Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 release

List of Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Phones To Buy This 2021

Today, Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 was finally released and we already have made the list of confirmed Snapdragon 888 phones to buy in 2021. Moreover, Qualcomm has already announced the partnered brands which will feature the Snapdragon 888. These include:

  • Asus
  • Black Shark
  • Lenovo
  • LG
  • Meizu
  • Motorola
  • Nubia
  • Realme
  • OnePlus
  • OPPO
  • Sharp
  • vivo
  • Xiaomi
  • ZTE

So we will be seeing one and more than one flagships from these brands incorporating SD 888. So, let’s start the list:

Note: All these are expected phones of 2021, the images, specs, and price are

List of Snapdragon 888 Phones

1. Xiaomi Mi 11 series (world premiere of the first SD 855 phone on January)

Xiaomi Mi 11 Concept Design

Expected Price: 500 USD for Mi 11, 600 USD for Mi 11 Pro

Xiaomi Mi 11 series will be the first to feature SD 888 in our list of Snapdragon 888 phones. Usually, it’s Samsung, but not this time, as Xiaomi has promised us that Mi 11 would be the world premiere of SD 888, in January. Now speaking about the specs, the phone might move to a borderless QHD+ OLED display in the Pro version and an FHD+ OLED display in the standard version. 120Hz refresh rate will be present in both. The standard version will have a 6GB/128GB and 8GB/128GB variant, while the Pro version will have an 8GB/256GB variant, and the Transparent/Exploratory version might have a 12GB/512GB version. The RAM would be LPDDR5 and ROM UFS 3.1

The phone will also feature the new Sony IMX 7xx series in the Pro version, while the standard one will have the Sony 108MP quad-camera setup, much better than one found in Mi 10T Pro and Mi Note 10 Pro. Apart from this, other specs include stereo speakers, NFC, WiFi 6, 4500mAh battery, 65W fast charging (standard version), and 100W ultra-fast charging (Pro version). A 33W fast Qi wireless charging will also be present with a reverse charge option (for Pro version).

2. Nubia Red Magic 6

Nubia Red Magic 6 5G

Expected Price: 470 USD

Nubia officials announced that SD 888 will be used inside the Nubia Red Magic 6. Mi 11 is the first SD 888 phone, however, Nubia Magic 6 might be the first SD 888 gaming phone. So, the phone might upgrade its design to something with RGB lighting, a red-colored Red Magic Logo. RAM and ROM are expected to 8GB/12GB (LPDDR5) + 128GB/256GB (UFS 3.1). Since it’s a gaming phone, Nubia will also update its Gaming Mode as well. The phone will also improve its cooling system as well and might provide some gaming buttons as well this time.

The rear cameras will upgrade to triple-rear camera configuration where the primary camera will be a 64MP Sony IMX686. As for the battery, it will have a 4700mAh battery to ensure longer gameplay. A gamepad and cooling pad will also be launched exclusively with the phone.

3. Samsung Galaxy S30 series

Expected Price: 999 USD basic version, 1199 USD plus version, 1399 USD ultra version

The yearly flagship from Samsung will continue with the S30 series. Like always we will be seeing an Exynos 1000 variant and a Snapdragon 888 variant. The QHD AMOLED display will likely continue but without a notch this time and a much-curved display. The S30 ultra might even bring a 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung previously said that they will be bringing back the 3.5mm audio jack in flagships. It will be a glass + metal built with the same IP68 waterproof protection.

As for the camera, we will be seeing a 64MP quad-camera configuration in the standard variant and a 108MP quad-camera configuration in the ultra version.

4. Poco F3 Pro

Poco F3 Pro Snapdragon 888 phones

Expected Price: starting at $360

Similar to the F2 Pro, which is the cheapest Snapdragon 865 phone, the upcoming Poco F3 Pro will also be the cheapest Snapdragon 888 phone. It will continue using the FHD+ AMOLED display but is now upgraded to the 120Hz refresh rate and 240hz sampling rate. The cooling system will be upgraded. The built will significantly improve with the glass + metal design. It is rumored that the borderless display with be retained and either the under-display front camera will be used or a front motorized camera.

As for the rear camera, it will be a Quad camera configuration where the primary camera is expected to be 108MP similar to the Mi Note 10. The battery size is expected to be 4700mAh along with 66W fast charging.

5. OnePlus 9 series

OnePlus 9 Pro renders Snapdragon 888 phones

Expected Price: 890 USD standard, 990 USD Pro

OnePlus 9 teased us about the Snapdragon 888 to be used inside the upcoming 2021’s flagship OnePlus 9 series. The series will retain the 6.7” FHD+ 90Hz AMOLED display in the standard version and an FHD+/Quad-HD 144Hz in the Pro version. The punch-hole design will be continued with the integrated front camera.

As for the rear camera, there are renders hinting at a quad-camera configuration in the Pro version where the two cameras are prominent A wide and ultra-wide. The third is the tele lens, while the fourth one is unknown. It is rumored that the controversial IR camera will be reintroduced as well. As for the battery, the OnePlus 8 will feature a 4300mAh battery and a 4650mAh in the Pro version. 65W Warp Charging will be available in both, but the Pro version will also support 30W wireless charging and reverse charging as well.

6. OPPO Find X3 series

OPPO Find X3 renders

Expected Price: 999 USD

One of the premium and expensive flagships, the OPPO Find X3 series is expected to be one of the most expensive Snapdragon 888 phones. Every time we see innovation from OPPO in the Find X series. This time it could be a waterfall screen with the most extreme curve or an under-screen front camera.

As for the camera, OPPO confirmed that it will premiere the new generation of Sony IMX7xx sensor, allowing it to lead in camera performance. We’ll find that soon.

7. Realme X70 Pro / Realme Race

Realme Race

Expected Price: 599 USD

Realme X50 Pro featured SD 865, the new generation which is X70 or X100 will feature the SD 888. It will cover the downside of the previous model which is the introduction of a 120Hz, 6.5″ AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution. Moreover, the battery capacity might also increase from 4200mAh to 4500mAh while continuing the 65W fast charging.

The camera was also in the cons. Realme might plan to upgrade the camera sensor to Sony IMX868 with the same quad-camera arrangement.

8. Asus ROG Gaming Phone 4

Asus ROG Phone 4

Expected Price: 810 USD

Even though we see a Snapdragon 865+ in the ROG Phone 3, and the new generation should use a Snapdragon 888+ SoC, however, Asus did confirm that it will use SD 888 in its upcoming phone. So, it should be ROG Phone 4. Later, in Q3 2021, Asus can simply release a ROG Phone 4 Pro, if Qualcomm plans on releasing the SD 888+.

So, it will continue the iconic gaming design with the sRGB and maybe this time with some dedicated gaming buttons on the phone itself. The phone might continue the 144Hz refresh rate or even 160Hz. Previously Asus ROG Phone 3 wasn’t that great in terms of the screen-to-body ratio, however, this ratio might increase in the upcoming 4th generation. The powerful 6000mAh battery will be retained but with the new 65W super-fast charging.

9. Black Shark 4

Xiaomi-Black-Shark-4

Expected Price: 430 USD

Black Shark 4 will continue to be a flagship-level gaming phone incorporating the Snapdragon 888 SoC accompanied by 8GB/12GB LPDDR5 and 128GB/256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 storage. Taking inspiration from the Asus ROG Phone 3, it will add the sRGB feature. What’s more, is that it will definitely upgrade its display to FHD+ 144Hz with a better full-screen design along with the touch sampling rate exceeding 300Hz. There will be an in-screen fingerprint reader, NFC, and WiFi 6 + 5G dual-mode optimized with better latency.

The camera might also upgrade to a quad-camera configuration with the 64MP Sony IMX868 and the addition of the ToF lens or telescope lens. Later when SD 888+ releases, Black Shark 4 Pro will also release featuring it with the QHD+ display.

10. Vivo iQOO 6/7

OPPO iQOO 6

Expected Price: 600 USD

Another gaming phone on our list of Snapdragon 888 phones, Vivo iQOO 6 will be an interesting gaming phone of 2021 featuring the SD 888. With the upgraded 144Hz AMOLED dual-edge display it will compete with Black Shark 4 and ROG Phone 4. The peak brightness will also increase to 1500 cd/m2. Followed by the improved 4D game vibration, and an upgraded Superconducting VC liquid-cooled heat sink, it will bring more of a gaming console feeling.

The battery capacity might also increase as well to 5000mAh along with the same iconic 120W fast charging.

11. Vivo NEX 4

Vivo Nex 4 renders leaked

Expected Price: 690 USD

At no,11 of our list of Snapdragon 888 phones, is the Vivo NEX 4. Instead of the iQOO series concerned with gaming, the NEX series is all about aesthetics and feel. Vivo NEX 4 might bring the waterfall screen with extreme curves like OPPO Find X3, an in-display front camera, in-display fingerprint reader, to provide a full-screen experience close to 100%.

As for the camera, it will move to Sony’s upcoming 108MP quad rear camera configuration with the addition of ToF or Telescope lens providing up to 50x hybrid zoom and 10x digital zoom. The 4500mAh battery will be retained but with the iconic 120W fast charging feature.

12. Redmi K40 Pro

Redmi K40 Pro

Expected Price: 399 USD

Redmi K40 Pro along with Poco F3 Pro will be the cheapest Snapdragon 888 phones. This time Redmi might provide a 90 or 120HZ refresh rate to the 6.7″ AMOLED FHD+ display of K40 Pro along with a 244Hz touch sampling rate. A motorized front camera will be retained to provide a full-screen bezel-less experience. Storage might also upgrade to UFS 3.1 along with an improved cooling system.

Samsung 108MP rear camera will be used in a quad-rear camera arrangement. Meanwhile, the 4700mAh will remain the same but the fast charging will improve to 65W watts.

13. Sony Xperia 1 III

Sony Xperia 1 III

Expected Price: 899 USD

Sony Xperia 1 III is also the contender as one of the Snapdragon 888 phones. The third generation of the Xperia 1 lineup is likely to retain the slim classic brick shape along with the punch-hole design.

Similar to the OPPO Find X series, it will also feature a Sony IMX8xx sensor with the upgraded quad-camera configuration along with a ToF sensor. The battery will increase to the rumored 4200mAh accompanied by the 33W fast charging and wireless charging.

14. Motorolla Moto Edge 2+

motorola-edge-plus

Expected Price: 999 USD

The flagship series from Motorola which started last year will reach its 2nd generation (one of the Snapdragon 888 phones). The Motorola Moto Edge 2+ will feature the same extreme curved screen design but this time with an under-screen camera, offering a complete full-screen experience. As one of the Snapdragon 888 phones, it will top the benchmark as well in the Android camp with features like UFS 3.1 storage and LPDDR5 RAM. As for the refresh rate, it will increase from 90Hz to 120Hz.

Moto Edge 2+ camera configuration will also level-up to Sony’s upcoming 108MP sensor and a quad-rear camera configuration including 108MP primary + 24MP Ultra wide-angle + 16MP telescope + 8MP portrait lens. The phone will be powered by the same 5000mAh battery but with fast charging which will be 33W.

15. LG V70 ThinQ

LG V70 Thinq

Expected Price: 819 USD

Finally, in our list of snapdragon 888 phones is the lineup with LG’s own FullVision pOLED display the ‘V ThinQ series’. The seventh generation of the phone LG V70 ThinQ is expected to be powered by Snapdragon 888 along with 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 ROM. It will continue the iconic dual-screen fold design from the previous LG V60 ThinQ. The phone thickness will decrease for better portability and the durability of the hinge will increase.

Moreover, a 108MP triple-rear camera will be on the back. The battery is around 5000mAh but with 33W fast charging.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Specs

Snapdragon 888 is Qualcomm’s flagship-level SoC to be used inside flagships of each brand. It features the new 5nm process, 1 x Cortex X1 super core, 3 x Cortex A78 big core, and 4 x Cortex A55 cores. The core configuration is unbeatable scoring a rumored AnTuTu benchmark of around 880,000 points. It also integrates an X60 5G baseband which is Qualcomm’s first integrated 5G modem with the 5G performance outperforming that of Apple A14 Bionic. Moreover, the Adreno 660 and 3rd generation of Snapdragon Elite Gaming now allows gaming at 144 fps.

SoC Snapdragon 888 (SM8350)
Process 5nm EUV (Samsung) (25% more power-efficient than SD865)
CPU 1 x Cortex-X1 @2.84GHz (25% increase in performance) 

3 x Cortex-A78 @2.4GHz

4 x Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz

GPU Adreno 660 (33% faster than Adreno 650) (144 fps)
AI/DSP Hexagon 700 (3x power-efficient) (26 TOPS)
AnTuTu v8 880,000+ Points (rumored)
Camera
Spectra 580 ISP
Triple Camera, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 24MP

Dual Camera, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 64 MP

Single Camera, MFNR, ZSL, 30fps: Up to 84MP

Single Camera: Up to 200 MP

Slow Motion Video Capture: 720p @ 960 FPS

Video Capture Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HEVC

Video Capture Features: Rec. 2020 color gamut video capture, 4K HDR with Computational HD, 8K video capture at 30fps, Up to 10-bit color depth video capture

Video Capture
7680 × 4320 pixels
Memory

Memory Type:

LPDDR5

Max Memory Size:

16GB
Storage
UFS 3.1
Features Snapdragon Elite Gaming, Game Quick Touch, HDR10+, Qualcomm Sensing Hub 2nd Gen, aptX, advanced AI, Hypervisor, Quick Charge 5 (100W+), Trupic
Connectivity
Network:
2G / 3G / 4G / 5G Multi-Mode
Max DL (7.5 Gbps)
Max UL (3 Gbps)

Wi-Fi Antenna:

4-Stream (2×2 + 2×2)

Wi-Fi:

Wi-Fi 6 and 6E (a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
Fastest mobile WiFi with speed up to 3.6Gbps

Bluetooth Version:

5.2
Display Support
4K+
144Hz
Phones TBA (Xiaomi Mi 11, Samsung Galaxy S30, and more)

We hope that you liked our list of Snapdragon 888 phones to buy this 2021. Did we miss any phone? Which one is your favorite? Do let us know in the comments!