Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: The Latest Rumor About SM8845 and Naming Changes

A major shift may be coming to Qualcomm's chip lineup. Leaks from Digital Chat Station suggest that Qualcomm’s SM8845 chip could be called the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 instead of the expected "Snapdragon 8 Elite 2" (SM8850). This news drops just before the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, where the real flagship chip is supposed to be revealed. If true, this could create some confusion about the naming of Qualcomm's chips, with multiple tiers making things a bit complicated for consumers.

What's the Buzz About the SM8845 Chip?

The Key Players:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850): This is expected to be Qualcomm’s flagship chip for high-end 2025 phones, like the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

• SM8845 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 5): This could be a slightly lower-tier chip, still high-performance but below the Elite 2. It's rumored to be used in phones like the Galaxy S25+ or OnePlus 13.

Why the Confusion?

Qualcomm has changed its naming strategy in recent years. Here's a breakdown:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Launched in 2025, the “Gen” name was used for the highest-performing chips.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite: In 2025, Qualcomm introduced the "Elite" name for the top-tier chips, abandoning the "Gen" naming.

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: The SM8845 is rumored to return to the "Gen" name, but it’s expected to sit below the "Elite 2" (SM8850). This shift could make things confusing since "Gen" was once the top name.

What Could This Mean for Qualcomm’s Lineup?

Here's a quick look at what the rumored chips might look like for 2025:

Why is Qualcomm Changing Its Naming Again?

Qualcomm is shifting to a tiered approach to target different markets:

• "Elite": The absolute top chips (SM8850).

• "Gen": High-end chips just below Elite (SM8845).

• "s": More affordable, premium chips.

This approach could help Qualcomm compete more effectively against Apple, MediaTek, and others in the premium market.

When Will We See SM8845?

The Snapdragon Summit in October 2025 will definitely feature the SM8850, but we’re unsure if the SM8845 will appear at the same time. Qualcomm could:

• Dual Reveal: Announce both chips at the Summit.

• Staggered Launch: Focus on the SM8850 first and reveal the SM8845 later.

Digital Chat Station: A Reliable Source?

Digital Chat Station is known for accurate leaks about Qualcomm chips. Though leaks are always speculative, their track record gives this rumor some credibility.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Qualcomm?

• If the SM8845 is indeed called Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, it represents a major change in Qualcomm’s strategy. 

• With multiple chip tiers, Qualcomm is setting up for a more competitive battle in the mobile chipset world. 

• The goal? To fight against Apple’s A-series, MediaTek’s Dimensity chips, and Samsung’s Exynos. 

• The next big question: Will the SM8845 be unveiled at the Snapdragon Summit, or will it remain a mystery for now?

Related Articles

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• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4: Unleashing Power with Kryo CPU and Adreno 825 GPU

• Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Smashes Records: 4.74 GHz CPU Clock Speed Dominates Dimensity 9500

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the SM8845? 

The SM8845 is a rumored Qualcomm chip that could launch as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, sitting just below the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 in performance.

Q: Is Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 the new flagship? 

No. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is expected to be a high-end chip but not Qualcomm's ultimate flagship, which will be the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.

Q: Who leaked the SM8845 rumor? 

The rumor comes from Digital Chat Station, a trusted tech leakster.

Q: When will the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (SM8845) be announced? 

The SM8845’s announcement is uncertain, but the SM8850 will be revealed at the Snapdragon Summit in October 2025. The SM8845 might be announced then or later.

Q: Why is Qualcomm changing its naming? 

Qualcomm is introducing a tiered approach: “Elite” for the top chips, “Gen” for high-end chips, and “s” for more affordable, premium devices.

Q: What’s the difference between SM8845 and SM8850? 

The SM8850 is expected to be Qualcomm’s top chip, while the SM8845 is a high-end alternative, offering great performance but not as cutting-edge as the Elite 2.