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Android Authority
A cheaper Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 could help solve phone price hikes (maybe)
Qualcomm is expected to enhance its chipset offerings by introducing a refreshed variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, possibly to mitigate rising material costs impacting smartphone prices. The anticipated variant is positioned between performance needs and affordability, especially in light of increasing flagship SoC prices. This move could help manufacturers offer competitively priced smartphones without sacrificing too much performance, addressing consumer concerns about affordability in the current market.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 23 Jul 2026, 20:40 UTC2 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Qualcomm may launch a fourth variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
- Rising component prices are pushing manufacturers to seek cheaper alternatives.
- Expected Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro could cost over $300.
- New Snapdragon variant could maintain performance while lowering costs.
- Leaked benchmark scores suggest it will be competitive with existing models.
Interesting facts
- The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has multiple variants, each optimized for different use cases.
- Manufacturers may prioritize older SoCs for budget-friendly devices in the current climate.