Qualcomm likely to launch Snapdragon 888 chipset with optional 5G

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, a 5G-enabled chipset, surprisingly didn’t steal the limelight in the smartphone industry this year. Instead, its lesser-known counterpart, the Snapdragon 870, took center stage.

The Snapdragon 870 chipset also boasts 5G capabilities. This processor became a game-changer for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This powerful chipset paved the way for OEMs to offer high-end, flagship smartphones at a much more budget-friendly price point. Also Read – Google Android 12 update: List of smartphones eligible for the latest mobile OS

Snapdragon 888 4G based Chip: Leaks and Rumors

Remember, Xiaomi incorporated this processor in its newly released Redmi K40 series. Thus, making waves in the smartphone market. Qualcomm, not resting on its laurels, is planning to introduce another cost-effective chip aimed at the premium budget smartphone segment. Also Read – Mi 11 Lite could launch in India soon, IMEI number spotted

As per recent revelations from renowned leaker Roland Quandt, Qualcomm is reportedly developing a budget-friendly variant of its high-end Snapdragon 888 chip. However, the specifications for this anticipated chip remain under wraps.

Quandt has also verified that the forthcoming chip will forgo the 5G modem. This assertion from Quandt suggests that OEMs are poised to launch new smartphones, potentially offering superior performance with Qualcomm’s imminent chip. Also Read – Android 11 OS update runs on more devices than older versions

Furthermore, these upcoming smartphones equipped with this chip are expected to be more wallet-friendly. Leaks suggest that this eagerly awaited chipset may bear the name Snapdragon 888 Lite. Also Read – Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Successor with 4nm fabrication process

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 without 5G Modem

As of now, specific details about the anticipated 4G-based Snapdragon 888 chipset remain elusive. The key question is how Qualcomm will position this chipset amidst the premium Snapdragon 888 and the flagship disruptor, Snapdragon 870, given that both these chipsets are equipped with 5G modems. Also Read – Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 is the world’s first 10Gbps 5G modem

This forthcoming chipset could empower brands such as Motorola, Realme, Redmi, and Poco to introduce more ‘flagship disruptor’ smartphones at an even more budget-friendly price point. Moreover, this upcoming chipset, devoid of 5G connectivity.

Henceforth, it is set to fuel devices in regions lacking 5G infrastructure. Consequently, users can anticipate superior performance at a more cost-effective price, without the added expense of 5G connectivity. Also Read – OnePlus Pad tablet in works; could launch in India in first half of 2022

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 and it’s siblings:

To recall, The OnePlus 9 series member OnePlus 9 Pro is likely to feature Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset. Thus, it will cost much higher than expected. Also, we are waiting to see the pricing for the upcoming Snapdragon 870 smartphones in Indian markets.

The recently launched Motorola Edge S which comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset starts at a low price of Rs 23000 in China. The Xiaomi’s Redmi K40 sells at similar pricing despite of 5G-enabled chipset. Also Read – OnePlus 9 series recent leak brings out some of the new details

The burning question is, will Qualcomm deliver a high-performance 5G chipset to OEMs at a more budget-friendly price? The Snapdragon 888 chipset has demonstrated its value in a select range of premium Android smartphones. Hence, we anticipate that its 4G-based counterpart will follow suit.

Upcoming smartphones with Snapdragon 888 chip

Interestingly, no smartphone equipped with the Snapdragon 888 chipset has yet debuted in the Indian markets. OnePlus is expected to introduce its OnePlus 9 series, powered by the Snapdragon 888 chip, in India. Also Read – Realme MagDart ecosystem unveiled, comes with 50W, 15W wireless charging solution

Xiaomi is also on the radar to launch its flagship Mi 11 smartphone in the country. Other brands, such as Oppo and Vivo, are likely to join the bandwagon soon. Notably, Asus made headlines yesterday as the first brand to launch its ROG Phone 5 in India, armed with the Snapdragon 888 SoC. Also Read – Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, Galaxy A13 5G India to launch by February