Qualcomm is preparing to launch a powerful new chip later this year: the Snapdragon SM8845 chipset. While all eyes are on the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 set to debut in September 2025, leaks from China suggest that the SM8845 will also make its appearance this year. This unannounced processor is expected to offer near-flagship performance, making it ideal for “flagship killer” smartphones.
What is the Snapdragon SM8845?
The Snapdragon SM8845 chipset is shaping up to be a high-end SoC that slots just below the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (model SM8850) in Qualcomm’s lineup. While it won’t carry the “Elite 2” branding, it’s expected to outperform the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, placing it firmly in the upper tier.
Qualcomm hasn’t confirmed the marketing name yet, but many speculate it might be called Snapdragon 8 Plus. This would follow the company’s previous naming strategies, where a “Plus” variant bridges the performance gap between regular and Elite models.
Key Features and Performance Expectations
According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the SM8845 will feature an all-big core CPU configuration. This setup mirrors last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which means the chip is likely to deliver top-tier CPU performance. The SM8845 will also use Qualcomm’s custom-designed cores, ensuring improved processing power and efficiency.
What sets it apart, however, is that it’s being fabbed on a newer semiconductor process, allowing for better thermal control and energy efficiency. On top of that, the chipset is rumored to incorporate peripherals from the 8 Elite 2, offering incremental upgrades over the original Elite.
Massive Batteries and Target Devices
The SM8845 is already gaining attention among major Chinese smartphone makers. Reports indicate that Oppo, OnePlus, and vivo are lining up to use this chip in upcoming devices. Interestingly, phones powered by the SM8845 are expected to come with massive 8,000mAh batteries, which is far above the current flagship standard.
This aligns with the strategy of building performance-focused smartphones with fewer compromises—delivering premium specs without the premium price. In essence, the SM8845 is designed for the flagship killer segment, bridging the gap between upper mid-range and elite-tier devices.
Is Snapdragon 8 Elite Being Phased Out?
The arrival of the Snapdragon SM8845 chipset raises an important question: will the original Snapdragon 8 Elite be discontinued? Since the SM8845 mirrors many of the same specifications while offering slight improvements, Qualcomm might phase out the older chip in favor of this newer, more efficient model. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.
This strategy would allow Qualcomm to streamline its high-end lineup while offering more versatile options to manufacturers targeting performance-savvy users.
The Snapdragon SM8845 chipset is emerging as one of the most intriguing mobile processors of 2025. With Oppo, OnePlus, and vivo reportedly on board, and with specs close to last year’s flagship, it’s set to redefine what a high-performance yet affordable smartphone can offer. Whether or not the original Snapdragon 8 Elite remains in play, the SM8845 looks ready to dominate the mid-to-premium market space.
