Qualcomm introduced its flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with significant improvements over the previous generation in terms of performance and energy efficiency. However, these innovations led to a noticeable increase in the price of the processor. Now, a new leak suggests that the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2) could launch in 2025 at an even higher price.
According to the news published by South Korea-based KiPost and transmitted via Jukanlosreve, Qualcomm plans to significantly increase the price of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. As a reminder, Snapdragon 8 Elite came with a price increase of 20 percent to 30 percent when it was launched. It is stated that after this increase, a similar price policy will be followed in the new generation processor.
One reason the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is more expensive is the significant improvements in performance. Qualcomm is expected to offer a performance increase of approximately 20 percent with this new processor. It is claimed that the company will use N3P technology, TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm production process, in this chip designed for 2025. This process not only increases performance but can also provide significant improvements in energy efficiency.
While the performance increase between Snapdragon 8 Elite and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 was 40 percent, the 20 percent improvement offered by Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 seems to be a more modest improvement. However, increasing costs in processor production are not limited to performance only. Cost increases in cameras, batteries, screens and other components in smartphones constantly push up the prices of upper segment devices.
No official sign yet for Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
It is unclear for now how much the performance increase with Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will justify the price increase. For now, this information is not based on an official announcement and is a leak. More details about Qualcomm’s new generation processor are expected to become clear in the coming months.