Qualcomm Will Launch Next-Gen Snapdragon 8 Elite in September: Here’s What to Expect

Qualcomm has officially revealed the dates for its much-anticipated Snapdragon Summit 2025, which will run from September 23 to 25 in Hawaii. During this annual event, the company is expected to introduce its next top-tier smartphone processor — likely to be called the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.

The announcement was made at Computex 2025, further fueling excitement among tech enthusiasts and industry insiders. While exact specifications are still under wraps, multiple leaks and reports suggest that this could be Qualcomm’s most powerful mobile chipset yet.

What’s New in the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2?

Improved CPU Architecture

According to early leaks, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will retain the 6+2 core CPU configuration of its predecessor. However, this version will integrate new Nuvia-designed cores built on Arm’s v9 architecture, promising notable performance and efficiency improvements.

Benchmark Leaks Hint at Massive Gains

Leaked Antutu scores indicate a potential 26% increase in performance, thanks to Qualcomm’s shift to TSMC’s advanced N3P node. This next-gen chip could be a game-changer for performance-centric smartphones launching in late 2025.

Adreno 840 GPU: Faster & Smarter

On the graphics front, Qualcomm’s upcoming Adreno 840 GPU could see up to a 30% performance uplift. This leap is attributed to an increased 16MB cache and support for LPDDR6 memory, pushing mobile gaming and multimedia processing to new levels.

Which Phones Will Feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2?

If Qualcomm follows its typical product cycle, smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 should arrive in October 2025. Likely early adopters include:

• Xiaomi 16 series

• OnePlus 15

• Realme GT8 Pro

However, Samsung may take a different path. Reports suggest that Galaxy S26 (standard and Plus variants) could rely on the in-house Exynos 2600 instead.

"Snapdragon for Galaxy" Variant in Development?

Qualcomm is said to be working on a tailored version of its new chip for Samsung devices, dubbed "Snapdragon for Galaxy." However, there’s uncertainty about whether it will be ready in time for the Galaxy S26 series launch.

Rising Competition in the Premium Chipset Market

While Qualcomm’s next-gen chip looks powerful, it won’t have an easy ride. It will compete with:

• Apple’s A19 and A19 Pro chipsets

• MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500

• Xiaomi’s in-house Xring O1 processor

This intense competition means Qualcomm must deliver on both performance and efficiency to retain its dominance in the premium Android segment.

What Else Is Qualcomm Launching?

Apart from its mobile chip, Qualcomm is also expected to unveil its next-gen PC processor — the Snapdragon X Elite 2 (also known as Snapdragon X2 Elite) — at the same September event. This chipset is designed for Windows PCs, furthering Qualcomm’s push into the laptop market.

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm Incorporated is an American multinational corporation headquartered in San Diego, California, widely recognized as a global leader in the development of semiconductors, software, and services related to wireless technology. It holds critical patents essential for mobile communication standards such as 5G, 4G, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA, and WCDMA.

Key Aspects of Qualcomm:

• Founding and Early History of Qualcomm:

  • Founded in July 1985 by seven former Linkabit employees, led by Irwin Jacobs. Other co-founders included Andrew Viterbi, Franklin Antonio, Adelia Coffman, Andrew Cohen, Klein Gilhousen, and Harvey White.

  • The name "Qualcomm" is derived from the phrase "Quality Communications." Originally founded as a contract R&D firm, the company secured early financial success through its Omnitracs satellite communication system, designed for the trucking industry.

  • A major turning point came with Qualcomm’s innovative work on Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology. Despite initial industry resistance, CDMA eventually became the standard for 2G mobile networks in North America, thanks in large part to Qualcomm’s extensive intellectual property and patents in the field.

• Business Segments: Qualcomm primarily operates through three segments:

  • QCT (Qualcomm CDMA Technologies): This is the largest segment, responsible for developing and supplying integrated circuits (chips) and system software based on Qualcomm's wireless technologies. This includes processors for mobile devices, IoT, automotive, and networking.

  • QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing): This segment generates significant revenue by granting licenses and providing rights to use portions of Qualcomm's extensive intellectual property portfolio, particularly its standard-essential patents (SEPs) in mobile communications.

  • QSI (Qualcomm Strategic Initiatives): This segment focuses on investing in and expanding opportunities for Qualcomm's technologies in new markets and supporting the development of new products and services.

• Products and Platforms:

  • Snapdragon: Qualcomm's flagship suite of system-on-chip (SoC) products, predominantly used in smartphones, but also extending to laptops, tablets, smartwatches, VR/AR devices, automotive systems, and IoT. Snapdragon SoCs integrate CPUs (based on ARM architecture), GPUs (Adreno), DSPs (Hexagon), modems, and AI engines.

  • Snapdragon Digital Chassis: An integrated platform for connected and intelligent vehicles, covering automated driving, digital cockpits, and full connectivity.

  • Snapdragon Wear: Platforms specifically designed for smart wearables.

  • Qualcomm Aware: Solutions for location tracking and asset management.

  • Networking Platforms: Advanced Wi-Fi, cellular, and wireless fiber technologies for leading-edge and reliable networks.

  • Modem-RF Systems: Crucial components for 5G, 4G, and other wireless connectivity solutions.

  • Wireless Technologies: Extensive portfolio in 5G, 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and beyond.

Conclusion

The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is shaping up to be a major step forward for Qualcomm in the mobile chipset race. With stronger CPU and GPU performance, better efficiency, and AI integration, it’s positioned to power the next wave of flagship Android phones. However, fierce competition from Apple, MediaTek, and Xiaomi means Qualcomm must bring its A-game. September’s Snapdragon Summit 2025 will be the moment of truth — and possibly the start of a new era in mobile computing.