Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Launches to Power New Wave of Premium Android Phones

Qualcomm has officially unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 mobile platform. The new chipset is designed for premium, high-performance Android smartphones. It arrives just months after the company’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 announcement.

This strategic release aims to bring elite-level features to a broader range of flagship devices. Phone makers like OnePlus and Vivo are already confirmed to use the chip.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Delivers Elite Performance at a Lower Tier

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is a significant step forward for non-elite flagship phones. According to Reuters, the chip is fabricated on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process. This ensures high performance and improved power efficiency. It features a CPU configuration with two high-performance Oryon cores and six efficiency cores.

However, these cores run at slightly lower clock speeds than the Elite version. The prime cores are clocked at 3.8GHz. This strategic tuning maintains strong performance while differentiating it from the top-tier model. Qualcomm promises a substantial 36% boost in CPU performance over the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

The Adreno 840 GPU also sees an 11% performance improvement. It includes dedicated hardware for advanced ray-tracing in mobile games. This chip is poised to become the new heart of so-called ‘flagship killer’ phones. It offers a compelling blend of top-end features and accessible pricing.

Advanced AI, Imaging, and Connectivity Define the Experience

Beyond raw power, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 brings a suite of premium technologies. The new Hexagon NPU drives on-device AI capabilities. It enables more intelligent and responsive features across applications. AI performance sees a massive 46% generational leap.

The Spectra ISP supports incredibly powerful camera systems. It can handle a single 320MP photo sensor. Alternatively, it can process data from three 48MP sensors simultaneously. This allows for advanced computational photography and seamless switching between lenses. Video recording is capped at 4K resolution at 120 frames per second.

Connectivity is spearheaded by the integrated X80 5G modem. It supports both mmWave and sub-6GHz networks globally. Peak download speeds can reach up to 10Gbps where supported. The platform also includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 for the latest local connection standards.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 solidifies Qualcomm’s strategy of tiered flagship offerings. It brings cutting-edge 3nm technology and powerful AI to a more accessible price point. Consumers can expect a new wave of high-performance phones from major brands in the coming months.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is the main difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and the Elite version?

The main differences are clock speeds and some premium features. The standard Gen 5 has lower CPU and GPU clock speeds. It also lacks the Adreno HPM and 8K video recording found on the Elite model.

Which phone brands will use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5?

Qualcomm has confirmed iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, and Vivo will use the chip. These brands are expected to release phones featuring the platform in the near future. It is not yet confirmed if Samsung will adopt it for models like the Galaxy S26 FE.

How much faster is it compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3?

Qualcomm claims a 36% increase in CPU performance and an 11% boost in GPU performance. AI processing sees the biggest jump with a 46% improvement. Power efficiency is also 13% better than the previous generation.

What camera features does the new chip support?

The chip supports single camera sensors up to 320MP. Its ISP can also process three 48MP sensors at once for advanced multi-camera setups. It supports 4K HDR video recording at 120fps with AI-enhanced features.

Does it support the latest connectivity standards?

Yes, it includes the X80 5G modem for ultra-fast cellular speeds. The platform also features support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0. This ensures compatibility with the latest networks and accessories.