Qualcomm has announced its latest flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which will soon power the next wave of premium Android smartphones. The new system-on-chip (SoC) marks a significant step forward in performance, efficiency, and artificial intelligence, building on Qualcomm’s ongoing efforts to enhance on-device experiences.
Improved CPU and GPU performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 introduces Qualcomm’s third-generation Oryon CPU, designed to boost both single-core and multi-core performance. The CPU consists of two primary cores running at speeds of up to 4.6 GHz, paired with six performance cores capable of reaching 3.62 GHz. According to Qualcomm, this setup delivers up to 35 per cent greater power efficiency, contributing to an overall 16 per cent improvement in SoC efficiency compared with its predecessor.
The Adreno GPU has also received a notable upgrade, with the company claiming a 23% improvement in gaming performance. At the same time, power consumption has been reduced by 20 per cent, offering smoother gameplay while preserving battery life. These enhancements aim to provide a more reliable and immersive gaming experience on upcoming devices.
Advancements in AI and camera technology
Artificial intelligence remains a core focus of Qualcomm’s latest release. The updated Hexagon NPU is said to deliver 37 per cent faster performance alongside power savings. When combined with the Snapdragon Sensing Hub, the company believes this will enable more personalised AI features that continue to adapt and learn from user behaviour over time.
In terms of imaging, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 features an updated image signal processor (ISP) that supports the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec. Qualcomm has described this as a “computational video pipeline,” where artificial intelligence can enhance video frame by frame. The ISP also includes features such as context-aware autofocus, auto exposure, and auto white balance, designed to produce sharper and more accurate results across a range of conditions.
During the keynote presentation, Alex Katouzian of Qualcomm highlighted the benefits of these features, stating that they represent a significant step towards AI-driven improvements in mobile photography and videography.
Connectivity and availability
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 features the X85 modem, which was first introduced earlier this year. This modem is equipped with what Qualcomm calls “AI-enhanced Wi-Fi,” designed to reduce gaming latency by up to 50%. The combination of enhanced connectivity and lower latency is expected to improve the mobile gaming experience for users further.
Devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 are expected to arrive soon from leading Android manufacturers. Qualcomm has not yet confirmed specific launch dates, but the company suggested that the new chip will play a central role in the next generation of flagship smartphones.
