Qualcomm Set to Unveil Next-Gen High-Performance Chip This September

Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Might Launch Sooner Than Anticipated

Qualcomm is set to disrupt the mobile chipset arena once again with the expected early release of its next-gen flagship processor — the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. Unveiling details during the Computex 2025 keynote, the company indicated that its annual Snapdragon Summit will occur from September 23 to 25 in Hawaii, sparking rumors that the new chip could arrive ahead of schedule.

Current Insights

Although Qualcomm has yet to officially list the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 in the summit agenda, various reports and leaks indicate that the chip will be the event’s centerpiece. This would represent a change from last year’s timeline, where the first-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite was launched in October. If these rumors are accurate, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 could be unveiled nearly a month earlier than its original version.

Anticipated Specifications and Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is believed to maintain the same 6+2 CPU layout as the original Elite chip but is expected to provide notable performance enhancements. Key upgrades include:

• Increased Clock Speeds: The primary performance core could achieve speeds of up to 5GHz, providing a significant enhancement in processing capabilities.
• Upgraded GPU: The chip is likely to incorporate the new Adreno 840 GPU, which could be as much as 30% quicker than its predecessor, ensuring a smoother gaming and graphical experience.
• Improved Benchmark Results: Initial reports suggest a 26% rise in AnTuTu benchmark scores in comparison to the first-generation Elite chip.
• Next-Gen Memory Compatibility: The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 might support LPDDR6 RAM, leading the way for accelerated memory speeds and enhanced multitasking abilities.
• New Core Design: Qualcomm is rumored to be introducing “enhanced Pegasus cores,” which could optimize both performance and energy efficiency.

Device Release Timeline

Smartphones incorporating the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 are anticipated to begin launching in October 2025. Some of the first devices believed to utilize the chip include:

• Xiaomi 16
• OnePlus 15
• Realme GT8 Pro
• Other flagship Android models from top manufacturers

What About Samsung?

Curiously, Samsung might not utilize the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 for its forthcoming Galaxy S26 series. Instead, Qualcomm is reportedly crafting a custom chip specifically for Samsung, akin to the exclusive Snapdragon variant found in the Galaxy S25 lineup. Additionally, Samsung is rumored to be enhancing production of its own Exynos 2600 SoC, which could be used in specific regional variants of the Galaxy S26.

Snapdragon X Elite 2 for Laptops Also Anticipated

Aside from the mobile-oriented Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, Qualcomm is also expected to introduce the Snapdragon X Elite 2 (also known as Snapdragon X2 Elite) for laptops during the summit. This chipset may feature as many as 18 cores, support for 48GB of RAM, and even compatibility with discrete graphics cards, indicating Qualcomm’s expanding ambitions in the PC market.

Final Thoughts

With the Snapdragon Summit now officially planned for late September, anticipation is building for Qualcomm’s upcoming series of high-performance chips. The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is poised to provide faster speeds, superior graphics, and enhanced efficiency, creating a foundation for a new wave of flagship smartphones. If the speculations prove accurate, consumers won’t have to wait long to witness these innovations in action — and the rivalry in the premium mobile sector is on the verge of intensifying.

Stay tuned for more developments as we near the Snapdragon Summit 2025.