Qualcomm Reportedly Developing a Cheaper Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Chip for Affordable Flagships

Qualcomm may be working on a new, cheaper version of its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip to help smartphone makers build more affordable flagship devices. According to a recent leak, the new chip could offer near-flagship performance while keeping phone prices below the $600 mark.

The leak suggests Qualcomm is preparing a fourth version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, carrying the model number SM8850-1-AB. The processor will deliver benchmark performance close to the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 but at a lower cost for manufacturers.

If the report is accurate, the new variant would target smartphones priced below 4,000 Chinese yuan (around $600). It will also support the same key features as the other Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 models, giving brands a more affordable option without sacrificing the overall user experience.

Qualcomm Reportedly Developing a Cheaper Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Chip for Affordable Flagships

Qualcomm already offers three versions of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The seven-core SM8850-5-AC powers devices such as the Oppo Find N6, while the standard eight-core SM8850-AC is used in phones like the OnePlus 15. The overclocked SM8850-1-AD is found in premium devices, including the recently announced Galaxy Z Fold8.

The rumored SM8850-1-AB would join this lineup as a more budget-friendly alternative, helping manufacturers launch high-performance smartphones at lower prices.

The move comes as smartphone makers face rising production costs. Memory prices, especially for RAM, have increased in recent months, while other key components have also become more expensive. These higher costs will raise the price of next-generation flagship smartphones.

Previous reports have suggested that Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro could cost more than $300, making it significantly more expensive than earlier flagship chips. Even the standard Gen 6 version will remain costly despite possible reductions in some features.

Because of this, a refreshed Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 variant could become an attractive option for smartphone brands. It would allow companies to offer flagship-level performance without passing the full increase in component costs on to consumers.

See Also: Snapdragon 4 Gen 6 Details Surface: Better Graphics, Faster RAM, and Wi-Fi 6 Support

Another point adding to the speculation is an earlier rumor about a separate chipset, reportedly codenamed SM8850Q or “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5XX.” However, the latest leak does not mention this processor, making it unclear whether Qualcomm has renamed it, delayed it, or canceled it altogether.

Qualcomm will introduce its next-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Gen 6 Pro processors during the Snapdragon Summit in September. The event could also reveal whether the rumored lower-cost Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 variant is part of the company’s future plans.

For now, the information remains based on leaks, and Qualcomm has not officially confirmed the existence of the new chipset. However, if it arrives, it could help smartphone makers deliver premium performance at more affordable prices in an increasingly expensive market.