Emir BardakçıRecent developments in the flagship smartphone sector have highlighted significant competition surrounding the forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850) processor. Leaks suggest that OPPO may secure an advantage through its Find X9 Ultra, which is reportedly undergoing rigorous camera system testing. This has prompted scrutiny regarding Xiaomi’s preparedness and raised questions about the timing of its next-generation 16 series release.
Major smartphone manufacturers—including Samsung, OPPO, and Xiaomi—are evidently preparing to launch devices integrating Qualcomm’s latest chip, which is anticipated for release in the first half of 2025. The current competitive environment suggests that the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 could precipitate an industry-wide shift in flagship device timelines.
OPPO’s Innovation in Mobile Imaging
Reports from Digital Chat Station indicate that OPPO is investing in advanced camera technology for the Find X9 Ultra. The engineering prototype features a complex configuration: a primary 200MP sensor, three 50MP lenses, dual periscope technology, and focal length adjustment. The primary sensor, measuring 1/1.3 inches, is paired with a notably large 3X periscope system.
Further, OPPO is undertaking AB testing between two different camera arrays. One alternative includes a 200MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, 200MP periscope telephoto, and an additional 50MP periscope super-telephoto. This extensive evaluation underscores OPPO’s intent to lead in mobile photography innovation.
Technical Advancements in Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor represents a significant technological leap. Its GPU cache increases from 12MB to 16MB, promising up to a 30% improvement in performance. The chip supports both PDDR5X and LPDDR6 memory, thereby enhancing future-proofing for forthcoming devices.
Manufactured on TSMC’s advanced N3P process, the SM8850 is engineered with two prime and six performance Oryon cores, alongside the new Adreno 840 GPU. These specifications position the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 as a substantial upgrade over current flagship solutions.
Xiaomi 16: Current Status and Information Gaps
While the Xiaomi 16 series is rumored to be in testing with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (referenced in HyperOS 2.0 code), detailed specifications remain undisclosed. Unlike OPPO’s transparent approach to camera development, Xiaomi has not released substantial information regarding its new flagship. This lack of detail may indicate either a cautious development strategy or potential delays in finalizing hardware and features.
Implications for the Smartphone Market
Projections suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S26 will become the first major device to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, likely launching in early 2025. Nevertheless, OPPO’s accelerated testing schedule could enable an earlier release. Should Xiaomi encounter development delays, it may miss the opportunity to compete in the initial wave of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 flagships.
In this competitive landscape, rapid development and timely release are critical. Xiaomi’s traditional value proposition—performance for price—may not be sufficient if the company cannot expedite its development process.
For dedicated Xiaomi users, platforms such as HyperOS Updates and the MemeOS Enhancer app (available on the Play Store) offer resources for monitoring system updates and accessing advanced features.
Source: ITHome
