Systems and methods for adaptive implementation of victim cache modes in a portable computing device (PCD) are presented. In operation, an upper level cache is partitioned into a main portion and a sample portion; and a lower level cache is partitioned into a corresponding main portion and sample portion in communication with the main portion and sample portion of the upper level cache. A victim mode sample data set and a normal mode sample data set are obtained from the lower level cache. Based on the victim mode and a normal mode sample data sets, a determination is made whether to operate the lower level cache as a victim to the upper level cache. The main portion of lower level cache is caused to operate either as a victim or non-victim to the main portion of the upper level cache in accordance with the determination.