OnePlus 15, iQOO 15, Realme GT 8 Pro: Top Five Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Smartphones Launching Soon

The Xiaomi 17 series recently became the first smartphones to incorporate the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. However, several other brands have already jumped on the proverbial bandwagon to confirm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 smartphones of their own. These include the OnePlus 15, iQOO 15, and Realme GT 8 Pro.

Realme GT 8 Pro Launch: What to Expect

The Realme GT 8 series is scheduled to launch in China this October, with the Realme GT 8 Pro taking center stage. Realme has confirmed that the flagship will debut with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, unveiled at the Snapdragon Summit on September 25. Built on TSMC's 3nm N3P process, the processor offers up to 23% higher performance and 20% better efficiency over its predecessor.

In addition, the GT 8 Pro will include a dedicated R1 graphics chip, designed to deliver a dual-core gaming experience alongside the Snapdragon platform. For multimedia, the device features dual symmetrical speakers that provide true stereo sound with a more balanced audio output.

The handset is expected to sport a flat 2K display and a triple rear camera system highlighted by a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor. Rumors also suggest a large 7,000mAh battery, making it a powerful all-round flagship contender.

OnePlus 15 Launch: What to Expect

The OnePlus 15 is expected to launch in China soon, with teasers already showcasing its key features. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, the phone will run on ColorOS 16 based on Android 16. The flagship processor, introduced at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, features two prime cores at 4.6GHz and six performance cores at 3.62GHz. While Xiaomi's 17 series will debut the chip, the OnePlus 15 will follow alongside rivals like Honor Magic 8 and Realme GT 8 Pro.

The device will sport a 6.7-inch 1.5K LTPO OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering smoother gaming experiences with support for up to 165fps. It is also expected to feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Camera capabilities include a triple 50MP setup-primary, secondary, and a periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

A highlight is its massive 7,000mAh battery paired with 120W fast charging, ensuring extended use and rapid recharging. More details are expected at the OnePlus Gaming Conference on September 26 in China, with the official China launch tipped for October. The global rollout, including India, could take place in January 2026, with colour options of black, titanium, and purple.

Honor Magic 8 Series: What to Expect

The Honor Magic 8 series is set to launch in China in October, featuring a 200MP rear camera and Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Leaks suggest thin bezels, a metal frame, and a dedicated AI button similar to Apple's Camera Control button.

The lineup may include the Magic 8, Magic 8 Mini, Magic 8 Pro, and Magic 8 Max, though only two models are expected initially. Camera specs include an f/1.9 main lens, 12mm ultrawide, and 72mm periscope sensor. Other highlights include IP68 rating, 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and displays ranging from 6.58 to 6.9 inches.

Qualcomm has unveiled latest mobile chipset, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which is set to power next year's Android flagship devices. Xiaomi is leading the charge with the launch of its Xiaomi 17 series in China. Poco is not far behind, as it confirmed that its upcoming flagship will also feature this new chip.

iQOO 15 Launch: What to Expect

The iQOO 15 is set to launch in China next month, succeeding the iQOO 13, and is already open for pre-reservations. It will be among the first smartphones powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, featuring a 2+6 core setup with prime cores clocked at 4.6GHz and performance cores at 3.62GHz. iQOO India CEO Nipun Marya has also hinted at its India debut.

The device will feature a 6.85-inch 2K LTPO Samsung "Everest" display with a 144Hz refresh rate, up to 6,000 nits peak brightness, and a rapid 3,200Hz touch response rate. A colour-changing back panel is also expected. Camera specs may include a 50MP primary sensor, 50MP ultrawide, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.

Packed with a 7,000mAh battery, the iQOO 15 is tipped to support 100W wired and wireless charging. Launch is expected in China in October, with an India release likely in December.

Poco F8 Pro: What to Expect

Poco has yet to name its upcoming flagship, confirming only that it will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. Speculation points towards it joining the Poco F8 series, possibly as the F8 Ultra or a rebranded F8 Pro-rumoured to be based on the Redmi K90.

Expected highlights include a 6.59-inch 2K OLED LTPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers, and a robust 7,100mAh battery with 100W fast charging. While official details remain scarce, Poco aims to join early adopters of Qualcomm's latest chipset, following Xiaomi's lead with its 17 series, setting the stage for a powerful 2026 flagship lineup.

In summary, the upcoming launches from Realme, Honor, Xiaomi, and Poco signal an exciting new chapter for Android flagships, driven by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. With advanced camera systems, larger batteries, and premium display features, consumers can look forward to a wave of powerful smartphones that push the boundaries of performance and innovation.