Overview
- Multiple outlets report a Weibo leak from tipster Digital Chat Station that Qualcomm is developing an unconfirmed new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SKU with the model number SM8850-1-AB.
- The leak says the chip is aimed at devices priced below CNY 4,000 and would deliver Geekbench 6 scores very similar to the standard Gen 5, which suggests near‑flagship performance at a lower price.
- If released, the SM8850-1-AB would be the fourth member of the Gen 5 family alongside the SM8850-AC, the SM8850-5-AC used by Oppo, and the Samsung-specific SM8850-1-AD.
- Reporters note the claim is unverified by Qualcomm or phone makers, and the new variant would extend Qualcomm’s strategy of multiple OEM‑tailored Gen 5 SKUs even as next‑generation Gen 6 chips are rumored.
- For context, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in September 2025 as a flagship SoC built on TSMC’s 3nm process with Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU, and the new report suggests the company may keep refining that platform for a broader price range.