Highlights
- Qualcomm may revive its “Gen” branding with the launch of Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (SM8845) and Elite 2 (SM8850) this fall.
- A third chip named Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 is rumoured to join the mix, targeting near-flagship performance.
- Experts believe the coexistence of “Gen” and “Elite” names could help differentiate high-end versus ultra-premium offerings.
Caption – New leak reveals naming strategy of Qualcomm’s next range of flagship smartphone chips. (Image credit – Qualcomm)
Qualcomm switched to the new “Elite” moniker for its flagship chipset earlier this year with the launch of Snapdragon 8 Elite. While everyone thought that was the end of its “Gen” chip moniker, it seems we all were too quick to conclude. If recent reports are any indication, Qualcomm might be preparing for a bigger launch this fall than initially expected.
Qualcomm New Chip
Recently, popular Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station in a post hinted that chip maker could be reviving its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 branding, even after switching to the new “Elite” naming convention earlier this year with the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Caption – Tipster DCS’s recent post on Weibo. (Screenshot credit – Gizmochina)
However, this doesn’t mean Qualcomm is abandoning its new naming approach. Instead, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is expected to be a separate product altogether, carrying the model number SM8845. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is internally referred to as SM8850. This points to a scenario where both the “Gen” and “Elite” naming schemes might coexist for the first time.
That alone brings two flagship-tier chips into the mix, but there’s more. Qualcomm is also rumoured to be continuing its 8s lineup with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, adding another high-end chip to the portfolio.
Is Qualcomm Opting For Dual Branding?
Tech enthusiasts believe the reappearance of the “Gen” naming format could create confusion. Qualcomm had dropped it after using it last with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in favour of the cleaner Snapdragon 8 Elite name.
But with “Gen 5” making a comeback, consumers and manufacturers might now have to navigate overlapping product names.
There may be a strategic reason behind this dual approach. The SM8845 chip, which has been previously rumoured under various names such as Snapdragon 8s Elite or Snapdragon 8 Plus, is expected to deliver near-flagship performance. That positions it just below the top-tier SM8850 chip, allowing Qualcomm to better segment its premium lineup.
This move could be a response to rising competition from MediaTek and custom silicon from Samsung and Google, enabling Qualcomm to more clearly differentiate between ultra-premium and high-end offerings.
We can expect to get more clarity at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit, scheduled from September 23 to 25. The company is set to unveil its next-gen Snapdragon X laptop chips along with whatever new mobile flagship chip it ultimately decides to brand between “Gen,” “Elite,” or both.
FAQs
Q1. Is Qualcomm bringing back the “Gen” naming format?
Answer. Yes. Despite introducing the “Elite” branding earlier in 2024, Qualcomm is reportedly reviving its “Gen” moniker with the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip, model number SM8845.
Q2. Will both “Gen” and “Elite” names be used together?
Answer. Leaked details suggest a dual branding strategy, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850) coexisting, offering different performance tiers within Qualcomm’s premium lineup.
Q3. When will Qualcomm officially announce these new chips?
Answer. All eyes are on the Snapdragon Summit, scheduled for September 23–25, where Qualcomm is expected to unveil its latest mobile and laptop chipsets.
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