Qualcomm is reportedly preparing a “Pro” version of its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor, aimed at delivering slightly higher performance through boosted clock speeds.
According to leaks out of China, the chip — said to carry the identifier SM8735 Pro — is essentially an overclocked version of the standard Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. While no benchmark data has surfaced yet, performance gains are expected to be incremental rather than transformative.
The regular Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 already represents a notable upgrade from its predecessor, offering 31% higher CPU performance, 39% greater power efficiency, and a 49% boost in graphics performance over the 8s Gen 3. The rumored Pro version would build on that foundation, though expectations are tempered — more of a refinement than a major leap.
OnePlus Turbo Could Be First in Line
Industry chatter suggests OnePlus may debut the chipset in its upcoming Turbo series phones, designed to compete with rival devices like Xiaomi’s Redmi Turbo line. These models are expected to emphasize speed and efficiency at mid- to upper mid-range price points, where incremental performance differences can help brands stand out in a crowded Android market.
Broader Market Context
The move also fits into a larger trend. Qualcomm has been producing more specialized chip variants, often tailored to specific manufacturers. Samsung, for example, is rumored to be working with Qualcomm on a custom higher-clocked Snapdragon for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. These variants allow phone makers to market “exclusive” performance features without relying on entirely new silicon.
What’s Next
Qualcomm is expected to clarify details at the upcoming Snapdragon Summit later this month, where it will also officially launch its flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. That event should confirm whether the Pro variant is real, provide official naming, and reveal actual performance numbers.
