Samsung Galaxy S25 Series May Cost More Than the S24 Line – Here’s Why

Samsung’s flagship smartphones are already among the most premium devices in the market, but if rumours are to be believed, the upcoming Galaxy S25 series could be even pricier than the S24 line. This anticipated price hike can largely be attributed to the new chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. According to a reputable leaker (@UniverseIce via NotebookCheck), the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to cost manufacturers 20.68% more than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which would result in a higher price for consumers.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4: A Game-Changer with a Price Tag

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is anticipated to be a major improvement over its predecessor, offering better performance, enhanced AI capabilities, and improved energy efficiency. However, this leap in technology comes at a significant cost. Qualcomm has reportedly set the price for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 at $240, a $40 increase from the Gen 3. For reference, this translates to around £185 in the UK and AU$360 in Australia.

This 20.68% increase is substantial, and it’s likely that smartphone manufacturers like Samsung will pass these costs on to consumers, leading to higher prices for devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy Z Fold 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

Factors Influencing the Price of the Galaxy S25

While the increased chipset price is a significant factor, it’s important to consider other elements that influence smartphone pricing. Samsung is a major player in the industry, producing millions of phones annually. This volume might allow them to negotiate better prices with Qualcomm, potentially offsetting some of the increased costs.

Additionally, the price of a smartphone depends on much more than just the processor. Other factors such as RAM, storage, camera technology, display advancements, and battery life all play a role in determining the final price of a device. Therefore, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 might push prices up, there are other areas where costs could be adjusted.

Could Samsung Explore Alternative Chipsets?

There’s also speculation that Samsung could mitigate the price hike by turning to alternative chipsets. Samsung has historically used its own Exynos processors in certain regions for its Galaxy S-series phones, and the company could increase reliance on this in-house technology to keep costs down.

In addition to Exynos, there’s MediaTek, which has been making significant strides in chipset performance and efficiency in recent years. If the price of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 becomes too prohibitive, Samsung could look at MediaTek as a viable alternative for some of its devices. This would allow Samsung to maintain competitive pricing while still offering top-tier performance.

Impact on the Smartphone Market

The price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will not just affect Samsung but could also impact other manufacturers such as OnePlus, Xiaomi, Sony, and others that rely on Qualcomm processors for their flagship devices. If the price increase is passed on across the board, we may see higher prices for Android flagship phones in general.

This trend could also push manufacturers to seek alternative solutions, perhaps driving innovation in chipset design and partnerships with companies like MediaTek. For consumers, this could mean a broader range of choices when it comes to performance and pricing in the smartphone market.

Should You Wait for the Galaxy S25?

If you’re thinking about upgrading your smartphone in the near future, the rumoured price hike of the Galaxy S25 might give you pause. The Samsung Galaxy S24 series, set to launch earlier, will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which offers excellent performance and is already available at a slightly lower price point. For those who don’t need the absolute latest chipset, the S24 could be a more affordable option while still offering top-tier features.

However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance and the latest technology, waiting for the Galaxy S25 could be worth the potential price increase. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 promises to be a powerhouse, especially for those who demand the best in mobile gaming, AI processing, and multitasking performance.