Qualcomm has introduced its first ‘s’ series sub-flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, offering a slightly toned-down version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 while retaining the same prime core. This move allowed Qualcomm to cater to users who sought flagship-level performance at a more affordable price point.
However, with the recent unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest flagship SoC, rumors are already swirling about an upcoming ‘s’ generation chipset that could be launched later this year. This rumored chip, codenamed SM8735, has already appeared in Xiaomi’s HyperOS codebase, igniting further speculations. While its official name remains uncertain, the chipset is being referred to as the Snapdragon 8s Elite in various leaks.
Snapdragon 8s Elite: A Performance Powerhouse?
According to insights from Digital Chat Station, a reliable tech tipster, the Snapdragon 8s Elite will strike a balance in terms of performance, landing somewhere between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This positioning would make it a competitive offering for those seeking top-tier performance without the premium price tag of the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 raised the bar with Qualcomm’s custom-designed Oryon cores, marking a significant shift from the ARM cores used in previous chipsets. However, it’s still unclear whether the Snapdragon 8s Elite will follow suit with Oryon cores or rely on ARM’s standard cores. This uncertainty adds a layer of intrigue to the new chip, as Qualcomm’s custom cores offer performance optimizations that could enhance power efficiency and processing speeds.
Potential Features of the Snapdragon 8s Elite
One of the most notable rumors is the Snapdragon 8s Elite’s potential integration with a 7000mAh battery and 90W fast charging. Xiaomi, already a key player in the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 ecosystem, is speculated to be among the first brands to adopt this chipset in its devices. A Xiaomi phone in development, likely to succeed the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro, may feature this combination, setting a new standard for long-lasting, fast-charging smartphones.
Digital Chat Station also predicts that smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8s Elite could launch as early as April 2025, so tech enthusiasts should keep an eye out for these upcoming devices.
What Does This Mean for Smartphone Users?
If the rumors are true, the Snapdragon 8s Elite promises to deliver a great balance between performance, battery life, and charging speed. With this chipset, users can expect smoother gaming, improved AI capabilities, and enhanced overall efficiency without compromising on battery longevity.
For brands like Xiaomi, the Snapdragon 8s Elite may offer the ideal foundation for crafting flagship-like smartphones that are more accessible to a wider range of consumers. The 7000mAh battery combined with 90W charging is a major step forward in the fast-charging revolution, ensuring that users spend less time tethered to their devices and more time enjoying them.
Looking Ahead
As Qualcomm continues to push the boundaries of mobile chip technology, the Snapdragon 8s Elite could set the stage for a new wave of smartphones in 2025. Stay tuned for further updates as more details emerge, particularly around its core configuration, performance benchmarks, and the first devices to feature this promising chipset.
