Qualcomm’s Unusual Naming Strategy for Galaxy S26 Chip

Qualcomm has officially named its next flagship mobile processor. The chip is called the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This new name breaks from the company’s recent naming tradition. It signals a major shift in its branding strategy.

The announcement was made ahead of the Snapdragon Summit 2025. The event is scheduled for next week in Hawaii. This processor is expected to power next-year’s top Android phones. According to Reuters, this includes potential variants for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series.

New Name Mixes Two Different Branding Conventions

The new name is a significant departure. It does not follow the simple “Snapdragon 8 Gen X” pattern used for years. It also does not logically continue as “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2” from last year’s chip.

Instead, it merges two conventions. Qualcomm states the new branding better reflects key technological milestones. The “Elite” moniker was first used in late 2023. It denotes chips using powerful Oryon CPU cores from Nuvia, a company Qualcomm acquired.

Implications for Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Series Phones

Samsung has a history with Qualcomm’s flagship chips. It often uses a special, higher-clocked “for Galaxy” version in its premium phones. This pattern suggests the Galaxy S26 Ultra will use the “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy” chip.

However, reports indicate a dual-chip strategy will return for the S26 series. The standard Galaxy S26 and S26 Edge may use Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 chip in some markets. This in-house chip is rumored to be built on a new 2nm process.

The Exynos 2600 is said to feature a 10-core CPU. It will also use an AMD-based GPU for advanced graphics. Mass production could begin soon at Samsung Foundry.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 naming may confuse consumers initially. Yet, it underscores Qualcomm’s commitment to its high-performance Oryon architecture. This chip will likely be a cornerstone of the 2026 premium Android market.

Info at your fingertips

What is the name of Qualcomm’s next flagship chip?

Qualcomm’s next top-tier mobile processor is named the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. It will be fully unveiled at an event in Hawaii next week.

Why did Qualcomm change its chip naming scheme?

The company says the new name better represents major technological achievements. It continues the “Elite” branding introduced for chips featuring its powerful Oryon CPU cores.

Will the Samsung Galaxy S26 use this new Snapdragon chip?

Yes, but likely only the Galaxy S26 Ultra model in specific regions. Other models may use Samsung’s own Exynos 2600 processor as part of a dual-sourcing strategy.

What is the Exynos 2600?

It is Samsung’s next-generation in-house mobile chip. It is expected to be fabricated on a 2nm process and feature a new CPU and GPU architecture for improved performance and efficiency.

When will phones with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 be available?

Phones featuring the new chip are expected to launch in early 2026. They will be announced by various manufacturers following the chip’s formal introduction.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press