Qualcomm is preparing to unveil its most powerful mobile chipset yet — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Initially rumored to arrive as the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, fresh reports from China confirm that Qualcomm will stick with the “Gen” naming scheme, bringing it in line with its mainstream Snapdragon lineup.

The new processor is expected to debut at the Snapdragon Summit on September 23 in Hawaii, and early leaks suggest it could set new records for smartphone performance. Let’s break down everything we know so far.

Qualcomm’s Naming Shift: Why “Elite Gen 5”?

At first, many expected Qualcomm’s successor to last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite to be named the “8 Elite 2.” However, reports indicate it will instead be branded as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

This change fits into Qualcomm’s broader strategy to streamline its chipset branding:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 → Positioned as a high-end chip above the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, but not the absolute flagship.
  • Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 → The true ultra-premium processor, reserved for the most powerful smartphones.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Specifications (Leaked)

  • CPU: 2x Prime cores @ 4.61GHz, 6x Performance cores @ 3.63GHz
  • GPU: Adreno 840 @ 1.2GHz
  • Codename: SM8850
  • Process: TSMC N3P 3nm
  • Memory support: LPDDR5x & LPDDR6
  • Samsung custom variant for Galaxy S26 @ 4.74GHz

Benchmark Performance: 4 Million+ on AnTuTu

One of the most exciting leaks claims the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 scores over 4 million points on AnTuTu v11, compared to 2.5–3M for current flagship chipsets. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 is reportedly in a similar range, indicating a strong upcoming competition.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

OnePlus 15 Leak: Early Adopter of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Benchmark results for the upcoming OnePlus 15 indicate it will likely be one of the first phones powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Expectations include AI enhancements and improved power efficiency.

Expected Features and Upgrades

  • AI Enhancements: More powerful NPU with higher TOPS for generative AI workloads.
  • Power Efficiency: 3nm design for better battery management and lower heat.
  • Next-Gen GPU: Improved ray tracing and smoother high-refresh-rate gaming.
  • Camera Innovations: Advanced ISP upgrades for better photography and video features.

Which Phones Will Get It First?

  • Xiaomi 16 & 16 Pro (October launch)
  • OnePlus 15
  • Realme GT 8
  • iQOO 14
  • Vivo X300 Ultra
  • Honor flagship
  • Samsung Galaxy S26 series (custom variant)
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Launch Timeline

  • September 9, 2025 → Apple iPhone 17 with A19 Pro
  • September 22, 2025 → MediaTek announces Dimensity 9500
  • September 23, 2025 → Qualcomm launches Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Final Thoughts

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 isn’t just about higher clock speeds — it signals a new era where AI, power efficiency, and immersive graphics define premium smartphones. With Qualcomm’s announcement on September 23, all eyes will be on how it competes with Apple’s A19 Pro and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500.