qualcomm reveals its not-so-elite snapdragon 8 gen Qualcomm has unveiled its latest chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, which is positioned as a flagship option but lacks the elite status of its predecessor.
qualcomm reveals its not-so-elite snapdragon 8 gen
Introduction to Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
In November 2023, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a high-end chipset designed to power premium smartphones. At that time, the company also hinted at a non-Elite version aimed at a more budget-conscious segment of the flagship market. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 has now officially launched, bringing with it a mix of performance enhancements and some compromises compared to the Elite variant.
Performance Improvements
Qualcomm has positioned the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 as a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The company claims a 36 percent increase in CPU performance and an 11 percent boost in GPU performance compared to the 8 Gen 3. However, it is essential to note that the 8 Gen 3 is now two years old, and Qualcomm has made substantial changes to its CPU architecture since then. Therefore, a more relevant comparison might be with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
CPU Architecture
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 retains a similar Oryon CPU structure to the Elite version but operates at slower clock speeds. The six performance cores in the Gen 5 are capped at 3.32GHz, while the two prime cores reach up to 3.8GHz. In contrast, the Elite variant boasts performance cores that can clock up to 3.62GHz and prime cores that can reach 4.6GHz. This difference in clock speeds indicates that the Gen 5 may not match the performance levels of last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, although real-world testing will ultimately determine how the two chipsets compare in practice.
Graphics Performance
In terms of graphics, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 features an Adreno GPU, which has also seen some downgrades compared to the Elite version. While Qualcomm has not disclosed specific details regarding the differences in GPU performance, it is clear that users may experience a reduction in graphics capabilities. This could impact gaming performance and graphics-intensive applications, which are increasingly common in modern smartphones.
Connectivity Features
One of the critical aspects of any modern chipset is its connectivity capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is equipped with the X80 modem, which offers slightly slower peak 5G speeds compared to the Elite variant. However, both chipsets support the same Bluetooth and Wi-Fi performance levels, ensuring that users will not miss out on essential connectivity features. Additionally, the Gen 5 supports satellite communication and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which are becoming increasingly important in various applications, from navigation to smart home integration.
Storage and Memory
Another notable difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and the Elite version is the storage capabilities. The Gen 5 cannot utilize the latest UFS 4.1 storage technology, which offers faster read and write speeds compared to its predecessor. This limitation may affect the overall performance of devices powered by the Gen 5, particularly in scenarios involving large file transfers or high-speed data access.
Identical Specifications
Despite the downgrades in certain areas, several specifications remain identical between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and the Elite variant. Both chipsets support the same charging capabilities, display resolutions, and a majority of camera hardware options. This means that manufacturers can still deliver high-quality experiences in terms of photography and display performance, even with the non-Elite chipset.
Manufacturer Partnerships
Qualcomm has already secured partnerships with several prominent smartphone manufacturers to utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 in upcoming devices. Companies such as Motorola, OnePlus, and Vivo have confirmed their plans to incorporate the new chipset into their flagship offerings. This is a strategic move for Qualcomm, as it aims to capture a broader market segment by providing a more affordable yet capable alternative to the Elite version.
OnePlus 15R Launch
Among the first devices to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is the OnePlus 15R, which is set to launch in the United States on December 17, 2023. This announcement marks a significant milestone for OnePlus, as it continues to position itself as a competitive player in the flagship smartphone market. By leveraging the capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, OnePlus aims to deliver a high-performance device at a more accessible price point.
Market Implications
The introduction of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 has several implications for the smartphone market. As manufacturers increasingly look to balance performance and affordability, the Gen 5 offers a viable option for those who may not require the absolute best specifications but still desire a premium experience. This could lead to a wider range of flagship devices available at various price points, catering to different consumer needs.
Consumer Reactions
Initial reactions from consumers and industry analysts have been mixed. While some appreciate the improvements in CPU and GPU performance, others express concern over the downgrades in connectivity and storage capabilities. The overall sentiment appears to be that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is a solid option for mid-range flagship devices but may not satisfy users seeking top-tier performance.
Conclusion
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 represents a strategic move to cater to a broader audience in the flagship smartphone market. While it may not possess the elite status of its predecessor, it offers significant performance improvements over older models and maintains essential features that consumers expect. As manufacturers begin to roll out devices powered by this new chipset, it will be interesting to see how the market responds and whether the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 can carve out its niche among consumers.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: November 26, 2025 at 6:38 pm
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