Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Brings Elite-Level AI Performance to Mid-Range Smartphones

Qualcomm's New Chip Means You Don't Need a Flagship Phone for Cutting-Edge AI Tools

Expertise Smartphones | Gaming | Telecom industry | Mobile semiconductors | Mobile gaming Qualcomm revealed its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip in September to power the absolute top-tier Android phones coming out in 2026. The $900 OnePlus 15 launched this month and is the first phone available with the new chip in the US. Now, the company is offering a new chip -- the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 -- for handsets that need slightly less digital horsepower for lower cost, leading to cheaper but still powerful phones. Qualcomm typically offers multiple versions of its chips at varying performance levels and prices to suit the needs of phone-makers. Even within the cream of the crop -- phones that cost $700 or more -- companies may opt for a less powerful and, presumably, a less expensive chip to power their lower-priced devices. This could include phones like the just-announced OnePlus 15R, which doesn't have a price but follows other R-series handsets that have slightly less impressive specs and cost less than their premium siblings. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 has a complex lineage, but Qualcomm sees it as a follow-up to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, released in 2023 -- which is why the company only released comparable figures to that 2023 chip. The major upgrade between the two is that the new 8 Gen 5 has the company's proprietary Oryon central processing unit with 36% improved performance and 42% better power efficiency compared to the 8 Gen 3. Comparably, the new chip's graphics processing unit has 11% greater performance and 28% better power efficiency than its predecessor's GPU. The Oryon CPU in the 8 Gen 5 enables the AI agent features, like contextual suggestions based on personal data, that debuted in last year's Snapdragon 8 Elite phone chip and have continued in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The company introduced the "Elite" moniker to brand them as the new highest bar for performance. The 8 Gen 5's CPU reaches speeds of 3.8GHz, while the 8 Elite Gen 5 reaches up to 4.6GHz, showing a clear gap in capability -- but other than that, Qualcomm didn't release performance figures for how the 8 Gen 5 compares to its even higher-end chip sibling. Regardless, the 8 Gen 5 will power flagship phones from companies like OnePlus, Qualcomm said in a press release. The first devices using the chip will launch in the coming weeks, which likely includes the OnePlus 15R that the phone-maker confirmed will launch on Dec. 17. OnePlus' R-series phones have been slightly less powerful than their flagship counterparts but have been priced lower as a result. For instance, the OnePlus 13R (powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) released back in January was less powerful than the OnePlus 13 but also $300 cheaper at launch.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 aims for near-flagship power without Elite pricing

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. In brief: Qualcomm is preparing to roll out the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 mobile platform, the successor to this fall's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the chip expected to power the next wave of lower-cost flagship Android phones. The launch marks the point at which Qualcomm's Oryon-based 3nm architecture moves from a showcase Elite tier to a wider range of devices from partners such as OnePlus, Motorola, Vivo, and others. Qualcomm is positioning the chip as the practical counterpoint to its Elite-branded silicon, emphasizing how much performance it can deliver at a lower cost. The company claims roughly one-third faster CPU performance and a double-digit GPU uplift over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, while acknowledging that peak clocks and headline metrics still favor the Elite Gen 5. To support that stance, Qualcomm is relying on the same custom Oryon core architecture used in its flagship silicon, but tuned for more balanced thermals and power consumption rather than record-breaking burst speeds. The company is pairing those CPU cores with a modern Adreno GPU and an updated Hexagon NPU, allowing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 to handle current-generation gaming, imaging, and on-device AI workloads - even if benchmark charts continue to be led by the Elite lineup. From there, the differences become more apparent in how the platform connects and moves data around the system. Qualcomm is equipping the chip with the Snapdragon X80 modem rather than the higher-end modem used in the Elite platform, resulting in lower theoretical 5G peak speeds. Still, support for sub-6GHz and mmWave, 5G-Advanced features, and robust carrier aggregation remains intact. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities are effectively aligned with the Elite tier, including Wi-Fi 7 support, and handset makers still have access to features like satellite connectivity and ultra-wideband for short-range positioning and device-to-device interactions. Graphics and AI performance are also intentionally a step below the Elite chip, though they're still based on the same generation of Qualcomm IP. The Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is a slightly reduced configuration that delivers a modest uplift over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, without the added headroom or memory features reserved for Qualcomm's top-tier silicon. On the AI side, the Hexagon NPU continues to support on-device models but with lower peak throughput than the Elite. This keeps the most demanding generative and large-model workloads on the more expensive platform while preserving feature compatibility across both tiers. Storage support is one of the clearest dividing lines between the two chips. While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 supports fast LPDDR5X memory, it does not support the newer UFS 4.1 standard, which Elite-class phones use to accelerate app launches and bulk data transfers. This omission is unlikely to affect everyday responsiveness but gives manufacturers a simple way to differentiate "true flagship" devices from those built around this near-flagship platform. Beyond those constraints, most of the surrounding platform looks similar to what Qualcomm offers with the Elite. Charging and power delivery features carry over, as does broad support for high-refresh-rate and high-resolution displays, including fast QHD-class panels common in gaming-focused phones. The camera system still centers on a multi-core Spectra image signal processor, supporting high-resolution sensors, multi-camera arrays, and advanced computational-photography features that tap both the ISP and the NPU. Qualcomm has already lined up multiple partners for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Brands like Motorola, OnePlus, and Vivo have committed to the chip, with the first devices expected soon as more affordable alternatives to full-Elite flagships. One early showcase is likely the OnePlus 15R, slated for a US launch and positioned to combine this silicon with pricing and hardware that sit just below the company's most premium Elite-based models.

The new Snapdragon chip could unlock top-tier CPU performance on the upcoming OnePlus 15R

With big leaps in speed, efficiency, and AI features, the chipset positions the OnePlus 15R as one of 2025's most powerful value-focused smartphones. What's happened? Qualcomm has unveiled the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (the chipset that powered Galaxy S24 Ultra) -- the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 -- and it could soon debut on a midrange smartphone in the U.S. * The new chipset delivers over 30% faster CPU performance and 10% better graphics rendering than its predecessor. * Along with an improved neural processing unit, the chipset features Qualcomm AI Engine and Sensing Hub, which unlock on-device agentic AI experiences for users. * CPU and NPU improvements aside, the chipset is less power-hungry as it is built using a 3nm manufacturing process. Why is this important? Usually, companies reserve the most powerful smartphone processors for their flagship offerings, which cost $700 to $800 in the U.S. * However, introducing such a chipset at a sub-$700 price means more buyers can experience flagship-tier performance. * Given that the chipset packs more power than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it's interesting that OnePlus is gearing up to use it in its upcoming midrange device, the OnePlus Ace 6T. * While the device will set foot in the Chinese market first, it could debut as the OnePlus 15R in the U.S. (the company has already confirmed the moniker and a late December release for the handset). Recommended Videos Why should I care? If you've been saving up for a worthwhile smartphone that offers exceptional value for its price, the OnePlus 15R could be the one for you. * All the improvements in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 could result in snappier performance, enhanced gaming and multimedia experiences, and plenty of AI-based features on the device. * The OnePlus Ace 6T will debut in China with an 8,000 mAh battery that supports 100W wired fast charging. If the same device lands in the U.S., it will be the largest cell phone in the region. * Additional specifications of the phone include a 165Hz display, an IP69K dust- and water-resistant rating, and dual rear cameras, likely including a 50MP primary sensor. OK, what's next? As mentioned earlier, OnePlus has already announced the OnePlus 15R in the U.S., with pre-orders beginning on December 17, 2025. * In the coming days, the company could also tease the phone's specifications, specific to the U.S.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Brings the Power and AI

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. Qualcomm unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 this morning, teasing that it will be powering premium smartphones that are soon to the hit the market from the likes of OnePlus and others. Mind you, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is the chipset ranked below the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, which powers the latest OnePlus 15 (review here). That being said, Qualcomm is bringing quite a few performance increases, plus new features for gaming, cameras, and artificial intelligence. Here's what you need to know. A new custom-built Oryon CPU brings 36% improved performance and 76% better web browsing responsiveness, an updated Adreno GPU brings increased clocking speeds (up to 3.8GHz) and graphics performance boosts of 11%, plus a Hexagon NPU delivers a 46% boost in performance. Much numbers, such speed. In what could be described by some as spooky, a new Sensing Hub is inside this chipset. Utilizing a combination of the microphone and various sensor inputs, a phone powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is always ready for your interactions with AI. Here's Qualcomm via its press release to explain. The Qualcomm Sensing Hub in Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 features a dedicated AI processor that enables more contextually aware use cases, including user activity recognition and acoustic scene detection. By continuously capturing personal context, the Qualcomm Sensing Hub supports agentic AI experiences that are proactive and adaptive -- ready to elevate everyday interactions with intelligent responsiveness. Sounds neat, right? The spooky part is that "continuously capturing personal context." When enabled, our phones are already listening continuously for "Hey Google" and phrases like that, but this Sensing Hub seems to be an upgrade to that. We'll have to wait and see how OEMs implement this functionality before we start prepping our tinfoil hats. For gaming, Qualcomm lists support for 165 fps (whenever a title offers it), multi-threaded performance, and support for Mesh Shading. In the camera department, Qualcomm highlights the Spectra Triple AI ISP paired with the Hexagon NPU to enable advanced computational photography. Users will benefit from 4x greater dynamic range (richer detail and contrast across lighting conditions) as well as AI-driven capabilities such as Night Vision 3.0 and real-time tone adjustments. This will, "intelligently optimize skin tones, skies, and now vegetation for more lifelike images and video." Qualcomm says the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will be found first in phones from iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, and Vivo. Be on the lookout for it soon.

Qualcomm announces Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 with Oryon CPU

Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, a standard edition in its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 series following the Elite variant unveiled in September. This system-on-a-chip targets modern smartphones, offering enhanced performance through a custom Oryon CPU and advanced features for AI integration. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 achieves a maximum clock speed of 3.8 GHz, which positions it below the Elite model's 4.6 GHz peak but maintains substantial processing power. At its core lies a custom-built Oryon CPU designed to handle demanding mobile tasks efficiently. This CPU incorporates matrix acceleration, a technology that optimizes computational operations for faster execution of complex calculations. Qualcomm reports that the platform delivers a 36 percent performance improvement compared to the Snapdragon 7 series. Web-browsing responsiveness sees a 76 percent increase, enabling smoother navigation and quicker load times on compatible devices. These gains stem from architectural refinements that prioritize speed and efficiency in everyday smartphone usage. The chip integrates the Qualcomm Adreno GPU, identical to the one in the Elite version. This GPU "unlocks higher clock speeds and boosts gaming and graphics performance by 11 percent." Such enhancements allow for more fluid rendering in games and applications requiring intensive visual processing, supporting higher frame rates and detailed graphics without compromising battery life. Designed with artificial intelligence in mind, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 includes Qualcomm's proprietary Sensing Hub technology. This system merges inputs from the microphone and various sensors to accurately detect a user's intent to speak, facilitating seamless voice interactions in apps and assistants. On-device AI processing occurs through the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, which powers advanced functionalities. Qualcomm states this enables "agentic AI assistants to deliver context-aware interactions and personalized suggestions." These capabilities allow AI systems to respond based on real-time environmental data and user behavior, improving personalization without relying on cloud processing. Qualcomm indicates that devices featuring these chips will launch in the coming weeks. The company has identified OnePlus as a key partner, coinciding with OnePlus's recent announcement of a new smartphone that omitted specific hardware details.

Qualcomm and OnePlus Team-up for the New Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Chip - Phandroid

It's clear that Qualcomm's strategy with its high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen series has been rather successful, allowing the company to expand its product portfolio to more varied price and performance brackets. That said, Qualcomm recently announced the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which was developed in collaboration with OnePlus. The 8 Gen 5 comes with a custom-built Qualcomm Oryon CPU, which reaches peak speeds of 3.8 GHz with a 36% performance improvement. Also present is an updated Adreno GPU which is designed to boost gaming and graphics performance by 11% using a new sliced architecture. As with most new other processors these days, the 8 Gen 5 places heavy emphasis AI processing, which is handled by a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU. This allows the system to offer 46% better AI performance for "agentic" assistants that can understand context and offer personalized suggestions. The chipset also comes with the Qualcomm Sensing Hub, which allows users to wake their AI assistant simply by picking up their device, rather than using a wake word or button press. It should be noted that the 8 Gen 5 is an entirely different chip from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and the original 8 Elite, despite the somewhat-confusing naming scheme. Going back to the OnePlus team-up, Qualcomm says that both companies spent 24 months designing and tuning the processor, a significant increase from the standard four-month cycle. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will also power the upcoming OnePlus 15R, which is set to be launched on December 17, 2025.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Announced

While it sits slightly below the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it is still better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm has announced its latest Snapdragon 8 series chip called Snapdragonn 8 Gen 5. We saw this new chip first being announced by OnePlus frankly, for the OnePlus 15R which is launchhing next month in India. OnePlus 15R will be the first phone to feature this chip in the market. While it sits slightly below the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it is still better than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. So the OnePlus 15R will likely be more powerful than the OnePlus 13R. Read More - Nothing Phone 3a Lite Launched in India: Price and Specs This is a chip that we would likely see on the premium category phones, which are targetted more towards value and power. The highlight of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is that it is built on the 3nm process, the same as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but just has lower clock speeds. It features Qualcomm's latest Oryon CPU architecture with two prime cores at 3.8 GHz, and six performance cores at 3.32 GHz. The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 comes with the latest Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System, which supports mmWave and sub-6 GHz 5G with peak downloads of up to 10 Gbps and uplink speeds of up to 3.5 Gbps. There's support for Wi-Fi 7 as well, and Ultra Wideband support too. The storage support for the chip is limited to UFS 4.0. Read More - Realme P4x 5G India Launch Date Confirmed For imaging, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 uses a triple-20-bit Spectra AI ISP with features such as Night Vision 3.0 for low ligh video at 60 fps, HDR audio recording through Snapdragon Audio Sense, and real-time tone control. There's Qualcomm Hexagon NPU in the chip will provide a 46% boost in processing AI workloads over the predecessor, and multi-model on-device AI tasks. OnePlus will be the first to introduce this chip in the market, but we expect many more brands to use this chip in their upcoming phones.2

Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 to Power Upcoming Premium Devices

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 joins our premium tier family, offering consumers greater choice and flexibility. It is premium at its core and meets the rising demand for cutting-edge capabilities - from AI and camera innovations to immersive gaming experiences. Transform Smartphones into Intuitive Companions With the new 8-series Mobile Platform, users can instantly wake their AI assistant up simply by picking up their device, thanks to the Qualcomm® Sensing Hub, which intelligently combines microphone and sensor inputs to detect users' intent to speak. Powered by the Qualcomm® AI Engine, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 also enables agentic AI assistants to deliver context-aware interactions and personalized suggestions - elevating mobile experiences with seamless, on-device intelligent experiences. At the core of these capabilities is the Qualcomm® Hexagon™ NPU, which achieves up to 46% improved performance.