Qualcomm is set to launch the much-anticipated Snapdragon 8s Elite, a powerful yet affordable alternative to the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This chipset is designed to cater to the upper mid-range smartphone segment, offering near-flagship performance at a more competitive price. With smartphone brands gearing up for its adoption, the Snapdragon 8s Elite could be a game-changer in 2025.
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Snapdragon 8s Elite: Everything You Need to Know
What is the Snapdragon 8s Elite?
The Snapdragon 8s Elite is an upcoming mobile processor from Qualcomm, set to power mid-premium smartphones with high-end capabilities. Positioned as an affordable alternative to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, this chipset retains much of the performance and efficiency while keeping costs lower for smartphone manufacturers and consumers alike.
Unlike previous Snapdragon 8-series chipsets, which primarily targeted flagship devices, the Snapdragon 8s Elite focuses on bridging the gap between premium and mid-range smartphones. It aims to deliver powerful performance without the premium price tag.
Snapdragon 8s Elite: Key Highlights
- Launch Timeline: Expected debut in April 2025.
- Performance: An octa-core CPU architecture optimized for speed and efficiency.
- Graphics: Adreno 825 GPU, enhancing gaming and graphics performance.
- Benchmarking Power: Achieves an AnTuTu score of 2 million, approaching flagship levels.
- Core Architecture: Based on ARM cores rather than Nuvia (Oryon) cores, ensuring power efficiency.
Snapdragon 8s Elite Performance & Specs
According to leaks and benchmark tests, the Snapdragon 8s Elite (SM8735) will feature the following CPU configuration:
- 1 Prime Core @ 3.21GHz – For high-intensity tasks and demanding applications.
- 3 Performance Cores @ 3.01GHz – Boosting multitasking and heavy workloads.
- 2 Performance Cores @ 2.80GHz – Providing additional computational power.
- 2 Efficiency Cores @ 2.20GHz – Ensuring battery life optimization and background task management.
The chipset is expected to use 4nm process technology, making it efficient and thermally stable. The Adreno 825 GPU will power high-end gaming experiences, ensuring smooth frame rates and better graphics rendering.
How Does Snapdragon 8s Elite Compare to Its Predecessors?
The Snapdragon 8s Elite succeeds the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, offering improvements in clock speeds, efficiency, and AI processing power. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Feature | Snapdragon 8s Elite | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 8-core (3.21GHz Prime) | 8-core (3.0GHz Prime) |
| GPU | Adreno 825 | Adreno 820 |
| AnTuTu Score | ~2 million | ~1.8 million |
| Power Efficiency | Improved | Moderate |
| AI Processing | Enhanced | Basic |
With an AI-enhanced CPU and improved GPU performance, the Snapdragon 8s Elite offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
Smartphones Featuring Snapdragon 8s Elite
Top smartphone brands are expected to release multiple models powered by this chipset in Q2 2025. Some of the confirmed models include:
1. Redmi Turbo 4 Pro
- Likely to be the first device featuring the Snapdragon 8s Elite.
- Expected to offer flagship-level gaming performance.
- Likely to feature a 144Hz AMOLED display and a 5000mAh battery.
2. Xiaomi CIVI 5 Pro
- Aimed at premium mid-range users.
- Expected to feature a curved OLED display, high-resolution cameras, and fast charging support.
3. iQOO Z10 Turbo
- Geekbench Scores: 1,967 (Single-core), 5,827 (Multi-core).
- Expected to feature a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Focuses on performance and gaming efficiency.
4. Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
- A foldable smartphone featuring the Snapdragon 8s Elite.
- Expected to improve upon battery life and multi-tasking capabilities.
5. POCO F7
- Likely to be a budget gaming powerhouse.
- Will feature LiquidCool Technology for heat dissipation.
With these smartphone brands integrating the Snapdragon 8s Elite, users can expect powerful and efficient devices across various price ranges.
Why Snapdragon 8s Elite Could Be a Game-Changer?
1. Bringing Flagship Performance to the Mid-Premium Segment
The Snapdragon 8s Elite delivers flagship-level power while keeping costs in check. Unlike its pricier counterparts, it allows OEMs to create high-performance devices at lower prices, making premium experiences more accessible to consumers.
2. Ideal for Gamers and Power Users
With the Adreno 825 GPU, high clock speeds, and AI-driven processing power, the Snapdragon 8s Elite is expected to handle intensive gaming, video editing, and multitasking seamlessly.
3. 5G & AI Enhancements
The chipset is expected to support advanced 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, and AI-driven optimizations, improving network speeds and battery efficiency.
4. Energy Efficiency for Longer Battery Life
With its 4nm architecture, the Snapdragon 8s Elite ensures lower power consumption, helping smartphones last longer on a single charge.
Conclusion: What to Expect from the Snapdragon 8s Elite?
The Snapdragon 8s Elite is shaping up to be a groundbreaking chipset in the upper mid-range segment. With impressive benchmark scores, flagship-grade gaming performance, and strong AI capabilities, it will redefine what consumers can expect from mid-premium smartphones.
With its official launch expected in April 2025, smartphone enthusiasts can look forward to a new wave of powerful and cost-effective devices hitting the market.
Stay tuned for further updates on Qualcomm’s latest innovations and upcoming smartphone launches!