The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is still relatively new, with only a handful of phones featuring the chip. However, rumors about its successor, the Snapdragon 8s Elite, are already circulating. These rumors link the new processor to an upcoming Xiaomi smartphone expected in early 2025.
Qualcomm’s naming conventions can be confusing. Deciphering the Snapdragon 8s Elite’s performance and placement within the lineup is challenging. According to a well-known industry commentator on Weibo, the 8s Elite won’t surpass the 8 Elite’s capabilities, instead positioning itself between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Android Central points out that this spot is currently occupied by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, suggesting the speculation might be inaccurate.
The rumored chip, identified by the model number SM8735, might deviate from the 8 Elite’s core configuration. Instead of Qualcomm’s Oryon cores, it may revert to ARM cores, according to a post on X. Perhaps the most intriguing rumor is its potential to support 7,000mAh batteries with fast charging, a significant leap beyond the current 6,000mAh capacity found in devices like the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro.
The Snapdragon 8s Elite is linked to an upcoming Xiaomi phone, potentially the first device to feature the chip in 2025. The same Weibo source suggests this phone will have a small, quad-curved screen, reminiscent of the Vivo X200 series, with a 1.5K resolution. It’s also rumored to have a dual-selfie camera and a Leica-tuned rear camera system. This device could be a new addition to the Xiaomi Civi series, which hasn’t seen a widespread global release.
Speculation points towards a March or April 2025 release for the Snapdragon 8s Elite. This timeframe aligns with the potential launch of the mysterious Xiaomi phone, considering the Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro’s release in mid-March 2024.
