Qualcomm is anticipated to unveil its next flagship chipset in late September 2023, although it is uncertain if the new release will be named Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. Speculations suggest that Qualcomm might revert to its previous naming conventions, and the new processor could potentially be branded as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This information was initially shared by Digital Chat Station on Weibo, indicating that while the name is not finalized, the return to the "Gen" branding aligns with Qualcomm's current strategy.
The term “Gen 5” might initially seem perplexing, but it represents a continuation of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 lineage. The Snapdragon 8 Elite was effectively the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, acting as what could be considered the “Gen 4” chip, despite not carrying that designation. This naming inconsistency has left many tech enthusiasts scratching their heads.
In addition to the flagship chipset, Qualcomm is also expected to introduce a nearly-flagship chipset, which may be titled Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. It remains unclear whether this will serve as a successor to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 or introduce an entirely new chip. This upcoming chipset is likely to be positioned below the top-tier offerings but will surpass last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Describing Qualcomm’s naming scheme as chaotic would be an understatement. Over the past few years, the company has transitioned its naming from Snapdragon 865 to Snapdragon 888 and then to Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Just three years later, the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite has further complicated the narrative, leading many to wonder if this branding will soon become obsolete.
Interestingly, a recent survey revealed that a significant portion of smartphone users care about their device's chipset. Approximately 84.05% of respondents expressed a strong interest in their phone's chipset, while 5.52% were somewhat unsure, and 10.43% admitted to not caring at all. This data underscores the importance of clear and consistent naming conventions in the tech industry.
In stark contrast, Apple's chip naming strategy is notably straightforward. The latest iPhone 16 models feature the A18 and A18 Pro chips, while the upcoming iPhone 17 is expected to use the A19 and A19 Pro. This consistency makes it easier for consumers to understand the technology powering their devices.
All eyes will be on Qualcomm during the upcoming Snapdragon Summit, scheduled for September 23-25, 2023. This event will serve as the platform for the official unveiling of the company’s latest processors, with the first devices featuring these chips expected to hit the market in October.
Despite the complexities surrounding Qualcomm's chipset names, there is hope for improvement. Many tech enthusiasts, including those deeply interested in the subject, seek a more coherent naming strategy that minimizes confusion. The need for consistency in naming is critical as consumers increasingly focus on the technology within their smartphones.
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