We haven’t even met the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 yet, but leaks about its successor — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 are already spilling out. According to Digital Chat Station, Qualcomm could release two versions of the chip, mimicking Apple’s A and A Pro strategy for its iPhones.
Tentatively labeled SM8950 and SM8945, the chips would differ in performance — with standard flagship phones possibly stuck with a watered-down SM8945, while Ultra and Pro models flaunt the full-powered Gen 3. Bad news for anyone eyeing a 2027 flagship without the “Plus” or “Ultra” tag.
Both chips are rumored to use TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process, but escalating production costs could drive flagship phone prices higher starting late 2026. Expect phones like the Galaxy S27 and Xiaomi 17 to either cost more or offer less raw horsepower at baseline.
Nothing’s official yet, Qualcomm hasn’t even unveiled Gen 2 — but this early leak suggests the premium chip wars (and price hikes) are only getting started.
