Qualcomm already announced that Snapdragon Summit 2025 will happen from September 23rd, where it will introduce the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Even though earlier rumours revealed 8 Elite 2 naming, the company has officially confirmed that the company’s next flagship mobile chip will be called the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Understanding the Naming Convention
Qualcomm has provided an explanation for the new name. The “Gen 5” designation is not a generational skip but a continuation of the company’s single-digit naming system. It represents the fifth generation of the Snapdragon 8 series flagship mobile platform. According to the company, this naming aims to simplify the product roadmap for consumers.
The first four generations were the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and Snapdragon 8 Elite. The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the fifth generation in this series.
The Evolution of the Naming Strategy
Qualcomm states that the new naming convention is an evolution of its established framework, not a complete change. Last year, the company introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which established a new tier in its flagship product line. The naming system considers factors like performance, release timing, and the product’s position within the overall portfolio.
The Significance of the “Elite” Designation
The “Elite” designation is reserved for what Qualcomm considers its most advanced products. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is positioned as the pinnacle of the Snapdragon 8 series.
The previous Snapdragon 8 Elite introduced the Qualcomm Oryon CPU, a custom-designed architecture that aimed to enhance performance and power efficiency. Qualcomm states that the new platform will further build on these advancements.
Impact on Future Products
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is part of a broader strategy. Future mobile platforms will also adopt this “Gen 5” generational naming. This consistency is intended to help both consumers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) better understand the product line up and the performance upgrades each new chip brings.
Xiaomi will be the first to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip in the Xiaomi 17 series that will be introduced later this month, soon after the announcement of the chip.