Snapdragon SM8845: Is the flagship killer era beginning?

Qualcomm’s SM8845 chip could be the new flagship killer

Qualcomm is set to hold its next big launch event in late September, where it's expected to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, model number SM8850. However, rumors from China suggest another chip, the SM8845, might also launch this year.

This won’t be the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, as the SM8845 is more powerful, though still a step below the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. The final name is yet unknown, but many speculate it may be called Snapdragon 8 Plus.

Performance-wise, SM8845 is said to match last year’s original Snapdragon 8 Elite. It also features an all-big-core CPU design with custom Qualcomm cores, but it’s built on a newer fabrication process and integrates some 8 Elite 2 components.

Overall, this should mean a modest performance upgrade. According to reliable Chinese leaker Digital Chat Station, the SM8845 will be used in phones from Oppo, OnePlus, and vivo, and will come with huge batteries up to 8,000 mAh.

This chip could be perfect for so-called "flagship killer" phones, bridging the gap between the Snapdragon 8s and 8 Elite series. Yet, its similarities to the original 8 Elite raise the question — will that chip be phased out?