Qualcomm has launched its newest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 888, and several smartphone makers are already lining up to use it. As the world's most prominent chipset company, Qualcomm sees its processors powering phones from most major brands, and this latest chip is set to headline a wave of devices arriving in 2021.
Why the Snapdragon 888 matters in 2021
The Snapdragon 888 is positioned as the new year's flagship processor for premium Android phones. With its launch, multiple companies have announced plans to build their upcoming devices around it.
According to Qualcomm, the chip supports 5G alongside a strong gaming, video and communication experience. That combination is exactly what high-end phone makers want for their 2021 flagships.
Smartphones launching with the Snapdragon 888
Several brands have confirmed or are expected to use the new processor. Here is the current lineup based on what each company has shared.
- Realme Race - Realme is first on the list, announcing that the Realme Race will use the new chipset, making it the first smartphone with the latest processor. Details are still scarce, but the phone is said to possibly arrive with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage.
- Red Magic 6 - From Red Magic's sub-brand, the Red Magic 6 series is said to be the world's first gaming phone with the Snapdragon 888, with a launch expected in 2021.
- Oppo Find X3 - Oppo could bring the Find X3 to market in the first quarter of next year with the Snapdragon 888. Oppo has said the phone will feature 10-bit color support.
- Nubia Z series - The Nubia Z series may also be equipped with the new processor. While several phones in this series are already available, the company is expected to launch new models under it with this chip.
- ZTE Axon 30 - Nubia's parent company ZTE will launch its flagship Axon 30 with the Snapdragon 888 in the new year. It is said to include a powerful camera capable of recording video at 2.7 gigapixels per second.
Realme Race leads the pack
Realme Race stands out as the first announced device, giving Realme an early claim to the latest silicon. Beyond the rumored 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, the company has not yet revealed the phone's features.
A strong push from gaming brands
Gaming-focused devices feature heavily here. The Red Magic 6 aims to be the first gaming phone with the chip, while the ZTE Axon 30 leans on its camera credentials. For more launches like these, browse our latest gadgets coverage.
