Qualcomm Might Stop Making Cheaper “S” Version of Its Best Phone Chips
Qualcomm, the company that makes processors for many smartphones, might be changing its strategy for mid-range flagship chips. According to a reliable tech insider named Digital Chat Station, Qualcomm will not release a Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 in 2026.
This is surprising because, for the past two years, Qualcomm has followed a pattern: after launching its top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen-series chip, it later releases a slightly cheaper “s” version. These “s” chips are used in high-end but more affordable phones, not quite flagship-level, but still powerful.
What’s Happening with Qualcomm’s Chip Strategy?
2024 Example: This year, Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (SM8635) as a less expensive alternative to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
2025 Example: Next year, the company is expected to release the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (SM8735), which will be a step below the Snapdragon 8 Elite.
But in 2026, this trend might stop. According to the leak, Qualcomm is not working on a chip called Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 (SM8835). Instead, the company seems to be focusing only on its full flagship chip, likely called the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850).
What Does This Mean for Future Smartphones?
Right now, many phone makers use Qualcomm’s “s” chips in premium mid-range phones—devices that are almost flagship-level but cost less. Without an 8s Gen 5 in 2026, smartphone brands will have two choices:
Use Older Flagship Chips – They might put the Snapdragon 8 Elite (2025’s flagship) in their 2026 phones.
Problem: Even if the chip gets cheaper over time, it will still be more expensive than a dedicated “s” version.
Find Another Solution – Brands might switch to MediaTek or other chipmakers or use lower-end Qualcomm chips, which could mean less performance.
Why Is Qualcomm Skipping the 8s Gen 5?
The leak does not explain why Qualcomm is making this change. Some possible reasons:
Cost Cutting – Maybe making two versions of flagship chips is too expensive.
Simplifying Production – Focusing only on the best chip could help Qualcomm improve performance without splitting resources.
Market Changes – Maybe fewer phone brands are using the “s” chips, so Qualcomm doesn’t see the need for them anymore.
What Happens Next?
If Qualcomm really skips the 8s Gen 5, smartphone makers will have to adjust their plans. Some may:
Increase prices if they use the more expensive Snapdragon 8 Elite.
Use older chips, which could mean slower performance compared to newer models.
Switch to competitors like MediaTek for better-priced options.
For now, this is just a leak, so things could change. But if true, it might make it harder to find affordable high-performance phones in 2026.
What do you think? Should Qualcomm keep making “s” versions of its chips, or is it better to focus only on the best flagship processors? Let us know in the comments!
