It looks like Qualcomm is working on a new chip that could hit the performance-price sweet spot. Codenamed the SM8845, this upcoming processor is rumored to sit right between the recently launched Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and the high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite. And if the leaks hold up, it might be exactly what mid-premium phones have been waiting for.
Positioning the SM8845
According to early reports, the SM8845 will be built on TSMC’s 3nm N3P node and feature Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU cores—with a setup that’s pretty close to the Snapdragon 8 Elite: two performance-heavy prime cores and six additional performance cores.
But unlike the Elite, which goes all out on speed and thermals, the SM8845 is expected to dial it back just a little. That makes it a great fit for phones that want to offer near-flagship performance without pushing into ultra-premium pricing territory.
Right now, there’s a noticeable gap between Qualcomm’s 8s Gen 4 and its top-tier Elite chip. The 8s Gen 4 is great for upper-midrange phones, but if you want serious muscle, you’re pushed straight into Elite territory—along with the higher costs that come with it.
If the SM8845 lands somewhere in the middle, it could become the go-to for brands that want to deliver flagship-like experiences—performance, AI features, power efficiency—at a more accessible price point. Think affordable flagships, gaming phones, and performance-first devices that don’t necessarily need the absolute best.
When Could It Launch?
There’s no official launch date yet, but insiders suggest we might see the SM8845 debut in the second half of 2025, possibly alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. If that’s the case, it could power some of the first wave of next-gen flagship killers heading into 2026.
While we’re still waiting on Qualcomm to make it official, the idea of a chipset that bridges the gap between premium and practical sounds like a smart move. It could give phone makers more flexibility—and give users more power for their money.
If you liked this article, check out our other articles on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Series.