Qualcomm has announced a new 800-series chip, which is intended to serve devices that are just a slight step down from the absolute top tier premium.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chip is the successor to the Snapdragon 865 Plus, which launched in the summer of 2020. It is powered by the Kryo 585 CPU, with clock speeds up to 3.2 GHz, the Adrena 650 GPU, and has improved gaming and AI capabilities, as well as sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G among its primary features.
Devices are set to launch running the Snapdragon 870 during the first quarter of 2021, with brands including Motorola, iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi being among those planning to use the chip. One of the first will be the Motorola Moto Edge S, which will be announced on January 26.
After announcing the Snapdragon 888 in December 2020 as its top of the line mobile chip for 2021, Qualcomm has continued to showcase its commitment to variety within the mobile market. Releasing devices with flashy specs and more conservative prices continues to be the trend into the coming year. While 2020 focused on nuanced levels of mid-range and entry-level devices, the introduction of the Snapdragon 870 could indicate that device makers are looking to expand this branding style to the flagship level.
This has not quite yet displayed in the market, but this demarcation could see more premium smartphone series using mobile chips to differentiate between models. Perhaps a standard/Plus model might run the Snapdragon 870 chip while a Pro/Ultra model might run the Snapdragon 888. It does appear that using RAM and storage capacities and elaborate camera setups is reaching a critical mass among desirable specs. At least for now, while consumers still deem 3-4 camera lenses, 8/12GB RAM, and 512GB storage, a considerable amount of hardware, all models in a series running the same processor doesn’t make for the best argument for choosing a more expensive model.
Many brands have found even while showcasing their top device models with an air of luxury and exclusivity, standard models with the lowest amount of RAM and storage are the models, to which the average consumer gravitates the most. Having the 870 to give devices the premium experience of Qualcomm’s 800 chips could help regulate prices that would not only keep standard flagship models price desirable but may also help regulate the premium flagship tier so consumers will consider them more in their budget.
The Snapdragon 870 may also be used as a way to bring down the prices of standout devices, like foldables, which have been staunchly in the $1000+ category since their inception. The Motorola Razr, for example, sells for $1,199, down from $1,3999, but runs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G instead of a top tier processor that many would likely associate with such a unique device. Many brands are expected to put even more effort into developing and releasing mid-tier and lower-end foldables, while also experimenting with newer form factors of malleable devices.
