New details regarding Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro processors have leaked, indicating a significant shift in the company’s manufacturing approach. These chips may represent Qualcomm’s first utilization of TSMC’s 2nm process technology, potentially resulting in improved efficiency and performance compared to their predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
The implications of this development are significant for the smartphone market. Reports suggest that the introduction of these processors could increase the price of Ultra flagships and create a divide within the premium tier of mobile devices. Insiders indicate that devices incorporating these chips could debut as early as late 2023, with models such as the OnePlus 16 mentioned as potential candidates.
Leaked model numbers associated with these chips include SM8975 for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and SM8950 for the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. Both variants are expected to adopt a 2+3+3 CPU configuration, maintaining Qualcomm’s Oryon core structure. Key differences between these models lie in their graphics capabilities. The SM8975 Pro variant is rumored to feature an Adreno 850 GPU with 18MB of graphics memory, while the SM8950 standard variant is expected to use an Adreno 845 GPU with 12MB of graphics memory. This allocation of graphical cache can significantly enhance performance and power efficiency for graphics-intensive tasks.
The Pro model (SM8975) is anticipated to support both LPDDR6 and LPDDR5X memory, suggesting a first-time integration of LPDDR6 into Android smartphones. In contrast, the standard model is likely limited to LPDDR5X memory support. This capacity for advanced graphics and memory options could provide smartphone manufacturers increased differentiation opportunities in the ultra-premium segment.
However, the introduction of the Pro variant is expected to drive prices upward. Reports state that the SM8975 may be “extremely expensive,” influencing pricing strategies for forthcoming high-end devices. There is a possibility that some mid-range models may utilize the SM8950 instead of the Pro variant, allowing manufacturers to hedge against increased costs.
Amid the ongoing RAM crisis and rising component costs, analysts foresee that flagship devices like the Galaxy S27 Ultra might see significant price increases. This situation could reshape the pricing for future smartphones, particularly in the ultra-premium category.
