Samsung’s top-tier smartphones are about to face competition from a new and powerful upgrade set to launch tomorrow. The current flagship phones, including the Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra, are currently equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a premium chip found in high-end Android devices from various manufacturers.
Qualcomm is set to unveil the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite at a major event in Hawaii this week. The upcoming processor, named Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, will be the latest addition to Qualcomm’s premium 8-series platforms. Although specific details about the new processor are yet to be disclosed, Qualcomm has confirmed its imminent release and explained the choice to skip directly to the fifth generation.
Don McGuire, Qualcomm’s Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, stated that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 represents the continued evolution of their premium-tier processors. This new naming convention aims to simplify the product roadmap for consumers and reinforce the platform’s leadership position.
Qualcomm introduced its premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in 2021, followed by the Gen 2 in 2022 and Gen 3 in 2023. However, the company deviated from the pattern last year by unveiling the Snapdragon 8 Elite instead of the expected Gen 4. With the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm is returning to the “Gen” naming convention, marking the fifth generation of the 8 series.
While the processor launch details will be officially revealed tomorrow, it is anticipated that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will offer significant performance improvements. Stay tuned for the announcement of compatible devices that will feature this advanced chip.
Qualcomm emphasized that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 signifies a pivotal moment in their premium-tier lineup, adhering to their performance-driven naming principles to provide clarity and confidence to consumers and partners navigating their product roadmap.