The tech world is abuzz with rumors surrounding Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. While the current-gen chip has already impressed with its performance, it seems the next iteration might come with a significant price hike.
A Costly Upgrade?
Korean outlet KiPost reports that Qualcomm could substantially increase the price of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. This follows a similar trend with the current-gen chip, which was priced 20-30% higher than its predecessor. If true, this could have ripple effects on the smartphone market, potentially leading to higher prices for flagship devices or downgraded specifications to maintain affordability.
Performance and Efficiency Gains
Despite the potential price increase, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is expected to offer significant performance and efficiency improvements. According to renowned leaker Digital Chat Station, the chip will be manufactured on TSMC’s advanced N3P 3nm process, promising a 20% or more performance boost over the current-gen chip.
The more advanced manufacturing process could also lead to notable energy efficiency gains, resulting in longer battery life. This is particularly exciting given the impressive battery life of current-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices like the ROG Phone 9 Pro.
What to Expect
As we eagerly await more official details, it’s clear that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 has the potential to be a powerful and efficient chipset. However, the potential price hike raises concerns about its accessibility to consumers.
