During the Snapdragon Summit in September 2025, we were introduced to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. It offers significant improvements in speed, graphics, performance, and AI. In this article, we’ll go through the list of upcoming phones featuring this chip. These devices are mainly targeted at gamers and users who focus on AI and video editing. Let’s explore all the details about this chip and the upcoming phones powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Also Read: iOS 27 Release Date Revealed: 6 New Features You Can’t Miss
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 |
Also Read: 7 Hidden iOS 26 Features That Instantly Make Your iPhone Better
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 | November 13 |
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) | November 2025 |
| Global Release | Released |
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 |
| India Release | November 2025 |
| 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 |
Also Read: iOS 27 Release Date Revealed: 6 New Features You Can’t Miss
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 |
Vivo X300 Ultra
The Vivo X300 Ultra is going to be an exciting launch. The expected price is around Rs. 80,000. The best is that it is going to come with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and 6,000mAh battery with 120W charging. Let’s check out all the features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| SIM / Network | Dual SIM, 3G, 4G, 5G, VoLTE |
| Wireless & Connectivity | Wi‑Fi, NFC, IR Blaster |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Octa‑core, up to 4.6 GHz |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM, 256 GB built‑in storage (no memory card support) |
| Battery | 6000 mAh with 120 W fast charging |
| Display | 6.8″ screen; 1260 × 2800 px; 120 Hz; punch‑hole design |
| Rear Camera | Triple: 200 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP |
| Front Camera | 50 MP |
| Operating System | Android v16 |
OPPO Find X9 Ultra
The OPPO Find X9 Ultra is going to be one step ahead of the Vivo X300 Ultra. It is going to come with 7,000mAh battery. It is a deadly combination if you combine this with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| SIM / Network | Dual SIM, 3G, 4G, 5G, VoLTE |
| Wireless & Connectivity | Wi‑Fi, NFC, IR Blaster |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, Octa‑core |
| Memory | 12 GB RAM, 256 GB internal storage |
| Battery | 7000 mAh with 80 W fast charging |
| Display | 6.8″, 1440 × 3168 px, 120 Hz, punch‑hole design |
| Rear Camera | Quad rear camera, 200 MP |
| Front Camera | 50 MP |
| Operating System | Android v15 |
| Extras | No FM Radio |
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.
FAQs – Phones with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
1. What is Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
It’s Qualcomm’s newest powerful chip for top phones, launched in September 2025. It is made on 3nm technology, it’s 20% faster and 35% more battery-friendly than older chips.
2. What makes this chip special for gamers?
The Adreno GPU boosts graphics by 23% with ray tracing for realistic lights/shadows. It saves 20% power, perfect for long gaming sessions like Genshin Impact.
3. How good is AI on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
The NPU is 37% faster for photo edits, voice commands, and smart features. It handles on-phone AI without draining the battery much.
4. Which phones get Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 first?
Xiaomi 17 series launched in China in September 2025; OnePlus 15 and realme GT 8 Pro in October will get the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 first. Global releases hit late 2025 to early 2026.
5. Will Samsung use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
Yes, Galaxy S26 series (S26, S26+, S26 Ultra) is expected early 2026 with a custom “for Galaxy” version at up to 4.7GHz speed.
6. What’s the battery life like in these phones?
Phones pack big batteries: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max at 7,500mAh, realme GT 8 Pro at 7,000mAh, Vivo X300 Ultra at 6,000mAh with fast charging.
7. Can it handle big cameras?
It supports up to 200MP sensors, 8K video, and low-light shots. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is great for phones like the realme GT 8 Pro with 200MP telephoto.
8. When does iQOO 15 launch with this chip?
iQOO is expected in China in November 2025 and globally in early 2026. The main focus is on the game with a 2K screen, 16GB RAM, and cooling for smooth play.
9. Is Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 better than Apple A19 Pro?
It competes head-on with a faster CPU (4.6GHz), better GPU, and AI. Designed for gaming, video, and efficiency in Android flagships.
10. What about gaming phones like REDMAGIC 11 Pro?
Launches late October 2025 with a 144Hz screen, shoulder triggers, and a 6,500mAh battery. ICE 13.0 cooling keeps it cool during intense games.
11. Does it support fast 5G?
Yes, Snapdragon X80 modem for super-fast downloads up to 12.5Gbps. Also, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 for smooth connections.
12. Which phone has the biggest battery?
Realme GT 8 Pro and OPPO Find X9 Ultra have a 7,000mAh battery; Some hit 7,300-8,000mAh. It pairs with efficiency for 2-day use.
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