Samsung is known for its top-notch smartphones, but a significant upgrade is on the horizon that may outshine its current flagship lineup. Phones like the latest Galaxy S25 and S25 Ultra currently run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a premium chip found in most high-end Android devices.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite, introduced late last year, is now due for a successor. Qualcomm is hosting a major event in Hawaii this week to unveil the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
While specific details about this processor are not yet public, Qualcomm has confirmed its imminent release. The company explained the reasoning behind the jump to Gen 5, emphasizing the evolution of their premium 8-series platforms.
Don McGuire, Qualcomm’s Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, stated, “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 marks the fifth generation of our premium 8-series platforms, aligning with our simplified naming and product roadmap for consumer understanding.”
Qualcomm initially launched the premium Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in 2021, followed by the 8 Gen 2 in 2022 and 8 Gen 3 in 2023. However, the introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Elite last year broke this sequence, leading to the current Gen 5 model to realign with the series’ generational naming convention.
Although the transition may be perplexing, the performance of this new chip is expected to be impressive. Full details will be disclosed soon, including the devices that will incorporate it. Stay tuned for more updates.
Qualcomm emphasized that “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 isn’t just a new processor but a pivotal advancement in our premium-tier journey,” highlighting the clear and confident navigation of their product roadmap for consumers and partners.
