We’re yet to get our hands on a device featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but rumors about its successor are already making the rounds. Latest reports suggest that Qualcomm will release not just one, but two high-end chips next year.
### Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 May Come in Two Versions
According to information from prolific leaker Digital Chat Station (source in Chinese), Qualcomm plans to launch two variants of its upcoming flagship chipset. Aside from the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, there may also be a Pro version.
Both versions of the processor are expected to use Qualcomm’s third-generation architecture for the CPU cores, configured in a 2+3+3 setup. Additionally, these chips will be manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process.
The Pro version is said to feature a different GPU with enhanced capabilities and will support LPDDR6 memory, setting it apart from the standard variant.
### Naming Scheme Could Get More Confusing
Splitting the top-tier chipset into two versions might complicate Qualcomm’s already intricate naming scheme. Currently, Qualcomm offers the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 as the flagship and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 as the semi-flagship.
If Qualcomm continues this strategy next year, consumers could end up with flagship, semi-flagship, and pro-flagship options—all with similar names that might confuse even the savviest buyers.
### Pricing and Market Impact
One key difference between the two versions could be the price. The Pro version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 may cost roughly $70 more than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, positioning it as an ultra-premium offering. If that price point is accurate, it will be interesting to see which manufacturers adopt the chip and how that will affect the retail price of their devices.
### Final Thoughts
While I’m excited about the continuous advancements in semiconductor technology, I’m less sure about the willingness to pay significantly more for them. Flagship smartphones are already expensive, and another price bump could push these devices into the luxury category, limiting accessibility.
On the bright side, mid-range phones continue to improve, making powerful technology more accessible to a wider audience.
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**Would you pay more than the current flagship price to get a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 on your next phone?**
– Yes, I don’t care about the price if it’s fast
– Maybe, if it’s really much faster
– No, I don’t want to pay more
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