Qualcomm is preparing to introduce its next-generation premium mobile chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850), during an event scheduled between September 23 and 25.
Designed for high-end smartphones and advanced smart devices, the new chip is expected to bring substantial improvements in both processing power and efficiency, setting a new bar for flagship performance. Leaked details from trusted tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) suggest the Elite 2 will be powered by Qualcomm’s second-generation Oryon CPU architecture.
On Geekbench 6, early benchmarks point to single-core scores above 4000 and multi-core scores surpassing 11000, significantly outpacing its predecessor, the SM8750, which hovered around 3100 and 9800 respectively.
Beyond raw CPU muscle, the SM8850 will also feature a 16MB GMEM cache and a revamped Adreno 840 GPU, aiming for more than just incremental improvements in graphics—it’s expected to deliver a transformative leap in visual performance for gaming and AI workloads.
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Looking Ahead: Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 in 2026
But Qualcomm isn’t stopping there. DCS has also shed light on the company’s roadmap for 2026, which includes the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 series, codenamed SM8950 and SM8945. This dual-variant platform mirrors Apple’s split between standard and Pro chipsets, with Qualcomm likely to adopt a similar strategy. Both variants are expected to be built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process, promising industry-leading performance and power efficiency.
But Qualcomm isn’t stopping there. DCS has also shed light on the company’s roadmap for 2026, which includes the Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 series, codenamed SM8950 and SM8945. This dual-variant platform mirrors Apple’s split between standard and Pro chipsets, with Qualcomm likely to adopt a similar strategy. Both variants are expected to be built on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process, promising industry-leading performance and power efficiency.
However, due to the higher manufacturing costs, OEMs may reserve the SM8950 for top-tier devices while integrating the SM8945 into standard flagship models. For example, devices like the Xiaomi 17 may ship with SM8945, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro could pack the more powerful SM8950.
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If Qualcomm aligns its branding with Apple, we may see these chipsets marketed as Snapdragon 8 Elite 3 and Elite 3 Pro.
A Strategic Shift
Interestingly, Qualcomm is already laying the groundwork for this dual-chip strategy in 2025, with the SM8845 launching alongside the SM8850. Positioned just above the Snapdragon 8s series, the SM8845 offers a balanced performance tier.
In 2026, however, the SM8945 is expected to close the performance gap further, signaling a maturing of Qualcomm’s segmentation approach.
With powerful new chipsets and a clearer tiered offering, Qualcomm seems set to redefine the flagship chipset market—not just through raw performance, but with a smarter, more diversified product strategy.
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