Samsung, known for its top-tier smartphones, is about to face tough competition as Qualcomm gears up to unveil its latest processor upgrade. The current flagship phones like the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a premium chip found in many high-end Android devices.
Qualcomm is set to introduce the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite at a significant event in Hawaii. The new processor, named Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, will be the focal point of this unveiling.
While specific details about the new processor are yet to be revealed, Qualcomm has confirmed its imminent launch. Qualcomm’s Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Don McGuire, explained that by naming it Gen 5, they aim to emphasize its advanced features and streamline the product roadmap for consumers.
Qualcomm initially introduced the premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in 2021, followed by the 8 Gen 2 in 2022 and the 8 Gen 3 in 2023. Notably, the company deviated from the naming convention last year with the Snapdragon 8 Elite instead of an 8 Gen 4.
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm returns to the “Gen” naming convention, marking the fifth generation of the 8 series. Although the naming history may be perplexing, one thing is certain: this new chip promises impressive performance. Full details will be disclosed soon, including the smartphones that will feature this advanced processor.
Qualcomm emphasized that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 signifies a significant progression in their premium-tier offerings. By maintaining consistency in their naming strategy focused on performance, timing, and product alignment, Qualcomm aims to provide clear guidance to consumers and partners regarding their product roadmap.