In the upcoming release of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, Qualcomm appears to be reshaping its product lineup with two distinct variants of its flagship processor. The two models are designated as ‘SM8750’ and ‘SM8750P,’ indicating a bifurcation in their capabilities and target devices. Significantly, the ‘P’ variant, which one might assume stands for ‘performance,’ will surprisingly not include an integrated 5G modem, positioning it more likely for use within Wi-Fi-only tablets.
Drawing on historical precedents, Qualcomm’s move isn’t unprecedented. The company followed a similar route during the launch of the Snapdragon 855 chipset in 2018. At that time, they introduced a processor that did not natively support 5G connections, permitting phone makers to opt for 4G-only models during 5G’s infancy. Now, in a more established 5G market landscape, this strategy seems to be reemerging.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s non-5G ‘P’ variant’s primary market could include Wi-Fi-only tablets, an area where Qualcomm might be preparing to accommodate growing demand. The decision to forgo the integrated 5G modem suggests that manufacturers opting for this version will save on costs associated with 5G hardware, potentially making it an enticing choice for devices not requiring mobile network connectivity.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s anticipated difference in pricing reflects the broader industry’s considerations about integration’s implications on final product costs. The omission of an on-chip 5G modem would mean that devices requiring cellular connectivity would need to integrate an external modem, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 5G model, announced earlier this year. As such, products featuring the full 5G-capable chipset are likely to bear a higher price tag due to the additional premium for the modem.
This strategy casts light on why companies like Samsung might be exploring a return to dual-chipset strategies and why tech giant Apple continues to invest in its in-house 5G modem development. Meanwhile, competitors like MediaTek may see an opening to capitalize on the market by offering their Dimensity 9400 chips as a single variant with 5G included, potentially presenting a cost-effective alternative to Qualcomm’s options.
As industry partners weigh the balance between performance and cost, the move by Qualcomm could influence shifts in chipset preference, driving manufacturers toward solutions that balance technological needs with financial strategies. Only time will reveal the broader impact these choices will have on the market and whether Qualcomm’s dual chipset routes will resonate with partners or push them in new directions. The chipsets, especially the ‘P’ variant, may become a hallmark of Wi-Fi-centric devices, carving out a niche in tablets and potentially other connected products that prioritize high performance without the need for cellular connectivity.
