Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 may come in two versions

Snapdragon 8 Elite is already used in a slew of powerful Android smartphones, but now leaks have surfaced regarding the next generation, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3. According to a Digital Chat Station source on Weibo, Qualcomm’s new chipset, codenamed SM8950, could come in two variants.

The lower-performance variant, tentatively labeled SM8945, is being compared to Apple’s approach, which uses the A and A Pro chips in its iPhones. For example, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus get the A18 chip, while the more expensive Pro and Pro Max models feature the A18 Pro with expanded cache and improved graphics – with the same processor.

It is expected that both Qualcomm chips will be manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process. However, there is some bad news: according to a source, the cost of the new processor has increased dramatically. This could make flagship smartphones more expensive, starting in late 2026.

And that could lead to higher prices for flagship smartphones starting in late 2026.

As a result, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 can only be used in premium models, while more affordable flagships will get the SM8945. Thus, devices like the Galaxy S27 and Xiaomi 17 may show less outstanding performance compared to their Pro or Ultra versions.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 may be used only in premium models, while more affordable flagships will get the SM8945.

So far, Qualcomm hasn’t even officially unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, so plans could change before the anticipated third-generation launch closer to the end of 2026.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 could come in two versions was first published on ITZine.ru.