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Cheaper Snapdragon 888 flagships could be headed our way
- Qualcomm could be working on a lighter version of the Snapdragon 888 chipset.
- The new chip may not have an integrated 5G modem.
- It could enable smartphone makers to release cheaper flagship phones.
Qualcomm currently has two flagship-worthy chipsets in the market, not counting the older Snapdragons that have powered flagships of yore. Between the Snapdragon 888, the top-of-the-line processor, and the Snapdragon 870, the overclocked Snapdragon 865 Plus, Qualcomm already caters to different premium price bands. Now, it seems the chipmaker is readying another flagship SoC that might make ultra-premium phones more affordable.
According to tipster Roland Quandt, Qualcomm is developing a lower-end version of the Snapdragon 888. The chipset allegedly bears model number SM8325, which resembles the Snapdragon 888’s model name SM8350.
Quandt believes the new chip might not come with an integrated 5G modem, but Qualcomm could always add support for an external modem like it does with the Snapdragon 870.
Integrated 5G modems tend to increase the cost of a chipset, so not adding one allows manufacturers to keep the price of flagship phones at bay.
Are you willing to sacrifice 5G connectivity for a cheaper flagship phone?
Quandt does not reveal any more details about the new Snapdragon 888 processor. It’ll most likely be manufactured using a 5nm process like its elder sibling, but we don’t know that for sure.
Nevertheless, Qualcomm could have a winner on its hand, and customers too can expect to pay less for premium phones if the chip indeed comes to market.