Qualcomm is developing a cheaper version of its latest flagship processor to help smartphone makers keep costs down. This new variant targets the budget flagship segment where component prices are rising fast. Buyers who want high-end performance without paying premium prices will have more options soon.
New SM8850-1-AB chip aims to lower flagship costs
The chip is a fourth variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 family, identified by the model number SM8850-1-AB. It follows three existing versions: the seven-core SM8850-5-AC, the standard eight-core SM8850-AC, and the overclocked SM8850-1-AD. This new model is reportedly coming in the near future to fill a specific price gap.
Qualcomm aims to price this variant under 4,000 CNY (around $590), which is about $600. Despite the lower target price, the chip is expected to deliver benchmark scores close to the standard eight-core version. It also supports the same feature set as the rest of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 family.
This move appears designed to counter rising component costs and the expected high price of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. It is unclear if this model replaces a previously rumored chip known as SM8850Q or if it is a separate release. We touched on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 in our earlier Qualcomm coverage.
A leak from Weibo source Digital Chat Station confirms the existence of this budget-friendly variant. The information suggests this chip could be a lifeline for budget flagship devices. The variant is reportedly in the works for release in the coming months.
Source: NotebookCheck
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