Qualcomm might shake up its usual launch cycle this year by introducing not one, but two flagship Snapdragon processors for smartphones. Traditionally, the company unveils a single top-tier chipset each year, such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite in 2024 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in 2023. But according to reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, Qualcomm’s 2025 roadmap could include both the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 (SM8850) and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (SM8845).
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is said to be no “lite” or mid-tier variant. Instead, it will reportedly use Qualcomm’s in-house Oryon CPU cores and the advanced TSMC N3P process, putting it on par with the 8 Elite Gen 2 in terms of technology. While it’s still unclear how the two chips will differ, the 8 Gen 5 is expected to integrate Scalable Matrix Extensions (SME) for enhanced on-device AI acceleration, a key feature as AI becomes central to smartphones.
Interestingly, Qualcomm seems to be skipping a Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, leaving the 8 Gen 5 to fill a middle ground. Many Android OEMs are reportedly planning devices with the 8 Gen 5, although there’s no confirmation yet on whether Samsung will adopt it.
If the rumors hold, Qualcomm’s flagship lineup this year could include:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2: top-tier flagship chip
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: a flagship-tier chip with Oryon cores, positioned slightly below the Elite
- (Possibly) a Samsung-made version of the 8 Elite
This strategy could open up new space for so-called “flagship killer” devices, though rising costs might blur the line between budget-friendly flagships and premium models. Either way, Qualcomm’s naming scheme is about to get even more complicated.
Goals
Qualcomm is clearly trying to create a two-tier flagship strategy, much like Intel and AMD do with CPUs. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is the halo product, while the 8 Gen 5 could be the more “accessible” flagship that powers the bulk of premium smartphones. The real question is whether this move makes devices more expensive or helps OEMs bring AI-powered features to a wider audience. One thing is certain: Qualcomm isn’t leaving any room for MediaTek or Huawei to slip into the flagship space without a fight.
