Qualcomm announces the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Published: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 9:56 pm

Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: A Leap Forward in Mobile Processing

Qualcomm has officially launched its newest flagship system-on-a-chip (SoC), the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, designed to power the next generation of Android smartphones. The new chip promises significant advancements in performance, efficiency, and AI capabilities.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 features a third-generation Oryon CPU, boasting improved single- and multi-core performance. The CPU includes two prime cores clocked up to 4.6GHz and six performance cores reaching 3.62GHz. Qualcomm is touting a 35% improvement in CPU power efficiency, contributing to a 16% overall SoC efficiency gain.

The updated Adreno GPU is expected to deliver up to a 23% increase in gaming performance while consuming 20% less power. The Hexagon NPU has also been upgraded, promising a 37% performance boost and improved power efficiency compared to its predecessor. Qualcomm suggests these improvements, combined with the Snapdragon Sensing Hub, will enable more personalized, on-device AI experiences that adapt to the user over time.

On the imaging front, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 incorporates an updated ISP (Image Signal Processor) that supports the APV (Advanced Professional Video) codec. This allows for AI-driven enhancements to video on a frame-by-frame basis, as well as context-aware autofocus, auto exposure, and auto white balance.

The new SoC also utilizes the X85 modem, previously announced this year, which is said to reduce gaming latency by 50% through AI-enhanced Wi-Fi. Devices incorporating the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 are expected to be released soon by major Android manufacturers.

BNN's Perspective:

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 appears to be a substantial upgrade, promising notable improvements across the board. While the focus on AI is clear, the gains in CPU and GPU performance are also welcome. The increased efficiency is particularly important in a mobile environment. It will be interesting to see how these advancements translate into real-world user experiences and whether the AI features live up to the hype.

Keywords: Qualcomm, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, SoC, Android, CPU, GPU, NPU, AI, performance, efficiency, gaming, modem, APV, image signal processor, X85 modem

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