The anticipation surrounding Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship processor is palpable, especially with the confirmation that Xiaomi will be the pioneer in incorporating the new Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip into its devices. With the Xiaomi 16 series likely to lead the charge, tech enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the official launch, potentially scheduled for October in China.
CEO Cristiano Amon’s emphasis on artificial intelligence as a focal point for the Elite 2 chip hints at remarkable advancements in on-device AI applications that could revolutionize the mobile industry. However, UK and European consumers might face a longer wait for global availability, opening opportunities for competitors like Asus and Honor to seize the spotlight.
Looking ahead, the possibility of a global launch at MWC 2026 suggests a prolonged period of anticipation. Nevertheless, Qualcomm’s collaboration with multiple OEMs underscores the widespread interest and potential impact of the Elite 2 chip, building on the success of its predecessor with 124 smartphone designs already utilizing it.
In parallel, rumors of a more affordable Snapdragon 8 chipset, the SM8845, promise flagship performance at a lower price point. Positioned as a potential ‘flagship killer,’ this chipset manufactured on the same 3nm process as the Elite 2 holds significant promise for mid-range devices, potentially surpassing even established competitors like the Pixel 10 series.
The prospect of phones powered by the SM8845 featuring massive 8000mAh batteries amplifies the excitement surrounding this new offering, set to debut in devices from Oppo, Honor, and Vivo. As details continue to emerge, the naming convention for this chipset remains a point of intrigue, with Snapdragon 8s Elite or Snapdragon 8 Plus emerging as likely contenders.
As the industry gears up for these groundbreaking releases, the tech community eagerly awaits further developments and announcements at events like the upcoming Snapdragon Summit. The convergence of cutting-edge technology and innovative design promises to reshape the mobile landscape, offering users unparalleled performance and capabilities in the palm of their hands.