Smartphone Chip Prices on the Rise: Snapdragon 8 Gen4 and Dimensity 9400 Expected to Be 20% More Expensive

Smartphone Chip Prices on the Rise: Snapdragon 8 Gen4 and Dimensity 9400 Expected to Be 20% More ExpensiveSmartphone manufacturers appear to have another reason to increase prices for their latest generation devices. According to recent leaks, the next-generation flagship processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek are expected to see a price increase of nearly 20%

Smartphone Chip Prices on the Rise: Snapdragon 8 Gen4 and Dimensity 9400 Expected to Be 20% More Expensive

Smartphone manufacturers appear to have another reason to increase prices for their latest generation devices. According to recent leaks, the next-generation flagship processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek are expected to see a price increase of nearly 20%.

Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station has shared alleged pricing for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen4 and MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processors. The leaker claims the upcoming chips will be around 20% more expensive than their predecessors due to associated costs related to TSMC's 3nm manufacturing process. Specifically, the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC is said to be priced at $155, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen4 processor is expected to cost $190.

The leaker appropriately mentions that these are just approximate figures. It's worth noting that processor prices can vary based on various factors, including exclusivity and production volume. Brands like Samsung and Xiaomi might pay different fees for procuring chipsets based on these factors. However, this could ultimately lead to increased smartphone prices, which is not good news for consumers.

This price leak aligns with a previous report by Ming-Chi Kuo, who indicated that flagship processors next year could be 20%-30% more expensive than current ones. He even proposed a price tag of $190 to $200.

In terms of availability, Samsung is expected to introduce the Snapdragon 8 Gen4 processor in its Galaxy S25 series next year. Additionally, there are rumors suggesting that the company might include MediaTek processors in its flagship lineup alongside versions equipped with the Exynos 2500. Xiaomi is expected to launch its Xiaomi 15 series, making the Chinese OEM the first Android smartphone brand globally to introduce a Snapdragon 8 Gen4-powered phone. Asus is anticipated to unveil the ROG Phone 8 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen4 chipset in the first quarter of 2025.

The rising chip prices could put pressure on smartphone manufacturers, forcing them to navigate a delicate balance between increasing product prices and remaining competitive. For consumers, this could mean paying more for next-generation flagship handsets.

It's important to highlight that this information originates from leaks and has not been officially confirmed. However, if the price increase is confirmed, it would have significant repercussions for the entire smartphone market.