Samsung is reportedly hoarding most of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 processors for the Galaxy S8, forcing competitors to use the older Snapdragon 821 processors, reports The Verge. Earlier, Forbes stated that Samsung is expected to release its Galaxy S8 around April 14, and no Android phone before that will feature the 835 chip.
Samsung has first dibs on 835 chips
Forbes noted that the LG G6 will be based on the Snapdragon 821, and it is already known that the HTC U Ultra will use the 2016 chip. There are numerous other reports that agree with Forbes’ release date for the Galaxy S8. Previously, ETNews stated that the Galaxy S8 could be unveiled on April 15.
As of now there is no way to find out how or to what extent the 2017 chip will be better compared to the strong and proven performance of the Snapdragon 821 in devices like Google Pixel and OnePlus 3T. Android enthusiasts are, however, left with no option but to wait for the Galaxy S8 if they want the Snapdragon 835 chip.
One Android manufacturer told The Verge that they are confident working with the 821 processor, whereas others said the 835 was always going to be too late for the phones being released in early spring.
Samsung refrained from using the Snapdragon 820 processors two years ago due to overheating concerns. However, last year, the company entered into a deal with Qualcomm to manufacture Snapdragon 820 processors, and by hoarding the 835 chips, Samsung has continued the relationship with Qualcomm, notes The Verge.
Snapdragon variant of Galaxy S8 may be delayed
Even though the Korean firm segregates its consumer and component manufacturing businesses, Forbes noted that the production deal with Qualcomm had helped Samsung to assess the 835 chips at the earliest. Forbes said that Samsung “has first dibs” on the 835.
Samsung has usually deployed its own Exynos processors and Snapdragon chips, with the later being used in the phones meant for western markets like the U.S. Therefore, even if Samsung launches the Galaxy S8 in Korea in mid-April, its Snapdragon variant will likely come later, notes The Verge.
Unlike previous Galaxy S phones, the Galaxy S8 will not be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), Samsung’s mobile chief Koh Dong-Jin told Reuters. Reuters, however, believes that the release of the Galaxy S8 is delayed to enhance product safety after the Note 7 fiasco. Koh has not revealed when the company is planning to introduce the Galaxy S8.
