lipflip – Qualcomm is gearing up to release several new chipsets positioned just below the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite. The flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite is expected to debut at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit starting September 23, 2025. However, MediaTek could launch its Dimensity 9500 a day earlier, intensifying the competition in the high-performance chipset market. Meanwhile, Qualcomm reportedly plans to offer additional sub-flagship options to Android OEMs to fill the gap between premium and mid-range devices.
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Earlier this year, Qualcomm released the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset. Identified as SM8735, which powers devices like the Poco F7 and Nothing Phone (3). This chipset provides strong performance at a lower cost than the Snapdragon 8 Elite or the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Now, rumours suggest Qualcomm is developing two new sub-flagship processors to complement its lineup. One is the previously rumored Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (SM8845). Positioned between the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 and Snapdragon 8 Elite in performance. The other chipset, reportedly named SM8735 Pro, is believed to be an enhanced version of the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4.
Digital Chat Station, a respected source on Weibo, revealed that the SM8735 Pro could serve as an overclocked or improved variant of the existing Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. This suggests Qualcomm aims to provide OEMs like OnePlus with more flexible options that balance cost and power. Although the exact launch date and official branding for SM8735 Pro remain unknown, it is expected to feature in upcoming devices, possibly under OnePlus’s new ‘Turbo’ series. This strategy helps Qualcomm maintain its dominance by catering to a broader market segment and meeting OEM demands for varied performance tiers.
What to Expect From Qualcomm’s Expanding Chipset Lineup
Qualcomm’s expanding chipset portfolio illustrates the company’s commitment to offering diverse options to device manufacturers. By releasing multiple sub-flagship processors, Qualcomm allows OEMs to tailor products based on price and performance needs. The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 currently fills the affordable high-performance space. And the SM8735 Pro may push those boundaries with enhanced capabilities. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (SM8845) sits just below the elite tier, providing a mid-tier option with competitive specs.
This tiered approach helps OEMs like OnePlus and others better position their devices across different market segments. For example, OnePlus’s rumored ‘Turbo’ series might capitalize on the SM8735 Pro to deliver faster speeds without the cost of a flagship chipset. Meanwhile, flagship devices will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, setting the benchmark for high-end Android performance. Qualcomm’s strategy also counters competitors like MediaTek, which frequently targets mid-range and premium tiers with chipsets like the Dimensity 9500.
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Although Qualcomm has confirmed the Snapdragon 8 Elite launch date, it has not yet announced timelines for the new sub-flagship models. Industry watchers expect announcements or releases to follow soon after the Snapdragon Summit. The company will likely continue optimizing performance and power efficiency to maintain its market edge. Overall, Qualcomm’s diverse chipset lineup aims to satisfy varying consumer demands and strengthen its position amid growing competition. Customers and OEMs can anticipate more choices, improved performance, and innovative features in upcoming smartphone releases.
By providing clear segmentation between flagship and mid-tier chipsets, Qualcomm ensures flexibility and competitiveness for the 2025-2026 smartphone cycle. This approach supports sustained growth and adaptability in an evolving global market.