Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Elite Chipset to Offer High-End CPU Architecture with Emphasis on Efficiency Cores

A new report shared on Weibo indicates that Qualcomm is working on a brand-new chipset called the Snapdragon 8s Elite. This SoC is rumored to slot in between the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, aiming to capture a new niche in the high-end smartphone market. Tipster Digital Chat Station suggests that the Snapdragon 8s Elite (internal designation SM8735) will employ an advanced CPU architecture with a mix of performance and efficiency cores to deliver near-flagship performance at a more affordable price point, making it highly appealing to users who want a premium experience without shelling out the flagship price.

As per these disclosures, the Snapdragon 8s Elite would feature a single Cortex-X4 core at 3.21 GHz, supported by three Cortex-A720 performance cores running at 3.01 GHz, two additional Cortex-A720 efficiency cores clocked at 2.80 GHz, and two more efficiency cores at 2.02 GHz for day-to-day tasks. This setup contrasts with the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is purely performance-focused with no dedicated efficiency cores. The Snapdragon 8 Elite has two Oryon cores at 4.32 GHz and six performance cores at 3.53 GHz, clearly indicating a different approach where maximum raw power is the priority.

The reported structure of the Snapdragon 8s Elite strongly echoes the CPU layout of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, albeit running at comparatively lower frequencies. This naturally curtails peak performance potential but remains comfortably in the high-end bracket, which might prove perfect for brands like Redmi or iQOO—both frequently associated with delivering strong specs at more accessible pricing. There’s no confirmation regarding an exact release timeframe, but the rumored push to expand Qualcomm’s SoC lineup in this manner suggests it could be imminent. Given Qualcomm’s track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Snapdragon 8s Elite appears in the near future, offering compelling near-flagship performance and power management for what will likely be “premium mid-range” smartphones.

Does a chipset like the Snapdragon 8s Elite catch your eye, or do you still prefer the absolute best performance of the Snapdragon 8 Elite line? Share your thoughts below!