Top-tier smartphone processors to become pricier

According to recent reports, the upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 9400 is expected to cost around $155 when it hits the market. Meanwhile, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, set for release in 2025, is projected to be even more expensive, with a price tag of $190. This represents a significant 20% price increase compared to last year’s top-tier chips.

This isn’t the first time rumours have circulated about rising smartphone chip prices. Back in June, reputable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted an increase in processor costs, ranging between 20% and 30%.

The latest price surge will undoubtedly impact hardware manufacturers, who are likely to pass these additional costs on to consumers. Consequently, we can expect even higher prices for premium smartphones in the near future.

It’s also possible that HMD Global is considering using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 instead of the Gen 4 for its flagship device, due to cost concerns. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 offers substantial performance upgrades—such as a 56% GPU boost and a nearly 35% increase in single-core CPU performance—the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 could strike a better balance between performance and affordability, still delivering powerful flagship performance.

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