logo
Report hints at no price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 — and that's good news for the Galaxy S26

Report hints at no price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 — and that's good news for the Galaxy S26

Tom's Guide5 days ago
When it comes to flagship Android phones and chips, Qualcomm's run of Snapdragon 8 processors have been the go to for the best Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Part of the problem is Qualcomm has raised the prices for its flagship system-on-chip every year for the last couple of generations. And that may have contributed to price increases on phones powered by that silicon.
However, a new report from regular leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo indicates that Qualcomm might not raise prices on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. According to a machine translation of that DCS post, the "new machine can theoretically maintain the original price."
Qualcomm's Gen 2 chip is rumored to make a massive leap in both CPU and GPU performance, so little or no movement on price is a big deal.
With tariffs affecting everything from cheap clothing to phone chips and beyond, there have been reports that companies that use Qualcomm's chip like Xiaomi, Honor and Oppo have been looking for more Chinese-made silicon to power their phones. It's not clear at this time how close those companies are to weaning off of Qualcomm.
On a bigger level every year, reports circulate that Samsung might turn to its own Exynos chips instead of the latest Snapdragon to be the primary SoCs for its premium Galaxy devices. Next year's Samsung Galaxy S26 and the rumored Exynos 2600 is no different.
For the most part, that hasn't happened as Samsung's phones have largely featured the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 chipset, save of the Exynos 2500-powered Galaxy Z Flip 7.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
If Qualcomm's chip retains a similar price, it might mean that next year's S26 lineup receives beefier upgrades in other components since Samsung won't be spending as much money on its processor.
Typically, Qualcomm reveals its flagship SoCs in the fall. So we'll know more about how advanced Gen 2 will be later this fall, and potentially its cost.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 Regains Foldable Throne After Years
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 Regains Foldable Throne After Years

Forbes

time26 minutes ago

  • Forbes

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 Regains Foldable Throne After Years

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is so thin Ben Sin Over a 12-month stretch between 2019 and 2020, Samsung invented the foldable phone industry that we know today. In 2019, it was the South Korean tech giant which released the first functional, useable foldable phone (I had to add the descriptive caveats because a now-bankrupted Chinese company named Royole had rushed out a foldable phone before Samsung, but it was only sold in China and did not operate too well), and then a year later, Samsung also released the first flip phone style compact foldable. Fold 7 in the hand Ben Sin But while Samsung pioneered the tech, Chinese brands soon took that idea and began engineering superior foldable hardware. Starting in 2021, when Huawei released the Mate X2, all the way to last year, when Oppo released the Find N5, Chinese foldable phones were flat out superior in hardware in almost every way that mattered: they were thinner, lighter, with bigger batteries, bigger camera sensors, and screens with a less prominent crease at the folding point. Samsung's 2022 foldable, Fold 4 (left) next to Xiaomi's 2022 foldable (right). Look at the difference in thickness. Yet Xiaomi's foldable had a larger battery and better cameras. Ben Sin It took a few years, but Samsung has finally stepped up, and its new Galaxy Z Fold 7 features hardware that more than catches up — and even surpasses — the competition. Significantly thinner compared to last generation The new Fold 7 (left) next to the Fold 6 Ben Sin The biggest change to the Fold 7 is that it has slimmed down drastically. Last year's Fold 6 measured 12.2mm thick when folded. This year's Fold 7 measures just 8.9mm, which is either the number one or two thinnest in the industry right now (Honor is claiming to be thinner at 8.8mm but there have been some disputes). The three latest foldable phones right now Ben Sin If you compare the Fold 7 just against previous Samsung foldables, the new thinness is absolutely jaw-dropping. The phone is also much lighter, at 217g, compared to 239g last year. From worst crease to arguably best crease Samsung's Fold 7 also reduces the display crease at the folding point. The crease is still noticeable if you actively look for it, but it is not as deep or jarring as previous generations of Samsung foldables. Fold 7 screen Ben Sin The method by which Samsung used to reduce the crease appears to be the exact same method Chinese brands have been using for years: allowing a small amount of space in the hinge for the screen to fold in a curved form instead of a straight fold. (The below marketing image is from Chinese brands OPPO/OnePlus, but Samsung's hinge uses this same mechanism to reduce the crease). This is a marketing image released by OPPO/OnePlus for its foldable phone two years ago. But Samsung's hinge now uses this same mechanism. OnePlus But to my eyes, Samsung's Fold 7 crease is even less noticeable (shallower) than the crease in all my other Chinese foldable phones. I feel like the crease in my Honor Magic V5 and Vivo X Fold 5 (both just as new as the Fold 7), has slightly deeper grooves at the folding point. In other words, Samsung's crease went from the worst in the industry to the best. This isn't new tech, however I need to make clear here that almost every improvement the Fold 7 has made -- slimming down, reducing crease -- are not new tech, and in fact, Samsung is merely catching up to the Chinese competition. For me, who has seen all the latest Chinese foldables, the Fold 7 makes me think "about time" more than "wow this is so amazing." Fold 7 in the hand Ben Sin However, Chinese foldables are not available worldwide (they're virtually non-existent in North America and South Korea). So for people who have only seen Samsung's foldables in the past, the Fold 7 will appear very, very impressive to them. Other bits make the Fold 7 the most polished foldable Fold 7 in folded form Ben Sin In addition to the new slimdown and display, the Fold 7 brings back the best-in-class hinge (which has always been a strength of Samsung foldables). The Fold 7 is also powered by a special edition of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite that's a bit over-clocked, so it is technically the most powerful silicon in the Android realm right now. Add all these things together, and one can make a case that the Samsung Fold 7 hardware is the best in the industry. This was something I could not say from 2021 to 2024. The camera system of the Fold 7, however, are just solid, but unremarkable. There's a new 200-megapixel main camera that can grab some good looking images, but the 10-megapixel 3X zoom lens is dated, and falls behind the Periscope cameras offered by Chinese competition. The 12-megapixel ultrawide is solid if shooting under good lighting scenarios. Overall, Samsung's camera system is fine for a foldable, but does fall behind Vivo's last two generation of foldable cameras. Fold 7 Ben Sin Battery capacity is also on the low side compared to the competition, at 4,400 mAh. Other foldables, like the Honor Magic V5 or Vivo X Fold 5, pack batteries north of 5,500 mAh in a similar form factor. That's because Chinese brands use a new battery tech known as silicon carbon that is more energy-dense. Samsung has so far avoided using this new battery tech. Considering Samsung's past history with batteries, it is understandable why the company is cautious, but I do need to point out Chinese foldables have been using these batteries for two years and I have not heard any reports of them malfunctioning. Still, the Fold 7 battery life should be enough to last an average Joe all day. I am a heavy user who is always outside (I do not work a 9-5, and I do not like to sit at home), and this phone could still last me about 10 hours of use. For a less active person, who's stuck in the office 8-9 hours a day, or who drives everywhere, the Fold 7 will be able to finish their entire day with enough juice to spare. The Fold 7 is a hit at home in Korea, and will be worldwide Reports out of South Korea show the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a major hit in its home country, as it has shattered Samsung's pre-order records. And I think the Fold 7 will have similar success worldwide (maybe except inside China, where Samsung has almost no market presence). Fold 7's outside screen next to the Fold 6. Ben Sin Despite Chinese foldables being clearly superior the past few years, various factors (some out of their control) have prevented Chinese foldables from reaching mainstream appeal. Samsung's superior brand power, marketing, and physical retail presence has kept its outdated foldables the last couple years afloat; now that Samsung actually has up-to-date, bleeding edge hardware? I expect the Fold 7 to be a hit from U.K. to Germany, Hong Kong to Singapore. As a tech reviewer, I must still say: about time, Samsung. Now let's not wait four years until your next hardware push.

Dooari - The Best Online Gadget Store in Bangladesh
Dooari - The Best Online Gadget Store in Bangladesh

Time Business News

timean hour ago

  • Time Business News

Dooari - The Best Online Gadget Store in Bangladesh

Online shopping in Bangladesh is booming, especially for gadgets. With so many options out there, finding a reliable platform feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's where Dooari steps in. It offers a vast selection, great prices, and top-notch service all in one place. If you're hunting for smartphones, accessories, or tech gadgets, Dooari is your best bet. Keep reading to discover why this store stands out—covering product variety, shopping ease, customer support, and what makes Dooari a trusted name in Bangladesh. Dooari has earned a solid reputation over the years for being trustworthy and popular. As more Bangladeshis shop online for gadgets, demand keeps rising. Customers are tired of scams and low-quality items, and Dooari answers with authenticity and quality control. It's growing fast, thanks to positive reviews and recognition from tech experts. Whether you want the latest smartphone or accessories, Dooari ranks high in customer choice for reliability. Dooari offers a huge variety of tech gear. From the newest smartphones to handy accessories, smartwatches, and home electronics—there's something for everyone. Popular brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Apple are on display, ensuring you find trusted names. This variety makes it easy to find what suits your needs or upgrade your entire tech setup. Staying up-to-date isn't a problem with Dooari. They focus on new launches and trending tech products. You can find the latest flagship smartphones, foldable devices, or the newest smart home gadgets. Recently, they added the latest Xiaomi Redmi series and Samsung Galaxy updates for eager tech lovers. Shopping here means grabbing hot-off-the-press gadgets before they sell out. Dooari works hard to keep prices competitive. Regular discounts, seasonal sales, and bundle offers make high-quality tech more affordable. Plus, they feature exclusive online deals that you won't find elsewhere. These savings help Bangladeshi shoppers get the best value without sacrificing quality. Browsing on Dooari feels smooth. The site is clean, and categories are clearly marked. Use the search bar, filters, or browse by brand or price. Finding that perfect gadget takes moments, not hours. The layout gives you all the info you need upfront, making shopping easy. Pay securely through various methods—cash on delivery, mobile banking apps, or credit/debit cards. All transactions are protected with strong encryption. There's no need to worry about your data or fraud; your safety is a top priority. Dooari prides itself on quick delivery, especially in major cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna. Orders usually arrive within 24-72 hours. They partner with trusted logistics companies to ensure your gadgets reach on time and in perfect condition. Plus, order tracking keeps you updated from purchase to doorstep. Need help? Dooari's support team is available via phone, live chat, or email. They respond quickly, usually within a few hours. Customers appreciate their friendly, efficient assistance whenever questions arise. Products come with clear warranty terms. If you receive a faulty item, Dooari's hassle-free return process makes exchanges simple. Customer satisfaction is at the core of their service. Many users shared positive stories of their smooth returns and quick refunds. Word-of-mouth counts. Shoppers praise Dooari's genuine products and honest service. Many testimonials highlight how they found both price and quality better than other stores. This feedback fuels more Bangladeshi consumers to trust and buy from Dooari. Dooari promises genuine products, not fake or knock-offs. They source directly from brands or authorized distributors. Quality checks ensure each gadget is brand new and working perfectly. Buying here is a guarantee of authenticity. Exclusive discounts and special promos make Dooari stand apart. Price match guarantees further ensure Bangladeshi shoppers get the best deal possible. It's shopping with confidence. Dooari understands the specific needs of Bangladeshi tech users. They offer products suited for local networks, power supplies, and budgets. This regional focus means a better shopping experience tailored for you. Dooari stays active in local tech communities and runs regular promotions. They sponsor tech events and give back through free workshops or discounts. This involvement shows they care about their customers beyond just sales. Top tech influencers in Bangladesh often endorse Dooari. They praise the site for honest service and genuine products. The company has also received awards for best online gadget store, adding to its credibility. For example, TechBangla recently named Dooari as the most reliable gadget seller in Dhaka. Use promo codes for extra discounts—these are often posted on their social pages. Always verify product authenticity by checking seller ratings and reviews. Read customer reviews before buying. They reveal real user experiences. Make a wishlist before shopping sales to avoid missing deals. Save receipts and warranties to prevent future issues. Dooari has earned its spot as Bangladesh's top online gadget shop for good reason. The vast product variety, affordable prices, reliable service, and genuine quality make it a go-to choice. Whether you're upgrading your phone or buying smart home gear, Dooari helps you shop smart. If you want a trustworthy, stress-free tech shopping experience, visit Dooari today and see why it's the best in Bangladesh. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

China, Chips, and Chaos: Where Smart Investors Are Putting Their Money Now
China, Chips, and Chaos: Where Smart Investors Are Putting Their Money Now

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

China, Chips, and Chaos: Where Smart Investors Are Putting Their Money Now

As geopolitical tensions rise and global supply chains shift, investors around the world are focusing on one of today's most important industries: semiconductors. China is working hard to become self-sufficient in chip technology, whereas the U.S. is attempting to prevent the export of advanced chips in order to maintain its technological advantage. All this is happening while artificial intelligence (AI) advances at a rapid pace. These factors are creating a fast-moving, risky, but potentially lucrative market for investors. Amid the chaos, savvy investors prefer long-term stability to distraction. Here are two stocks that show where true innovation and resilience lie: More News from Barchart Dear Palantir Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for August 4 The 3 Buffett-Backed Dividend Stocks That Beat the Market in 2025 Should You Buy the Post-Earnings Plunge in Intel Stock? Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now! Rising Star #1: Qualcomm Valued at $174.4 billion, Qualcomm (QCOM) develops and sells advanced semiconductors and wireless technologies, primarily for mobile phones, automotive systems, Internet of Things devices, and AI applications. It is best known for its Snapdragon processors. QCOM stock is up 3% year-to-date. Qualcomm's robust second quarter showcased the strength of its business model. Qualcomm reported a 15% increase in adjusted revenues to $10.8 billion year over year, with adjusted earnings of $2.85, representing 17% growth. The majority of this strength stemmed from the company's chip business, the Qualcomm CDMA Technologies (QCT) segment, which generated $9.5 billion. This was driven by strong growth in automotive (up 59%), IoT (up 27%), and handsets (up 12%). The Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL) licensing business contributed another $1.3 billion to overall revenue. Qualcomm continues to dominate the premium mobile market with its Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, which is regarded as one of the world's most powerful smartphone chipsets. Its Snapdragon X platform is also rapidly expanding into the PC market, to surpass its goal of 100 designs by 2026. Beyond mobile, Qualcomm is aggressively expanding into automotive, with the Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform helping it reach $8 billion in automotive revenue by fiscal 2029. Extended Reality (XR) is emerging as another growth driver, aided by Snapdragon technology and collaborations with Meta Platforms (META) and Samsung. The company intends to generate $2 billion in XR revenues by fiscal 2029. Qualcomm returned $2.7 billion to shareholders via dividends and buybacks, showing strong free cash flow generation and management confidence. The company has also committed to returning 100% of free cash flow to shareholders this fiscal year, citing strong fundamentals and a scalable model. Concerning China, Qualcomm continues to be a key player in the Chinese smartphone ecosystem, where local subsidies have increased flagship shipments. Management stated that the company's Q3 guidance takes current tariffs into account, also admitting that the trade landscape remains dynamic. Qualcomm has also taken steps to diversify its business, both geographically and across sectors, to reduce its reliance on a single region or product category. Overall, Wall Street rates QCOM stock a 'Moderate Buy.' Out of the 32 analysts that cover the stock, 15 rate it a 'Strong Buy,' one suggests a 'Moderate Buy,' 15 rate it a 'Hold,' and one rates it a 'Strong Sell.' Its average target price of $179.04 suggests an upside potential of 13% from current levels. Its high target price of $225 implies a potential upside of 42% in the next 12 months. Rising Star #2: Broadcom Valued at $1.3 trillion, Broadcom (AVGO) designs, develops, and distributes a wide range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products. Its diverse portfolio includes networking chips, enterprise storage, broadband, and wireless communication. Broadcom also provides enterprise software solutions for cybersecurity, storage, and mainframes. AVGO stock is up 24.8% year to date, outperforming the broader market. Broadcom reported staggering revenue of $15 billion in the second quarter, up 20% year over year. AI semiconductor revenue soared to $4.4 billion, up 46%, marking nine consecutive quarters of consistent growth. This growth was driven by custom AI accelerators (chips designed for specific hyperscaler clients) and AI networking, which account for 40% of AI semiconductor revenue. Management confidently forecasts 60% AI revenue growth in Q3 2025, which is expected to continue into fiscal 2026, cementing AI semiconductors as its long-term growth driver. Furthermore, software is no longer a side hustle for Broadcom. It has strengthened its position in software through strategic acquisitions such as VMware for $69 billion, which officially closed in 2024. Its infrastructure software segment generated $6.6 billion in revenue, up 25% YoY, accounting for 44% of total company revenue. Over 87% of Broadcom's top 10,000 customers now use VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). Furthermore, the company is converting customers from perpetual licenses to subscription-based ARR, resulting in more predictable revenue. Looking ahead, major cloud players are expected to continue to invest, demand for training and inference workloads will rise, and software adoption will remain strong, painting a positive long-term outlook. Broadcom is not only growing rapidly, but also profitably. Adjusted earnings increased 44% to $1.58 per share in Q2. The company also generated $6.4 billion in free cash flow, paying out $2.8 billion in dividends and $4.2 billion worth of share repurchases. Despite rising U.S.-China tech tensions, Broadcom is well-positioned to thrive. It does not rely heavily on high-end GPUs with export restrictions. Overall, Wall Street rates AVGO stock a 'Strong Buy.' Out of the 36 analysts that cover the stock, 32 rate it a 'Strong Buy,' one suggests a 'Moderate Buy,' and three rate it a 'Hold.' Its average target price of $298.55 suggests an upside potential of 3% from current levels. Its high target price of $400 implies a potential upside of 38% in the next 12 months. The Key Takeaway No doubt, the U.S.-China chip war presents significant challenges. Export controls, shifting alliances, and technology bans may all cause short-term turbulence. However, the best way to profit from the semiconductor boom may be to invest in companies that can adapt, endure, and grow in uncertain times. Both Qualcomm and Broadcom serve this purpose. On the date of publication, Sushree Mohanty did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store