Qualcomm Raises Chip Prices by Double Digits, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Up Over 10%

Qualcomm has raised prices across its entire product lineup by double-digit percentages. Valve's upcoming Steam Frame VR headset uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with 16GB of unified LPDDR5X memory and up to 1TB of storage. Qualcomm stated that due to persistently high DRAM and flash memory costs, global smartphone sales have declined, weakening its mobile chip business revenue, prompting the company to adopt a full-line price adjustment strategy. The price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is more than 10%.

The Steam Frame VR headset is positioned as a lightweight, modular PC VR device. The headset itself weighs 185 grams, and with the head strap that includes a face mask, audio components, and a rear battery, the total weight reaches 440 grams. The device supports wireless streaming of Steam platform games via Wi-Fi 7 and a dedicated low-latency adapter, and features eye tracking for foveated rendering. The headset is equipped with dual 2160x2160 resolution Pancake optical lenses, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree field of view. Four tracking cameras and infrared illuminators on the exterior maintain spatial positioning. The device integrates an audio system and a 21.6Wh battery, and is deeply compatible with SteamOS for instant sleep and wake functions. The accompanying Steam Frame controller features magnetic TMR joysticks and capacitive finger sensors, with a battery life of 40 hours.