Smartphone Brands to Opt for Affordable Alternative to Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 in 2025, Insider Reveals

Why the Successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Could Power High-End Smartphones in 2025

Smartphone manufacturers might shift away from equipping all high-end models with flagship chipsets starting in 2025, according to a tipster. Instead of using the successor to Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite, some premium models may feature less advanced processors.

This strategy aims to counter rising processor costs, driven by increasingly sophisticated chip fabrication technologies. By adopting more affordable alternatives, brands could maintain competitive pricing while offering premium features, marking a significant shift in the flagship smartphone market.

Smartphone manufacturers are reportedly considering equipping some high-end models in 2025 with less advanced processors instead of Qualcomm's anticipated Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. This shift aims to mitigate rising costs associated with advanced chip fabrication technologies, which have led to increased prices for flagship processors. By opting for more affordable alternatives, companies can manage production expenses while maintaining competitive pricing for consumers. 

In 2025, smartphone manufacturers may equip certain high-end models with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Elite (model number SM8735) instead of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850), according to industry tipster Digital Chat Station. This strategy aims to balance performance and cost, as advanced chip fabrication technologies have increased processor expenses. The Snapdragon 8s Elite is expected to outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but remain below the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in performance.

This approach mirrors Samsung's practice of using Exynos chipsets in some Galaxy S models while reserving flagship Snapdragon processors for Ultra variants. By adopting the Snapdragon 8s Elite, brands can offer premium features at more accessible prices, addressing consumer demand for high-performance devices without escalating costs.

Upcoming smartphones from popular series like OnePlus' number lineup and Redmi's K series could showcase a strategic shift in chipset allocation. According to industry sources, more affordable models, such as the successor to the Redmi K80, may adopt the Snapdragon 8s Elite chipset, offering high performance at a reduced cost. Meanwhile, flagship "Pro" variants in these series are expected to retain the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, ensuring top-tier performance for premium users.

Industry insiders suggest that smartphone manufacturers may equip certain high-end models in 2025 with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8s Elite chipset, model number SM8735, instead of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. This strategy aims to balance performance and cost, as advanced chip fabrication technologies have increased processor expenses. The Snapdragon 8s Elite is expected to outperform the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but remain below the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in performance.

This approach mirrors Samsung's practice of using Exynos chipsets in some Galaxy S models while reserving flagship Snapdragon processors for Ultra variants. By adopting the Snapdragon 8s Elite, brands can offer premium features at more accessible prices, addressing consumer demand for high-performance devices without escalating costs.

For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com

Source: NDTV‍