Qualcomm appears ready to stir the high-end Android market once again with its Snapdragon SM8845 chipset. Though it’s not expected to match the powerhouse Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 coming this September, the SM8845 is shaping up to be a formidable performer—aimed at smartphones that blur the lines between premium and flagship-grade devices.
Industry insiders in China suggest that Qualcomm will unveil the Snapdragon SM8845 before the end of 2025. This SoC is not the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5; rather, it sits between that tier and the flagship 8 Elite series. While the name remains unconfirmed, some speculate it could launch as the Snapdragon 8 Plus, reviving the well-known naming convention for enhanced mid-cycle chips.
All-Big Core Performance with a Twist
What makes the SM8845 intriguing is its similarity to last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, using Qualcomm’s custom-developed all-big core CPU architecture. However, it reportedly benefits from a more advanced fabrication process and integrates certain components from the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, such as improved peripheral support.
This means users can expect a slight performance bump over the original 8 Elite, along with enhanced power efficiency. For consumers, that translates to better battery life and more consistent thermal behavior—even under sustained load.
Target Devices: Oppo, OnePlus, vivo
According to well-known Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, several major OEMs are already lining up to use the Snapdragon SM8845 in upcoming devices. Oppo, OnePlus, and vivo are reportedly preparing smartphones that will be powered by this chip—and some of these models could feature massive batteries of up to 8,000 mAh.
That battery spec suggests Qualcomm and its partners are optimizing for longevity and gaming performance. As such, the SM8845 could become the go-to chipset for devices in the ‘flagship killer’ segment—phones that offer elite-tier experiences at slightly more affordable price points.
Strategic Gap Filler in Snapdragon’s Lineup
The Snapdragon product family has grown increasingly complex, and the SM8845 appears to fill a crucial void. It positions itself above the Snapdragon 8s series while stopping just short of the Elite 2’s bleeding-edge specs. This strategy could allow Qualcomm to offer broader appeal across more device segments—particularly in competitive markets like India and Southeast Asia.
There’s also curiosity around whether the Snapdragon 8 Elite will be quietly phased out following the SM8845’s release. Since both chips share a similar architecture, Qualcomm may consolidate its lineup to streamline production and reduce fragmentation.
For now, Qualcomm hasn’t officially confirmed the existence of the SM8845, but with its major Snapdragon Summit slated for late September, tech watchers expect announcements soon. If the rumors prove accurate, 2025’s final quarter could see a wave of powerful mid-premium Android phones reshaping the competitive landscape.
