When LG officially launched the G4, one of the more surprising features was the Snapdragon 808 processor sitting inside the device, instead of the Snapdragon 810.

The Snapdragon 808 is the mid-range option for processors, sitting behind the Snapdragon 810 when it comes the performance and price.

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Despite the number difference, both LG and Qualcomm claim the Snapdragon 808 is not a downgrade to the Snapdragon 810. LG defended the decision, claiming the Snapdragon 808 offers a better navigation experience and more battery life than the Snapdragon 810.

Even though navigation sounds good, looking at the Snapdragon 810 to 808 back to back, it is clear the 810 is the most favorable option for high-end devices. It has octa-core architecture, to the Snapdragon 808's hexa-core setup, alongside faster clock rate.

Qualcomm also heavily promoted the Snapdragon 810 to device manufacturers as the best-in-class, keeping the Snapdragon 808 out of the limelight. It was only when issues with the Snapdragon 810 started appearing that Qualcomm switched narratives and said the 808 is a good option.

The issues with the Snapdragon 810 include thermal overheating and battery life, meaning LG and Samsung both went against adding it. Samsung went fully against Qualcomm by launching the Galaxy S6 with an Exynos processor, which has proved to be a wise decision on the performance end.

LG has reportedly worked alongside Qualcomm on the Snapdragon 808 chip, to make sure it performs at a similar standard to the Snapdragon 810. Whether that is really the case is up for the benchmarks to decide, but most seem to be against the notion the 808 is just as powerful as the 810.

It seems like a Qualcomm mistake more than anything, unable to figure out some of the thermal issues plaguing the chip before the launch of the Galaxy S6 and LG G4. It might take another generation of processors before Qualcomm can regain control of the processing market, although this tumble might lose its major customer in Samsung.

The LG G4 will go on sale later this month in hundreds of countries, with a price tag of $749 for the 32GB option and $849 for the 64GB option. LG will launch the device on AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile USA and Sprint.

TagsLG G4, Snapdragon 808, Qualcomm