Qualcomm is about to shake up the smartphone market again, but this time, it’s not with a new top-tier flagship chip. The buzz in the tech world revolves around a rumored new processor, the Snapdragon 8 Plus (SM8845), which is poised to bring the power of last year’s premium Oryon cores to a more accessible price point. Leaks from reputable tipsters like Digital Chat Station and confirmed by multiple sources are painting a picture of a chip that could redefine the “flagship killer” category.
The All-Big-Core Strategy
While the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850) is expected to dominate the absolute premium space, the Snapdragon 8 Plus is taking a different, yet equally exciting, approach. Instead of a mix of performance and efficiency cores, this new chip will reportedly feature a custom, self-developed CPU design composed entirely of large Oryon cores. These are the very same high-performance cores that powered last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, clocked at a formidable 3GHz or higher.
This “all-big-core” strategy is a bold move, promising near-flagship performance without the elite price tag. It’s a sweet spot that manufacturers and consumers have been craving—a high-end experience that doesn’t completely break the bank.
A Blend of Old and New
The Snapdragon 8 Plus (SM8845) isn’t just a rehash of old tech. According to leaks, it will be manufactured on TSMC’s cutting-edge N3P process, a more advanced node than what was used for the original Snapdragon 8 Elite. This new manufacturing process should result in improved power efficiency, which is a critical factor for a chip packed with large, high-performance cores.
To further bridge the gap between premium and accessible, the Snapdragon 8 Plus is rumored to share the same GPU architecture as the upcoming 8 Elite 2. This means devices powered by the new chip could offer a visual experience and gaming performance that punches well above its weight class, making it a dream for mobile gamers and content creators on a budget.
The Rise of the Powerhouse Mid-Range
Smartphone brands like OPPO, vivo, and OnePlus are reportedly already developing devices around this new chip. What’s even more interesting is the speculation that these phones will come with massive batteries, some possibly reaching up to 8,000mAh. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a strategic choice. By pairing a powerful, efficient new chip with a huge battery, these companies are directly targeting power users who demand both performance and endurance.
The rumored late 2025 launch for the Snapdragon 8 Plus (SM8845) will introduce a new tier to Qualcomm’s lineup, effectively filling the space between the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 and the top-of-the-line 8 Elite 2. This could make the Snapdragon 8 Plus the chip of choice for next-gen “flagship killers,” providing a taste of the elite experience to a much wider audience. For consumers, this means more choices, better value, and a new era of high-performance devices that don’t come with an ultra-premium price tag.
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If you liked this article, check out our other articles on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Series.
