Qualcomm faces a pivotal moment in its branding strategy—a decision that could shape its technological legacy. At the heart of this debate is whether its new midrange Snapdragon chip should carry the esteemed “Elite” label or remain labeled as “Gen 4.”

Qualcomm’s Success Story

Qualcomm’s journey to dominance began with its leap from using generic Arm cores to implementing custom Oryon cores. This strategic pivot led to the development of the Snapdragon X lineup, shaking the status quo held by giants like AMD and Intel.

With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm transferred this success into mobile technology. Android devices saw remarkable performance upgrades, thanks in large part to these bespoke cores.

The Importance of Oryon Cores

The distinction of Qualcomm’s Elite series has always been rooted in their Oryon cores. It’s these cores that deliver the unique power efficiency and responsiveness consumers have come to associate with Snapdragon’s top-of-the-line processors. By utilizing custom designs rather than off-the-shelf alternatives, Qualcomm follows a similar path to Apple’s silicon design, setting a high bar for performance standards and maintaining a premium reputation.

Branding Decisions Ahead

Currently, rumors circulate about the next Snapdragon 8s chip’s name. While some speculate it might adopt the “Elite” label, others suggest “Gen 4” is more apt, given the absence of custom Oryon cores. As stated in Android Central, internal reports suggest this chip is powered purely by standard Arm designs—a necessity for cost-effective production yet a potential threat to brand clarity.

The Power of Names

Branding continues to be crucial in consumer recognition and trust. Just as Sony and Intel have created complex product portfolios, Qualcomm must navigate its naming conventions wisely. Their recent introduction of a cohesive naming strategy at MWC Barcelona 2025 highlights an awareness of the power of clear, descriptive names.

Conclusion: Maintaining an Elite Standard

In summary, preserving the Elite branding exclusively for Oryon core processors ensures a clear, aspirational standard for Qualcomm. As industry watchers and consumers await the final decision, the choice represents more than just naming a chip—it’s about anchoring the Elite status to genuine innovation and maintaining consumer trust in Qualcomm’s ongoing technological endeavors.