This week, Qualcomm unveiled its newest mobile system-on-a-chip (SoC), the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
In a landscape where technological advancements occur every year, this pattern applies not just to smartphones such as the iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S26, but also to the technology inside them. For fans of Android, this indicates that a fresh Snapdragon chipset will be at the heart of most flagship devices launched in the upcoming year.
Originally referred to as Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, the chip has been renamed to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, reflecting its status as the fifth generation in the Snapdragon 8 lineup. This renaming parallels similar numerical omissions by firms like Microsoft and Apple.
Here’s what we understand regarding the new flagship mobile chipset, along with its North American availability.
**Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Specs**
By analyzing the specifications, we compare them against the current Snapdragon 8 Elite to identify the distinctions. Some aspects remain ambiguous, such as the GPU designation, which is recognized as an Adreno GPU.
– **Model name:** SM8850-AC
– **Process size:** 3nm
– **Cores:** 2 prime cores and 6 performance cores
– **Frequency:** 4.6 GHz (two cores), 3.62 GHz (6 cores)
– **Cache:** 24MB
– **GPU:** Unspecified Adreno GPU at 1.2 GHz
– **Memory cache:** 18MB of Adreno High Performance Memory (HPM)
– **NPU:** Newly developed Hexagon NPU with an updated Qualcomm Sensing Hub
– **ISP:** Qualcomm Spectra AI
– **Modem:** Qualcomm X85 5G Modem-RF
– **Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB:** Qualcomm FastConnect 7900 Mobile Connectivity System
The peak clock speed is marginally elevated compared to the preceding Snapdragon 8 Elite. The Elite Gen 5 additionally incorporates the enhanced X85 modem and advancements to core technology, including an accelerated GPU and NPU. However, specifications for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and UWB remain consistent with 2025.
New functionalities include the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec and mesh shading features aimed at mobile game developers.
**Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: Performance enhancements**
Qualcomm asserts significant performance upgrades, although these may differ by device.
**CPU**
– 20% enhancement in single-core performance
– 17% enhancement in multi-core performance
– 32% improvement in responsiveness
**GPU**
– 23% advancement in GPU performance
– 20% increase in GPU efficiency
– 25% boost in ray tracing performance
– 10% improvement in power and 38% faster performance utilizing Adreno High Performance Memory
– 30% quicker AI inference leading to improved 5G performance, with a 50% decrease in gaming latency
**ISP, Modem, and NPU**
– 4x larger dynamic range with the new ISP component
– 37% increased NPU performance, enhancing on-device AI capabilities
– AI queries at 220 tokens per second, an increase from 70 tokens
– AI-enhanced modem achieving 40% power savings
Benchmark evaluations by Android Police, Hot Hardware, and others validate these performance assertions, positioning it comparably to Apple’s A19 Pro.
**When will it arrive in America**
These performance enhancements will be evident in particular scenarios. While casual users may not experience significant speed gains, they will benefit from enhanced battery efficiency. Gamers will perceive steadier FPS and lower battery drain.
The chip is anticipated to debut in the forthcoming batch of Android flagship devices. OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 15 will be equipped with the Elite Gen 5, set to launch globally in October, with a North American release anticipated by mid-November. This will establish the OnePlus 15 as the first North American smartphone featuring the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.