During the Snapdragon Summit in September 2025, we saw the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. It has improved a lot in terms of speed, graphics, performance, and AI. In this article, we will check out the list of upcoming phones that will come with this Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. These phones are mainly going to be for gamers and people who are into AI and video editing. Let’s check out all the details about this chip along with the upcoming phone with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Features of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is a pretty interesting chipset! It is going to compete with Apple’s powerful A19 Pro chip. Phones with this chip will be better at things like gaming, AI, and battery life. It is built using a new 3nm technology. This chip is 20% faster and uses 35% less power than the older Snapdragon 8 Elite.
The special Oryon CPU cores can go up to 4.6GHz. It’s 45% better at handling tasks compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
| Feature | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
|---|---|
| Process | 3nm |
| CPU | Oryon cores, up to 4.6GHz, 45% faster than Gen 3 |
| GPU | 23% better graphics, ray tracing, 20% less power |
| AI (NPU) | 37% better for tasks like photo and voice AI |
| Video | 8K recording (APV) |
| Camera | Up to 200MP, better low-light |
| 5G Modem | Snapdragon X80 |
| Efficiency | 35% less power use |
| Competitor | Apple A19 Pro |
If you are a gamer, the Adreno GPU brings 23% better graphics. Not only that, it uses 20% less battery with features like ray tracing. The AI chip (NPU) is also 37% better when you edit photos or use your voice to get things done.
This chip supports Advanced Professional Video (APV). It lets you record in 8K quality. It also supports up to 200MP cameras with better low-light shots. It also has super-fast 5G with the Snapdragon X80 modem. Overall, it’s smart, efficient, and made to last longer without killing your battery.
Top Phones With Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Qualcomm has teamed up with Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, iQOO, realme, vivo, ASUS, OPPO, and more. Some phones have already been released in China. There are more phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 coming soon in late 2025 and early 2026. Here’s the list:
Xiaomi 17 Series
(Includes Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max)
The Xiaomi 17 Series is the first smartphone lineup to launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. It has major upgrades in performance, battery life, and camera features.
| Feature | Xiaomi 17 | Xiaomi 17 Pro | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.3-inch | Not specified (compact) | 6.9-inch |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Camera Setup | 50MP triple cameras | Leica-tuned advanced cameras | 100x zoom with periscope lens |
| Special Features | Great value, balanced specs | Rear display for vlogging | Ultimate performance & zoom camera |
| Battery | 6,300mAh | Not specified | 7,500mAh |
| Operating System | HyperOS (based on Android 16) | HyperOS (based on Android 16) | HyperOS (based on Android 16) |
| Launch Date (China) | September 2025 | September 2025 | September 2025 |
| Global Release | Expected by December 2025 | Expected by December 2025 | Expected by December 2025 |
OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 is one of the first phones to use the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip. This phone comes with a clean design and powerful cameras. There are no bloatware in this phone.
| Feature | OnePlus 15 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch 1.5K LTPO OLED, 165Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Camera Setup | Triple 50MP cameras with Hasselblad tuning |
| Special Features | Super smooth screen, IP68 water resistance |
| Battery | ~5,800mAh with 100W wired & 50W wireless charging |
| Operating System | ColorOS 16 (based on Android 16) |
| Launch Date (China) | October 2025 |
| Global Release | Early 2026 (India and other markets) |
iQOO 15
The iQOO 15 is a gaming-focused phone. It is made for people who love fast games and smooth performance. This will have strong cooling and zoom camera capabilities. It’s built to handle high-end games like Genshin Impact.
| Feature | iQOO 15 |
|---|---|
| Display | Flat 2K screen (great for gaming visuals) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM | Up to 16GB |
| Camera Setup | Includes periscope lens with 100x digital zoom |
| Special Features | Advanced cooling system, gaming features |
| Operating System | OriginOS (customized for gaming) |
| Launch Date (China) | Expected November 2025 |
| Global Release | Early 2026 (Q1) |
realme GT 8 Pro
The realme GT 8 Pro is a powerful phone when it comes to creating videos and listening to music. It has a big battery, sharp cameras, and a smooth 2K screen.
| Feature | realme GT 8 Pro |
|---|---|
| Display | Flat 2K screen |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Camera Setup | 200MP periscope telephoto camera |
| Speakers | Dual stereo speakers |
| Battery | 7,000mAh |
| Operating System | Not specified (likely Android 16-based) |
| Launch Date (China) | October 2025 |
| Global Release | Shortly after China release |
| Price | Under Rs. 80,000 |
REDMAGIC 11 Pro
The REDMAGIC 11 Pro is a gaming phone made by Nubia. It has super fast graphics, a big 6.8-inch screen with a 144Hz refresh rate. There are also special buttons to help with gaming.
| Feature | REDMAGIC 11 Pro |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Gaming Features | Built-in shoulder triggers, ICE 13.0 cooling system |
| Battery | 6,500mAh with 100W fast charging |
| Camera | Basic (not the main focus) |
| Launch Date | Late October 2025 |
ASUS ROG Phone 10
The ASUS ROG Phone 10 is a powerful gaming phone built for serious gamers. It has a 6.78-inch screen with a 185Hz refresh rate. The phone comes with RGB lights and special AirTrigger buttons for better control.
| Feature | ASUS ROG Phone 10 |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78-inch, 185Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| RAM | Up to 24GB |
| Gaming Features | AirTrigger controls, AeroActive Cooler, customizable RGB lighting |
| Launch Date | Q1 2026 |
HONOR Magic 8 Series
(Includes Magic 8 and Magic 8 Pro)
The HONOR Magic 8 Series is all about amazing cameras and cool AI features. It has a big 6.8-inch screen. The Pro version adds a special zoom lens for better photos.
| Feature | Magic 8 | Magic 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch LTPO | 6.8-inch LTPO |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 |
| Camera Setup | 50MP quad cameras | 50MP quad cameras + periscope lens |
| Special Features | AI-driven MagicOS | AI-driven MagicOS |
| Launch Date | Q4 2025 (China/Europe?) | Q4 2025 (China/Europe?) |
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
(Includes S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra)
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Series is Samsung’s newest flagship lineup. It is expected to launch in early 2026. It uses a special version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip that runs even faster. The Ultra model has a huge 6.8-inch screen, a super clear 200MP camera, and supports the S Pen.
| Feature | Galaxy S26 | Galaxy S26+ | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | Not specified | Not specified | 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (“for Galaxy”) | ||
| CPU Boost | Up to 4.7GHz | Up to 4.7GHz | Up to 4.7GHz |
| Camera | Not specified | Not specified | 200MP main camera |
| Special Features | S Pen support, One UI 8 on Android 17 | S Pen support, One UI 8 on Android 17 | S Pen support, One UI 8 on Android 17 |
| Launch Date | Early 2026 | Early 2026 | Early 2026 |
In A Nutshell
I can honestly say that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is going to be super powerful. I like the fact that it is smart and has more capable AI features. It will help a lot with photo and video editing. The Xiaomi 17 series is already out. So, if you want to get your hands on this chip right now, you can go ahead with the Xiaomi 17. Samsung and OnePlus devices will be out in Early 2026.
What do you think about all the phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5? Let me know in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you.
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