Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant of the Galaxy S24 in India, a surprising move considering the device is already over a year old and has been succeeded by the Galaxy S25. Evidence from Flipkart listings, benchmark results, and Samsung’s own firmware servers suggests that a new SM-S921E model powered by Snapdragon may soon hit Indian shelves, offering an alternative to the existing Exynos-powered S24.
The Galaxy S24’s Journey So Far
The Samsung Galaxy S24 was introduced globally in January 2024 as part of the S24 lineup, which also included the S24+, S24 Ultra, and later the S24 FE. In most regions, Samsung sold both Snapdragon and Exynos-powered variants depending on market strategy.
In India, however, the standard Galaxy S24 (SM-S921B) shipped only with the Exynos 2400 processor, marking a return to Samsung’s split-chip strategy after years of fan requests for Snapdragon models.
The S24 received praise for its display, camera software enhancements, and integration of Galaxy AI features, but many Indian customers expressed disappointment at the lack of Snapdragon performance.
Summary Table
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Device |
Samsung Galaxy S24 (Snapdragon variant) |
Model Number |
SM-S921E |
Chipset |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “for Galaxy” |
Existing Model in India |
SM-S921B (Exynos 2400) |
Evidence |
Flipkart “Coming Soon” listing, Geekbench results, firmware uploaded to Samsung servers |
Expected Price |
₹74,999 (approx. USD 850) |
Status |
Not officially confirmed yet |
Context |
Galaxy S24 launched in Jan 2024, succeeded by Galaxy S25 in Jan 2025 |
Official Site |
A New Development: Snapdragon Galaxy S24 for India
Model Number Clues
Recently, a new Galaxy S24 variant with model number SM-S921E surfaced online. This differs from the Exynos variant (SM-S921B) and suggests a chipset swap. Benchmark listings confirm that this model runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “for Galaxy”, the same chip powering the S24 Ultra and some global S24 units.
Flipkart Listing
Adding to the speculation, Flipkart, one of India’s largest e-commerce platforms, has put up a “Coming Soon” page for a Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S24. The page highlights the Snapdragon processor and shows an expected price of ₹74,999.
Firmware on Samsung Servers
Samsung’s own firmware repositories now list software builds for the SM-S921E variant, strongly indicating that Samsung has prepared official support for this new model. Such firmware leaks are usually a reliable sign of an upcoming launch.
Why This Move Is Surprising
The timing of this development is unusual. The Galaxy S24 is already over a year old, and Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 lineup in January 2025. Normally, Samsung shifts its marketing entirely to the newest generation, making it rare to introduce a new variant of an older flagship.
Possible Strategic Reasons
-
Consumer Demand: Many Indian customers prefer Snapdragon processors for performance, gaming, and sustained efficiency.
-
Market Segmentation: Offering a Snapdragon S24 could provide a more affordable option compared to the Galaxy S25 and the upcoming Galaxy S25 FE.
-
Inventory Management: Samsung might be aiming to refresh S24 sales by giving it new life in India before discontinuation.
How It Compares to the Galaxy S25
The Galaxy S25, launched in January 2025, ships with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a newer and more powerful chip. Reviews suggest it offers improved performance, better AI integration, and extended software support.
This raises a key question for Indian buyers:
-
Galaxy S24 Snapdragon (₹74,999) – Older model, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, possibly fewer software updates left.
-
Galaxy S25 (similar price) – Newer flagship, Snapdragon 8 Elite, guaranteed longer update cycle.
From a long-term value perspective, the Galaxy S25 appears to be the better investment unless Samsung introduces aggressive discounts on the Snapdragon S24.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Snapdragon Galaxy S24 officially confirmed for India?
A: No official announcement has been made, but Flipkart’s listing, Geekbench results, and Samsung’s firmware uploads strongly suggest an imminent release.
Q2: What is the model number of the Snapdragon variant?
A: The Snapdragon-powered model is SM-S921E, while the current Exynos version is SM-S921B.
Q3: What price is expected for the Snapdragon S24 in India?
A: Flipkart has listed it at ₹74,999, but this may change once Samsung confirms official pricing.
Q4: Should I buy the Snapdragon S24 or wait for the Galaxy S25 FE?
A: The Galaxy S25 FE is expected soon, and the Galaxy S25 is already available with better specifications. The Snapdragon S24 may appeal to those who specifically want the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 at a slightly lower cost.
Q5: Will the Exynos S24 still be available in India?
A: Yes, the Exynos-powered SM-S921B remains available. The Snapdragon variant is likely to launch as an alternative option, not a replacement.
Final Thoughts
The possible launch of a Snapdragon-powered Galaxy S24 in India is an unusual but intriguing development. Despite being a year-old flagship, the new variant could attract buyers who have long demanded Snapdragon processors in Samsung’s standard models.
That said, consumers must carefully weigh their options. With the Galaxy S25 already available and offering a newer Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the Snapdragon S24 might struggle to justify its pricing unless Samsung positions it strategically.
Until Samsung makes an official statement, the Snapdragon Galaxy S24 for India remains a strong possibility—but not yet a confirmed reality.
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