Qualcomm has unveiled the latest version of its premium chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, representing the fifth generation of its 8-series line since 2021. This updated naming structure signifies the development of Qualcomm’s high-end chip series, retaining the “Elite” designation to denote the pinnacle performance level within the Snapdragon lineup.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is expected to launch in high-end devices like the Xiaomi 17 series and the Samsung Galaxy S26, highlighting its advanced features. Qualcomm’s choice to label it “Gen 5” is intended to clarify its product timeline, showcasing progress since the introduction of the single-digit naming approach.
Launched as an independent platform, the Snapdragon 8 Elite series introduced the Oryon CPU to mobile devices, resulting in considerable performance improvements. The new Gen 5 chipset carries on this heritage, pledging enhanced functionalities for future mobile ecosystems.
Qualcomm will officially present the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii on September 23, 2025. This introduction is part of a larger strategy to apply the Gen 5 naming across forthcoming mobile frameworks, further solidifying Qualcomm’s position in mobile innovation.
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Qualcomm seeks to offer consumers a transparent and uncomplicated view of its technological progress, ensuring that the “Elite” label continues to reflect premium performance.
