Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, the first ‘s’ series sub-flagship chipset, delivered a toned-down version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 while retaining the same prime core. Now, with the debut of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, rumors point to the arrival of another ‘s’ series chipset this year: the Snapdragon 8s Elite.
Snapdragon 8s Elite: A Mid-Tier Performer with Flagship Power?
According to recent leaks, the Snapdragon 8s Elite is expected to slot in performance-wise between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This positioning mirrors the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which was slightly less powerful than its flagship counterpart but offered excellent value for devices aiming to balance performance with price.
However, one key difference between the 8s Gen 3 and the 8s Elite could be in the core configuration. While the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 used the same prime core as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Qualcomm introduced its custom Oryon cores with the Snapdragon 8 Elite. It remains unclear whether the Snapdragon 8s Elite will follow suit with these custom cores or use ARM’s standard cores, as was the case with previous ‘s’ series chips.
What We Know About the Snapdragon 8s Elite
Thanks to insights from the reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, we now have a better understanding of the Snapdragon 8s Elite:
- Performance: Positioned between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Snapdragon 8s Elite should provide strong performance while offering a more budget-friendly option for manufacturers.
- Custom Cores?: While Qualcomm’s Oryon cores in the Snapdragon 8 Elite provided a significant performance boost, it remains to be seen whether the 8s Elite will feature these cores or stick with ARM’s standard designs.
- Launch and Availability: Devices featuring the Snapdragon 8s Elite are expected to hit the market around April 2024, with rumors pointing to smartphones sporting a 7000mAh battery and 90W charging.
Xiaomi and the Snapdragon 8s Elite
Xiaomi is expected to play a major role in introducing the Snapdragon 8s Elite, with a 7000mAh battery and 90W fast charging being mentioned in prior reports. This suggests that the upcoming Xiaomi phone, potentially the successor to the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro, will likely be one of the first devices to showcase the Snapdragon 8s Elite.
The Snapdragon 8s Elite could be ideal for users looking for a near-flagship experience at a more affordable price. With exceptional battery life, high charging speeds, and solid performance, this chipset may be the ideal solution for users who want top-tier features without paying for the absolute best.
A Competitive Mid-Tier Option
The Snapdragon 8s Elite is shaping up to be a strong contender in the mid-tier smartphone market, offering powerful performance that sits between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Whether Qualcomm introduces Oryon cores or sticks with ARM’s standard designs, this new chipset is expected to provide excellent performance for users looking for a balance of power and efficiency.
As more details emerge, stay tuned for further updates on the Snapdragon 8s Elite and the upcoming devices that will feature this exciting new chip.