Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, its latest flagship mobile processor designed for premium smartphones. The new platform builds on the company’s previous generation by delivering improved CPU, GPU, and NPU performance, alongside expanded support for on-device AI workloads.
The processor features the new Oryon Gen 3 CPU with two Prime cores clocked up to 4.60 GHz and six Performance cores reaching 3.62 GHz. Backed by 24 MB of cache divided across core clusters, the design targets higher efficiency and stronger performance. Qualcomm reports a 20% improvement in single-core output and a 17% increase in multicore performance over the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. Early Geekbench 6 scores suggest the chip achieves around 3,800 points in single-core tests and 12,400 points in multicore tests, placing it above the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 for Galaxy used in Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Upgraded Hexagon NPU for AI Workloads
AI processing receives a significant boost with the new Hexagon NPU, which Qualcomm states is 37% faster and 16% more power efficient compared to the previous model. The NPU now integrates more closely with the image signal processor (ISP), enabling accelerated image and video tasks such as automatic glare removal and improved color management. The platform also supports on-device generative AI, with features that allow localized training, contextual memory for past interactions, and deeper integration with applications, files, and device functions.
Enhanced Graphics Performance with Adreno GPU
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 also introduces an upgraded Adreno GPU, which Qualcomm claims delivers 23% higher performance and 20% better efficiency. The GPU features a new three-slice architecture, clock speeds up to 1.2 GHz, and support for mesh shading and hardware-accelerated ray tracing. A key addition is Adreno High Performance Memory (HPM), an 18 MB cache that improves bandwidth by 38% and reduces latency. Qualcomm highlighted that this enhancement benefits extended gaming sessions by maintaining stable performance and lowering power consumption.
Through the Unreal x Snapdragon Developer Alliance, Qualcomm has collaborated with Epic Games to optimize the new GPU for Unreal Engine technologies, including Lumen lighting, Nanite geometry, and the Chaos Physics Engine. These optimizations are aimed at improving visual quality and efficiency in mobile gaming.
Availability
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 will debut in flagship smartphones beginning in early 2026. With updated CPU architecture, enhanced graphics, and improved AI processing, the new platform is positioned to support a broad range of high-performance mobile devices.
