Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Qualcomm has unveiled a new processor for high-end smartphones. It is the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Indeed, this chipset gets the suffix 'Gen 5'. This is due to the fact that a new naming scheme started years ago; the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Before that, three digits were used, like the Snapdragon 888, for example. In addition, the brand is said to have been working on hefty steps, and so that should be indicated by a bigger number difference.
The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset is built on the 3nm process and offers the third generation of the Oryon CPU. According to Qualcomm, this provides a CPU performance boost of 20 per cent, compared to its predecessor. Also, the CPU's energy efficiency should be improved by 35 per cent. The octa-core setup comprises the 2+6 configuration and offers two cores at 4.6 GHz and six cores at 3.62 GHz.
Things have also been improved with the GPU. For this, the chipset offers 23 per cent better performance, 20 per cent better energy efficiency and 25 per cent improved 'raytracing'. In total, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 should be at least 16 per cent more energy efficient than before. For gamers, this should result in 1 hour and 48 minutes more gaming time.
The 37 per cent faster Hexagon NPU ensures that no AI task is too much to handle anymore. Thereby, the chipset has support for full Unreal Engine 5. Qualcomm has further worked on support for the APV codec, which should ensure better videos.
We will start seeing the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset in several devices. For instance, we are already expecting it in the new Xiaomi 17 Pro models in the coming days. In addition, devices like a Find X9 model from Oppo, and the OnePlus 15 will also carry the new chipset. Samsung is reportedly eyeing the new Snapdragon for the Galaxy S26 (Ultra), although it is not clear whether it will appear in every region with this processor. Not infrequently, Samsung releases devices in our region with its own Exynos chipset.
