One previously leaked spec sheet The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 leak has revealed that Qualcomm will launch two versions of its upcoming flagship chipset, with both bearing the designation numbers ‘SM8750’ and ‘SM8750P’. While the ‘P’ is likely for the performance variant, a tipster notes that this version will not feature an integrated 5G modem and may instead be found in tablets. Assuming you’ve forgotten, this is a strategy Qualcomm has followed in the past, where its customers would have to purchase a standalone 5G modem for a premium.
The last time Qualcomm followed a similar approach to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 was with the launch of the Snapdragon 855
Regardless of how much performance the SM8750P version brings to the table, @negativeonehero pointed out the biggest difference in this Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 version, and that’s the lack of a baseband chip. In his post on X, he mentions that this SoC will only be used in Wi-Fi-only tablets, suggesting that several manufacturers are also planning to launch products with larger displays in the future. However, a big difference like this can only mean that Qualcomm plans to charge its customers a hefty premium.
The San Diego company recently announced the Snapdragon X80 5G modem Qualcomm announced in February this year that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 flagships launching in H2 2024 will feature this baseband chip. As for why Qualcomm would pursue a business practice like this, it’s not like this approach is anything new for the chipset maker. The Snapdragon 855 launched in 2018 was also introduced without a 5G modem, as phone makers had the option of sticking with 4G connectivity only since 5G adoption was in its early stages.
P in “SM8750P” stands for no baseband. The P variant is used in Wi-Fi-only tablets.
Different slots/revisions of a Snapdragon chip are indicated by a suffix like -AC, -AD… https://t.co/dtQIvjRXdi– sun.dtsi (@negativeonehero) August 21, 2024
However, flagships with a 5G baseband were likely to be more expensive, as Qualcomm’s partners had to pay a premium to use the technology. With 5G connectivity even more ubiquitous now, manufacturers will have little choice but to pay the extra amount. Back in July, we reported that orders for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 had has not yet been placed possibly due to this reason, with the chipset previously suggested by a Qualcomm executive as being more expensive than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
This explains why Samsung wants to resume its dual-chipset launch strategy and why Apple is continuing its in-house 5G modem development. As these rising costs mount, MediaTek has the opportunity to take market share from Qualcomm by offering a single Dimensity 9400 variant with a 5G modem. Eventually, we may see some partners move away from the Snapdragon brand in favor of a less expensive and more convenient path, but time will tell if this rumor proves to be true.
News source: @negativeonehero