During its ongoing Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, Qualcomm launched the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor – the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. It is being called the most advanced smartphone chipset yet. According to the silicon maker, the new chipset promises enhanced CPU, GPU, and NPU performance, along with support for the new APV codec, which enables higher-quality video capture.
This flagship chipset will power the upcoming generation of Android flagship smartphones, which are expected to be released in late 2025 and early 2026. Brands like iQOO, OnePlus, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi have already announced the same.
Here are five key upcoming smartphones confirmed or strongly expected to ship with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
SurveyXiaomi 17 series
The Xiaomi 17 lineup will debut the new processor globally, with the brand skipping “16” in its naming scheme. The series will include the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. While the base variant is set to bring “comprehensive upgrades” at the same price point, the Pro is tipped as Xiaomi’s most powerful compact imaging flagship.
iQOO 15
iQOO’s next performance flagship is rumoured to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, continuing the brand’s tradition of using Qualcomm’s latest chips. A standout feature can be its colour-changing back panel, shifting between grey and red tones depending on the angle. The phone can also pack Samsung’s M14 OLED display, a 6.85-inch QHD+ panel with 144Hz refresh rate and up to 2,600 nits brightness. Rumours also point to a periscope telephoto camera with 100x digital zoom.
OnePlus 15
Confirmed by OnePlus China’s president, the next flagship will skip “14” and be called the OnePlus 15. Expected to carry the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, it could feature a 6.78-inch flat display with refresh rates above 120Hz. Camera upgrades are also in focus, with leaks pointing to a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens offering ~3.5x optical zoom. The device may also debut OnePlus’ in-house “DetailMax Engine” for imaging, following the end of its Hasselblad partnership.
Also read: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 vs Dimensity 9500: Detailed Specs and Features Comparison
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung’s 2026 Ultra flagship is highly likely to get a special “for Galaxy” binned version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the U.S. Rounder mid-frame corners, a camera island redesign, and Samsung Display’s new M14 OLED are expected. The 50-megapixel 5x telephoto camera could get a wider aperture, improving low-light shots. Faster 60W charging may also debut.
Realme GT8 Pro
Launching in October in China, the GT8 Pro is confirmed to feature a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera and a 2K display. Though not officially confirmed, it is widely expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, positioning it as Realme’s most powerful flagship yet.
Follow Us
Mustafa Khan
Mustafa is a young tech journalist who tells it like it is, cutting through buzzwords to deliver straightforward smartphone reviews. He’s the office go-to for insider tips and quick demos, and his video content doesn’t waste anyone’s time. When he’s off the clock, he geeks out over cars, photography, and hunting down the best spot for Indian food. View Full Profile
