Qualcomm is reportedly preparing to introduce the Snapdragon 8s Elite (SM8735), a new mid-range chipset designed to bridge the gap between high-end performance and affordability. According to leaks, this chipset is poised to challenge flagship processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, offering impressive capabilities at a more competitive price.
Benchmarking Performance: Impressive but Not Flagship
Leaker Digital Chat Station reveals that the Snapdragon 8s Elite is expected to achieve an AnTuTu score of approximately 2 million. While this score places it close to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 devices, it remains slightly behind, which aligns with its mid-range positioning.
No Oryon Cores: Opting for Conventional Architecture
Unlike the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which debuted Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores, the 8s Elite will feature a more traditional CPU design. The chipset will reportedly include a Cortex-X4 prime core and A720 efficiency cores. This setup aims to deliver a performance level similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 while maintaining a balance between power efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Graphics and Power Efficiency Trade-Offs
The Snapdragon 8s Elite is expected to show a slight dip in GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm’s decision to prioritize power efficiency and pricing over top-tier graphics performance makes the chipset an attractive option for mid-range devices.
Spotted in Xiaomi HyperOS: Possible Device Lineup
The SM8735 chipset was previously identified in Xiaomi’s HyperOS software, suggesting it could power upcoming models such as the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro or the Redmi K90. Additionally, Digital Chat Station hints that other major brands like Honor, iQOO, and Oppo are likely to adopt this chipset for ultra-slim, photography-centric smartphones.
Expected Launch and Market Impact
The Snapdragon 8s Elite is rumoured to debut in March or April, with smartphones powered by the chipset expected to hit the market around April. Its introduction could intensify competition in the mid-range segment, pushing manufacturers to deliver high-performance, feature-rich devices at more accessible price points.
A New Era for Mid-Range Smartphones
By delivering a compelling mix of performance and affordability, the Snapdragon 8s Elite has the potential to redefine the mid-range smartphone market. Consumers can look forward to powerful devices that offer a flagship-like experience without the premium price tag.
