Qualcomm is continuing its rapid innovation streak this year. Following the launch of its flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the company has now introduced another high-end processor tailored for Android smartphones.
Introducing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 has officially arrived. While slightly toned down in performance compared to the Elite model, it retains most of the same core features and enhancements.
Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 from 2023, this new chip offers a 36% boost in CPU performance and an 11% improvement in GPU capabilities, alongside better energy efficiency. However, given recent architectural advancements, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 could be considered a more relevant reference point.
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The performance gains are compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 from two years ago. | Image courtesy of Qualcomm
The CPU configuration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is similar to the Elite Gen 5 but runs at slightly lower clock speeds: six performance cores reach up to 3.32GHz, and the two prime cores clock in at 3.8GHz. This is just below the Elite’s 3.62GHz and 4.6GHz, meaning on paper the 8 Gen 5 delivers slightly less raw performance. Still, real-world testing will provide a clearer picture.
Other important specifications like fast charging, display support, and camera features remain identical to those on the Elite, ensuring devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 are fast, smooth, and capable.
Upcoming Devices Featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
Qualcomm confirms several smartphone makers will adopt Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 soon. | Image courtesy of Qualcomm
Leading manufacturers such as OnePlus, Motorola, and vivo have plans to incorporate this chip into their forthcoming smartphones. Launches are expected to begin within weeks. Notably, the OnePlus 15R, officially set to debut in the US on December 17, is widely anticipated to be one of the first phones with this processor.
Community Poll: Is Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 a Flagship Killer?
Poll results based on 18 votes:
- Yes – 44.44%
- Maybe – 38.89%
- Probably not – 16.67%
- No – 0%
Ideal Choice for Flagship Killers
With its strong performance and capability set, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is poised to power many “flagship killer” devices—smartphones that offer premium features at competitive prices. Its balance of speed, efficiency, and features makes it a compelling option for manufacturers targeting the high-end market without necessarily opting for the absolute top-tier chip.
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