Qualcomm may launch the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with 3nm tech and Oryon cores at a lower price, bringing flagship-level performance to more users.
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Qualcomm appears to be gearing up for a double reveal at the upcoming Snapdragon Summit, scheduled for September 23. The tech giant is expected to unveil not only its next flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, but also a second, more cost-conscious alternative — the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. While official details remain under wraps, credible leaks suggest this second chip may carry much of the same technical DNA as its premium sibling.
According to respected Chinese insider Digital Chat Station, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will be built using TSMC’s advanced 3nm N3P manufacturing process. The chip is also expected to feature customizable Oryon cores, similar to those powering the high-end Elite edition.
What truly sets the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 apart, however, is its rumored price point. Devices running on this chip could hit the market in the $280 to $350 range — a substantial drop compared to current flagship smartphones. This move could make cutting-edge performance and energy efficiency significantly more accessible to everyday users. Behind the scenes, Qualcomm also seems to be offering more favorable terms to its partners on this mid-tier option, which could increase manufacturers’ profit margins and fuel broader adoption.
Of course, Qualcomm won’t be alone in chasing this segment. MediaTek is already preparing to answer the challenge with its own next-gen Dimensity lineup. Both the Dimensity 9400+ and 9500e are reportedly in the works, featuring the latest power-saving innovations and advanced silicon-carbon battery technology. The competition is shaping up to disrupt the notion that top-tier performance demands a premium price — the days of paying upwards of $700 for flagship-level experience may be numbered.
Although Qualcomm hasn’t officially confirmed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 or its pricing strategy, the leaked information points to a potential paradigm shift in how premium features are priced and positioned. For now, it’s all speculation — but all eyes will be on the Snapdragon Summit to see just how much truth lies behind the rumors.