Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Tipped Ahead of Launch, Could Debut With 8 Elite 2 — Which Phones Will Get It?

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit is around the corner, and leaks are already laying out what could be announced. Tipster Digital Chat Station has shared new details about the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which may launch alongside the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. Together, the two chips could define Qualcomm’s 2025 lineup.

A Distinct Role in the Lineup

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (SM8845) isn’t meant to replace the “s” variants or the mid-tier Snapdragon 8s Gen 4. It’s positioned as a flagship chip in its own right, but it sits below the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850).

Both chips are said to be built on TSMC’s advanced N3P process and use Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU cores. However, the Elite 2 is expected to push performance further, especially for high-end devices that aim to compete at the very top of the market. The 8 Gen 5, by contrast, balances flagship features with wider adoption, giving OEMs a slightly less aggressive but still powerful option.

What Makes the 8 Gen 5 Different

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is expected to feature a 2+6 core design and support SME (Scalable Matrix Extension) instructions for on-device AI acceleration. While it borrows some elements from the Elite 2, leaks suggest it won’t reach the same performance ceiling. Think of it as a flagship chip tuned for efficiency and broader rollout, rather than the “no-compromise” silicon of the Elite line.

Digital Chat Station also noted that Qualcomm has skipped an SM8835 chip this year, leaving the 8 Gen 5 and 8 Elite 2 as the key drivers of its premium segment.

Early OEM Adoption

Several smartphone makers are already said to be working on devices with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. The Redmi K90 could be the first out of the gate, with other names like the Honor GT 2 and Realme Neo 8 also linked.

The Elite 2 will likely appear first in ultra-flagships such as the iQOO 15 and the OnePlus 15, while the 8 Gen 5 is expected to reach a broader range of high-end devices.

Via