- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 may cost 25-30% more than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
- Custom Oryon cores replacing ARM CPU cores.
- Expected price range: $220-$260.
- Manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm N3E process for better performance.
The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, expected to power next year’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, is likely to be more expensive than its predecessor.
This price increase is partly due to Qualcomm’s switch to custom Oryon cores, replacing the previously used ARM CPU cores.
The company needs to recover the costs of developing these custom cores.
Pricing Uncertainty
However, the exact pricing of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 remains uncertain.
With manufacturers yet to begin mass production of devices using this chipset, Qualcomm cannot accurately gauge demand or determine a per-unit price.
The chip won’t be officially unveiled until the annual Snapdragon Summit in October.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his Apple predictions, has weighed in on the matter.
He estimates that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could cost 25% to 30% more than the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is priced between $190 and $200.
This could push the new chip’s price to $237.50-$260. Leaker Yogesh Brar offers a slightly more conservative estimate of $220-$240.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be manufactured using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process node (N3E), an upgrade from the 4nm node used for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
This should improve both performance and energy efficiency.
Samsung’s Strategy
For the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung is expected to continue its dual chipset strategy.
The Galaxy S25 and S25+ may use the Exynos 2500 in most markets, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 reserved for China, the US, and Canada.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, is likely to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 globally.
While the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 is shaping up to be a strong competitor, it’s unlikely that Samsung would choose it over Qualcomm’s offering for their flagship Ultra model.
As we await more concrete information, it’s clear that the increasing costs of high-end mobile processors may lead to price hikes for premium smartphones.
FAQs
Why is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 more expensive?
The increase in cost is due to Qualcomm’s switch to custom Oryon cores, requiring higher development expenses compared to the ARM CPU cores used previously.
What is the expected price range for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4?
Analyst estimates suggest the price could range from $220 to $260, representing a 25-30% increase over the current Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
When will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 be officially unveiled?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be officially unveiled at the annual Snapdragon Summit in October.
Which Samsung models will use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra will feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 globally, while the Galaxy S25 and S25+ will likely use the Exynos 2500 in most markets.
What manufacturing process will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 use?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be manufactured using TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process node (N3E), an upgrade from the 4nm node used for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Also Read : Qualcomm to Unveil Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 at Tech Summit 2024 in Hawaii
Also Read: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Could Have New Architecture With No Efficiency Cores