Just when you thought the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the OnePlus 11 stretched your wallet to its limits, it seems the ceiling is set to rise even higher in 2025. Top-tier Android phones, already a substantial investment, might demand an even steeper price. The reason? Look no further than the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.
Expected to make its debut in late 2024, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is poised to be Qualcomm’s priciest mobile chipset. This prediction isn’t just speculation; it comes straight from the horse’s mouth. Qualcomm’s Senior Vice President, Chris Patrick, mentioned in an interview with SamMobile that this particular chipset is set for a price hike. The aim, he suggests, is to offer “astonishing levels of performance”. While the exact price surge remains under wraps, it wouldn’t be surprising if this uptick trickles down to the average consumer’s pocket.
The Ripple Effect: Many Phones in the Crosshairs
The potential repercussions of this chipset price increase are vast. A slew of phones are anticipated to incorporate the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. In the crosshairs are the Samsung Galaxy S25 series (at least in specific markets), the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 7, OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15 series, and a host of others.
However, not every smartphone manufacturer is hopping on the Snapdragon bandwagon. Some exceptions to watch out for include the speculated Google Pixel 10 series. If that’s indeed the moniker Google goes with in 2025, these phones are expected to lean on a custom Tensor chipset. And, naturally, Apple’s iPhone 17 line-up will dance to its own tune, most likely powered by their in-house A19 Pro chipset (or whatever fancy name Apple bestows upon their 2025 offering).
Interestingly, Samsung might have an alternative strategy up its sleeve. If the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 does come with a hefty price tag, Samsung might increase its reliance on its homegrown Exynos chipsets for the Galaxy S25 models. Samsung’s history of oscillating between Snapdragon and Exynos could tip more in favor of the latter, at least in some regions.
Meanwhile, in the Here and Now
All this talk of 2025 might make it seem like we’re getting ahead of ourselves. After all, we’re still in the realm of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This recently unveiled chipset is gearing up to be the heart of many of 2024’s premium phones. The list includes big names like the Samsung Galaxy S24. The good news? As of now, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 isn’t signaling the kind of price surge the Gen 4 is hinting at.
So, as we gear up for a potentially pricier mobile future, it’s essential to keep an eye on how the chipset landscape evolves. A single component, like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, can profoundly impact the mobile industry’s pricing strategies, influencing choices for consumers and manufacturers alike. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just someone pondering their next smartphone purchase, the developments of 2024 and 2025 promise to be intriguing, if not a tad more expensive.
