Qualcomm's new flagship processor is Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

✅ Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: A name that surprises you

Qualcomm has officially confirmed: its new flagship processor will be called Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 - not the expected Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. This is according to a fresh Qualcomm blog post published shortly before the announcement.

"It may seem like we're skipping a generation, but it's actually simpler - and more powerful. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 marks the fifth generation of our premium 8-series platforms since we introduced a new unambiguous name and visual identity So while the name may seem new, it actually continues our established system.""

- Qualcomm blog

🧠 Why Gen 5 when there was only Gen 1, 2 and Elite before?

At first glance, the logic can be confusing:

*In 2021, Qualcomm switched to a new naming system: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

Gen 2 and Gen 3 followed.

In 2024, the Snapdragon 8 Elite was released, making it the fourth generation**.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is therefore the fifth generation, despite the non-obvious name.

💡 Interestingly, "Elite" stays in the name despite it being essentially Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Apparently Qualcomm decided to reinforce the Elite branding as a designation for its most powerful chips.

⚙️ What to expect from Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?

While official specs have not been revealed yet, rumors and leaks suggest we can expect:

• increased CPU and GPU performance
• Focus on AI (artificial intelligence) - a response to the growing integration of neural networks into smartphones

More energy-efficient process technology

• Integration of next-generation 5G modem

📲 Which smartphones will get Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?

The chip is expected to appear in top 2026 models including:

• Samsung Galaxy S26

OnePlus 15

Xiaomi 17

It may also appear in gaming and premium smartphones from ASUS, Nubia, Honor and other brands.

⚔️ Competition: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs Apple A19 Pro

According to insiders, Qualcomm is betting on performance in AI tasks and graphics to challenge the Apple A19 Pro, which will appear in the iPhone 17 Pro.

📌 The Bottom Line