life efficiency for flagship smartphones.
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s introduction, it’s doable Qualcomm will reserve the “Elite” branding for its highest-end choices shifting ahead, together with each cellular and desktop platforms. On condition that Snapdragon chipsets usually function benchmarks for Android efficiency, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is poised to proceed Qualcomm’s legacy of delivering cutting-edge {hardware}.
A Tiered Technique: “Plus” Variant and Galaxy-Particular SoC?
There are additionally stories suggesting Qualcomm is planning to introduce a barely slower variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This model might undertake the identify “Snapdragon 8 Plus,” following a sample seen with earlier technology chipsets the place the “Plus” moniker indicated a refined model of the flagship SoC with incremental enhancements, usually launched later within the product cycle.
Moreover, it’s speculated that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 sequence could function a customized model of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, doubtlessly branded as “Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy.” This wouldn’t be the primary time Qualcomm has partnered with Samsung to create a chipset tailor-made for the Galaxy line. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy supplied greater clock speeds in comparison with the usual variant, and it appears Qualcomm could proceed this strategy with the brand new Elite sequence, providing much more fine-tuned efficiency for Samsung’s units.
What’s Subsequent: Official Launch Anticipated Quickly
Because the Xiaomi 15 sequence is about to debut on October 23, Qualcomm is anticipated to carry its official announcement for the Snapdragon 8 Elite someday earlier within the month. This may present the primary complete have a look at the brand new SoC, its specs, and the total reasoning behind Qualcomm’s rebranding efforts. Whereas the shift in naming could trigger preliminary confusion, it alerts Qualcomm’s dedication to differentiating its flagship processors with the “Elite” title, marking them as distinct merchandise inside their respective classes.
For now, particulars stay sparse, however with the official reveal simply across the nook, it gained’t be lengthy earlier than we get a clearer image of what the Snapdragon 8 Elite will deliver to the desk. Whether or not Qualcomm plans to proceed with this new naming technique in future generations stays to be seen, however the Snapdragon 8 Elite might characterize a brand new period for Qualcomm’s cellular SoCs, targeted on premium experiences and high-performance capabilities throughout a spread of units.
