Qualcomm recently announced a variation of its top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, designated with the model number SM8750-3-AB. This new variant features one fewer CPU performance core, a change that’s poised to influence the chip’s performance characteristics. Industry insiders predict that this seven-core version will primarily power a new generation of slim and foldable smartphones set to be released later this year.
Notably, Samsung is rumored to introduce a new model in its lineup, the Galaxy S25 Slim, which is speculated to boast an ultra-thin profile of just 6.4 mm. This move aligns with a broader industry trend towards sleeker mobile devices. Additionally, the race for the thinnest foldable phone seems to be heating up. Reports suggest that Oppo’s upcoming Find N5 could set new standards by achieving a thickness in the range of 3.7 to 4 mm, potentially making it the thinnest foldable phone yet.
The revised Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is expected to debut in the Oppo Find N5, marking it as the first device to utilize the new processor configuration. A similar model from OnePlus, referred to as the OnePlus Open 2, is also anticipated to feature the same seven-core chipset.
According to technology analyst Yogesh Brar, the new seven-core version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite could deliver slightly better efficiency compared to its eight-core counterpart. While the performance differences might not be drastic, the improved efficiency could be crucial for enhancing the overall user experience in thinner devices, which often face significant challenges with heat dissipation.
As the mobile industry continues to evolve towards thinner and more flexible designs, Qualcomm’s latest chipset iteration appears to be a strategic move to accommodate and enhance the performance of these innovative form factors.