Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo throws this potential wrench into the works, indicating that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 might cost manufacturers a significant sum: $237.50 to $260 per unit. This price hike is linked to the chip’s production using TSMC’s advanced N3E node. While this promises a performance boost, it also translates to a more expensive manufacturing process.
However, Kuo believes the price increase might not be a major deterrent for phone makers. He predicts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will remain highly sought-after, particularly for flagship smartphones. The rumored advancements in AI capabilities are seen as a major selling point, aligning with the growing demand for AI-powered features in today’s smartphones.
So, what does this potential price hike mean for you? It’s still early days, and these are just rumors. However, there’s a chance that the inflated cost of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 could trickle down to consumers, leading to pricier flagship phones in the future. Until official announcements from Qualcomm, a clear picture regarding pricing and availability remains elusive. But one thing’s for sure: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 saga is just beginning, and it will be interesting to see how this potential price hike unfolds.