In a significant strategic shift, smartphone giants OnePlus and Realme are reportedly considering adopting Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Elite 2 (SM8835) chipset for their flagship phones in 2025. This move signals a potential departure from the widely used Snapdragon 8 Elite (SM8750) chipset, as brands seek to balance performance, cost, and market demands.
Why the Shift?
According to tipster Digital Chat Station, several smartphone brands are reevaluating their reliance on the Snapdragon 8 Elite due to its high production costs, stemming from advanced manufacturing technologies. Here’s what we know:
- New Dual-Flagship Strategy: Brands may pair the Snapdragon SM8835 (8s Elite 2) with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8950), instead of exclusively relying on the latter for flagship models.
- Cost Efficiency: The shift reflects efforts to deliver flagship-level performance while maintaining competitive pricing for consumers.
- Advanced Technology: While the Snapdragon 8 Elite is manufactured using TSMC’s N3E process, the SM8835 may utilize the N3P process, potentially improving power efficiency and performance.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite: Pros and Challenges
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, found in high-end devices like the OnePlus 13 and Realme GT 7 Pro, is lauded for its cutting-edge performance and features. However, its high production cost makes it challenging for brands to maintain affordable pricing without compromising profit margins.
What the SM8835 Offers
The Snapdragon 8s Elite 2 (SM8835) is shaping up as a viable alternative:
- Enhanced Performance: Expected to offer near-flagship performance, catering to users seeking high efficiency without the premium price tag.
- Improved Manufacturing: Utilizing TSMC’s N3P process, the SM8835 could deliver better power efficiency compared to earlier iterations.
Qualcomm’s Roadmap for Innovation
Qualcomm’s roadmap highlights continuous technological advancements:
- SM8950: The flagship chipset for the coming year, expected to adopt TSMC’s N2 process, representing a leap in manufacturing efficiency.
- Global Competition: Domestic chipmakers may use TSMC’s N+3 process, while Samsung explores SF2 technology, indicating a competitive landscape in chipset innovation.
Balancing Performance and Consumer Demand
This shift demonstrates how smartphone brands are adapting to the rising costs of advanced manufacturing while striving to meet consumer expectations for performance and affordability. By integrating the SM8835 into their lineups, brands like OnePlus and Realme aim to offer a balance of flagship features without the hefty price tag.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.