Qualcomm is preparing to launch its next-generation flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, at the Snapdragon Summit later this month.
Highlights
- Record-Breaking Performance: Early leaks suggest over 4 million points on AnTuTu, a major leap from current flagship scores (2.5–3M).
- Cutting-Edge Architecture: Features custom Oryon CPU cores, Adreno 840 GPU, and built on TSMC’s 3nm (N3P) process for efficiency.
- Powerful Specs: Two prime cores at 4.61GHz, six performance cores at 3.63GHz, and support for LPDDR5x and LPDDR6 RAM.
- Performance Edge: Potentially delivers a 30–60% jump over Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300, edging closer to desktop-class computing.
- OEM Adoption: Expected in devices like Xiaomi 16 series, OnePlus 15, Realme GT 8, iQOO 14, Vivo X300 Ultra, and Samsung Galaxy S26 with a custom variant.
- Launch Timeline: Qualcomm will unveil the chipset at the Snapdragon Summit on September 23 in Hawaii, with first devices launching late September–October.
- Why It Matters: Introduces Qualcomm’s in-house Oryon cores, ARMv9 extensions for AI, 16MB GPU cache, and future-ready LPDDR6 support.
- Naming Possibility: Could be branded as Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 depending on Qualcomm’s marketing strategy.
According to early leaks, the chip could exceed 4 million points on AnTuTu, significantly ahead of today’s leading flagships that score around 2.5–3 million. If accurate, this would mark one of the largest performance jumps in recent years.
Reported Specifications
Industry tipster Digital Chat Station shared details about the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2’s design and architecture on Weibo.
- CPU: Custom Oryon cores built on TSMC’s 3nm (N3P) process.
- Core configuration: Two prime cores clocked at 4.61GHz, paired with six performance cores at 3.63GHz.
- GPU: Adreno 840 running at 1.2GHz.
- Codename: SM8850, expected to launch as Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.
- Memory support: Compatible with LPDDR5x and upcoming LPDDR6 RAM.
Performance Comparison
If the leaked score of 4 million+ on AnTuTu holds true, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 would deliver a 30–60% jump over Qualcomm’s own Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300.
Analysts suggest this level of performance could begin to blur the line between mobile devices and lightweight desktop-class computing.
Expected Adoption
- Xiaomi 16 and 16 Pro – tipped to be the first models launching in October.
- OnePlus 15, Realme GT 8, iQOO 14, Vivo X300 Ultra – expected to follow soon after.
- Samsung Galaxy S26 series – rumored to feature a custom variant clocked slightly higher at 4.74GHz.
Launch
Qualcomm is expected to announce the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 on September 23 in Hawaii during its annual Snapdragon Summit. Commercial devices featuring the processor are projected to debut by late September or October, with Xiaomi likely to lead the rollout.
Why It Matters
The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 introduces several firsts for Qualcomm:
- Oryon cores in mobile – Marks the company’s shift to its in-house CPU design.
- ARMv9 adoption – Includes SME1 and SVE2 extensions for stronger AI and computational performance.
- 3nm efficiency – Built on TSMC’s N3P node, offering improved density and reduced power leakage compared to prior generations.
- Memory future-proofing – With LPDDR6 support, the platform is designed to handle next-gen applications and workloads.
- Graphics and AI performance – A larger 16MB GMEM cache is expected to boost GPU rendering, while AI workloads benefit from the ARMv9 extensions.
- Naming considerations – Qualcomm may market the chip as Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 instead of Elite 2, depending on its branding strategy.
- Samsung’s tuning – The “for Galaxy” version could push clock speeds slightly higher for additional short-term performance gains.
