Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro Enhances Flexibility in DRAM and Storage Choices
Qualcomm is set to launch two new chipsets this year: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. This strategy marks a notable shift in the company’s flagship chipset approach.
Key Features and Specifications
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro will support LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage, setting it apart from its counterpart. Importantly, this high-end chipset will also maintain compatibility with older DRAM and storage standards. This flexibility is expected to reduce component costs for manufacturers during a challenging DRAM market.
Compatibility and Options
- LPDDR6 RAM
- LPDDR5X RAM
- LPDDR5 RAM
- UFS 5.0 storage
In contrast, the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will only support LPDDR5 RAM, raising questions about its capabilities, especially since the previous generation, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, offers LPDDR5X compatibility.
Xiaomi’s Involvement
Xiaomi is currently testing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, identified by the unique designation SM8975. However, reports suggest that the flagship smartphones from Xiaomi may not include LPDDR6 RAM due to budget concerns. A tipster indicated that LPDDR6 RAM could be approximately 20% more expensive than LPDDR5X, with only 16GB configurations available.
Market Implications
As Android manufacturers strive to improve profit margins, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro’s flexibility is seen as a potential cost-saving solution. Despite its higher price point compared to the standard version, this adaptability may be crucial for companies like Xiaomi navigating challenging economic conditions.
Qualcomm’s transition to TSMC’s 2nm N2P process for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro adds another layer of complexity. This change could lead to increased production costs, prompting manufacturers to make strategic compromises on their smartphone specifications.
The upcoming chipsets represent a significant evolution in Qualcomm’s offerings, emphasizing both performance and flexibility in an increasingly competitive market.
