• Source:JND
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Qualcomm will unveil their next-generation flagship chipset in late September and while many anticipated that it would be called Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, new reports out of China suggest otherwise. According to these rumors, Qualcomm may instead brand its top-tier processor as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

At first glance, Qualcomm's name change may seem confusing; however, there are compelling reasons for its implementation as part of their overall chipset lineup strategy.

Why Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Makes Sense

Though benchmark details are yet to be made public, initial indications point towards notable increases in CPU and AI processing performance - following in the footsteps of last year's 8 Elite, which prioritized on-device AI capabilities. But What to Expect From Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Qualcomm has not issued any official announcements about their specifications, leaving these points open for speculation:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: An “almost-flagship“ chip, higher than 8s Gen 5 but still lower than the Elite.
  • Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: True flagship processor meant for ultra-premium smartphones.

With this approach, Qualcomm would be able to distinguish the flagship Elite series from the more mainstream Gen series, making the naming more sensible for 2025 and the years afterward.

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First Benchmark Spotted in OnePlus 15

Adding to the rumor mill, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 was already benchmarked in the upcoming OnePlus 15. This strongly suggests that OnePlus in all likelihood would be among the earliest to release a smartphone that is powered by Qualcomm's latest flagship processor.

Initial benchmark results do not reveal specific performance improvements for CPU and AI processing, continuing the trend established with last year's 8 Elite model which placed heavy emphasis on on-device AI capabilities.

What to Expect from Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Qualcomm has not made any public statements regarding the specifications, so the following points could very well remain as speculation:

  • Improved AI Performance: With a sharpened focus directed towards NPUs, we can expect the 8 Elite Gen 5 to deliver even higher TOPS for generative AI workloads.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: A 3nm Snapdragon 8 SoC could provide the user with better thermal management and battery efficiency.
  • Next-Gen GPU: Expect stronger gaming with improved ray tracing capabilities and smoother performance on higher refresh rates.
  • Camera Upgrades: Every iteration from Qualcomm has advanced imaging further, so increased ISP enhancements for computational photography are virtually assured.

 

The Bigger Picture for 2025 Smartphones

2025 Smartphone Outlook Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip will likely power not only the Oneplus 15 but also Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, iQOO devices as well. In contrast, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 devices should provide more affordable flagship capabilities.

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Under this two-flagship model, 2025 could see one of Qualcomm's most feature-packed Snapdragon portfolios to date; increasing options for both OEMs and end users alike.

Final Thoughts

Although the shift to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will be perceived as puzzling to some, the rationale behind it is obvious, and it is to preserve marriage of coherence and distinction throughout the family of chipsets by separating “flagship” from “near-flagship” tiers. With the first benchmarks tying to the OnePlus 15, the buzz surrounding Qualcomm’s September launch is palpable.

As it stands, all Qualcomm’s competitors wait to see how the Elite Gen 5 sets the stage for 2025 AI-infused smartphone performance.