Qualcomm is gearing up to reveal its next-generation flagship chipset towards the end of September. While many expected it to be introduced as the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, fresh reports from China suggest the company may instead market the new processor as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.

At first, the rebranding may seem like a puzzling move, but it fits into Qualcomm’s broader strategy to simplify and refine its naming scheme for upcoming chipsets.

Why the name Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?

Although official benchmark scores are yet to surface, early leaks point to strong gains in CPU output and AI-driven performance. This continues the path set by last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which placed particular emphasis on on-device AI.

The restructured lineup would likely include:

  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: A high-end processor positioned above the 8s Gen 5 but below the flagship.
  • Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5: The true top-tier chip designed for premium smartphones.

This approach would allow Qualcomm to clearly separate its ultra-flagship offerings from more mainstream alternatives, making its chipset range more coherent for 2025 and beyond.

OnePlus 15 benchmark leak

Adding to the speculation, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has already been spotted in benchmark results tied to the upcoming OnePlus 15. This indicates that OnePlus could be among the first brands to launch a smartphone powered by Qualcomm’s latest premium chipset.

The benchmark data has yet to disclose detailed performance figures, but it reinforces expectations that Qualcomm will once again double down on AI-driven capabilities, just as it did with the previous Snapdragon 8 Elite generation.

Expected features of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Although Qualcomm has not confirmed the specifications, leaks and industry speculation hint at several key improvements:

  • AI enhancements: A more powerful NPU, offering higher TOPS to handle generative AI workloads.
  • Power efficiency: A 3nm design could bring better energy efficiency and improved thermal performance.
  • Next-Gen GPU: Stronger graphics with improved ray tracing support and smoother frame rates at higher refresh rates.
  • Camera innovations: Further ISP enhancements are likely, promising better computational photography and advanced imaging features.

What it means for 2025 Smartphones

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is expected to power not just the OnePlus 15 but also flagships from Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, and iQOO. Meanwhile, devices using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will deliver high-end performance at a slightly lower price point.

This two-tier strategy could result in Qualcomm’s most versatile portfolio yet, giving manufacturers more flexibility and consumers a broader range of options.

Competitors will be closely watching how the Elite Gen 5 sets the benchmark for AI-powered smartphone experiences in 2025.