$QCOM: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Outpaces Apple — But $75M Settlement Overhang Remains

Court: S.D. California

Case: 3:17-cv-00121

Qualcomm QCOM has shaken the mobile industry with the debut of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, billed as the fastest mobile processor globally. The chip delivers 20% CPU, 23% GPU, and 37% NPU performance gains, targeting high-end Android smartphones and challenging Apple’s A19 Pro chip. Shares have drawn strong investor attention, with the new launch positioning Qualcomm to expand into PCs, IoT, and automotive. Yet, despite this momentum, the company still carries the weight of a $75 million investor settlement tied to anticompetitive practices and weak reporting controls.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 brings top-tier performance gains across CPU, GPU, and NPU.
• Advanced Professional Video codec delivers pro-grade recording for smartphones.
• PC expansion with Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme aims to rival Apple’s Macs.
• Realme & others confirmed integration, with benchmark scores topping 4M in AnTuTu.
• $75M settlement tied to antitrust and reporting concerns remains unresolved.

Timeline Overview

• Jan 17, 2017 — FTC files complaint against Qualcomm for anticompetitive practices.
• Jan 18, 2017 — Media reports highlight unfair licensing tactics.
• Jan 19, 2017 — QCOM stock drops 18.3% after disclosures.
• Jan 23, 2017 — Investors file lawsuit alleging misrepresentation.
• Nov 8, 2024 — Qualcomm agrees to settle for $75M.

Allegations Include

• Inflated licensing fees imposed on device makers.
• Refusal to sell chips without restrictive agreements.
• Exclusive royalty discounts for Apple chip usage.
• Weak internal financial reporting controls.

Investor Update

The $75 million cash settlement resolves key investor claims but underscores regulatory and governance risks that remain relevant. While Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 marks a leap in mobile and PC performance, the company’s track record on compliance continues to weigh on long-term investor confidence.

You can check more information about it HERE.