At the Snapdragon Summit 2024, Qualcomm introduced its latest and most advanced mobile chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. This new SoC marks a significant leap in smartphone performance, featuring cutting-edge CPU and GPU technology, AI capabilities, and impressive camera enhancements. The unveiling has already sparked excitement, with top smartphone brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and ASUS set to release their flagship phones powered by this beastly chipset.
In this article, we will explore the key features of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, take a look at the upcoming smartphones that will be equipped with it, and discuss why this chipset is a game-changer for mobile technology.
Snapdragon 8 Elite: A New Era of Mobile Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is Qualcomm’s response to the ever-growing demands for better mobile performance, graphics, AI processing, and power efficiency. Built on a 3nm architecture, it promises significant improvements over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The Snapdragon 8 Elite introduces second-gen Oryon CPU cores, which deliver up to 45% better performance and 44% more power efficiency. This chipset is designed to push the limits of mobile computing, offering unmatched capabilities for gaming, multitasking, and camera performance.
Key Features of Snapdragon 8 Elite:
Feature | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
---|---|
CPU Architecture | 2nd-gen Oryon CPU (2 Prime, 4 Performance, 4 Efficiency cores) |
GPU Architecture | Custom Adreno GPU with a new sliced design (40% faster) |
AI Performance | Hexagon NPU with 45% faster AI processing |
Camera ISP | AI-enhanced ISP for better image and video processing |
5G Modem | Snapdragon X80 with improved 5G speeds |
Battery Efficiency | Up to 44% better power efficiency |
Charging | Quick Charge 5 with 100W+ support |
Display Support | 8K at 30Hz, 4K at 60Hz, QHD+ at 240Hz |
Snapdragon 8 Elite-Powered Phones: The Full Lineup
Several leading smartphone manufacturers have already announced their upcoming flagship phones that will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. From Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series to Xiaomi 15, here’s a look at the top smartphones that will hit the market with Qualcomm’s latest powerhouse.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series
The highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to be one of the first major releases featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Although TM Roh, Samsung’s Mobile President, didn’t specifically mention the device, he teased that their next flagship will come equipped with Galaxy AI powered by Qualcomm’s latest chip. Given the timeline, we can expect the Galaxy S25 series to launch in January 2025.


- Launch Timeline: January 2025
- Key Features: Snapdragon 8 Elite, AI-powered camera improvements, enhanced Galaxy AI
2. Xiaomi 15 Series
Xiaomi has always been at the forefront of embracing Qualcomm’s latest technology, and the Xiaomi 15 series is no different. The Xiaomi 15 is expected to be one of the first devices to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite, with the launch scheduled for October 2024. The flagship will also debut Hyper OS 2, an optimized system for enhanced performance and AI integration.

- Launch Timeline: October 2024 (China)
- Key Features: HyperTurbo performance, Snapdragon 8 Elite, Hyper OS 2
3. ASUS ROG Phone 9 Series
Gaming smartphones are where the Snapdragon 8 Elite will truly shine, and the ASUS ROG Phone 9 series is poised to take full advantage of the chip’s capabilities. With gaming-centric features like enhanced cooling, 240Hz display, and AI-powered game optimizations, the ROG Phone 9 will be a dream for mobile gamers. The launch is set for November 19th, 2024.



- Launch Timeline: November 19, 2024
- Key Features: 240Hz display, AI-powered gaming, Snapdragon 8 Elite, enhanced cooling
4. Honor Magic7 Series
Honor’s Magic7 series will also be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. The Honor Magic7 will feature MagicOS 9.0 and introduce new AI functionalities like YOYO AI assistant, which can handle daily tasks such as booking tickets and managing notifications. The launch event is set for October 30th, 2024, in China.



- Launch Timeline: October 30, 2024 (China)
- Key Features: YOYO AI assistant, NPU-enhanced graphics, Snapdragon 8 Elite
5. iQOO 13
The iQOO 13 is another exciting entry in the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered lineup. Known for its high performance at competitive pricing, iQOO’s next flagship will feature Android 15 and a focus on gaming and AI-driven camera features. The iQOO 13 will launch in China on October 30th, with an expected India release in December 2024.




- Launch Timeline: October 30, 2024 (China); December 2024 (India)
- Key Features: Snapdragon 8 Elite, AI-driven camera, Android 15
6. OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 series will also sport the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and the phone is expected to launch in China on October 31st, 2024, with a global release, including India, in January 2025. OnePlus has long been a key Qualcomm partner, and the OnePlus 13 will come with all the top-tier features, including AI enhancements and fast charging.



- Launch Timeline: October 31, 2024 (China); January 2025 (India)
- Key Features: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 100W+ fast charging, enhanced AI features
7. Realme GT 7 Pro
Realme’s GT 7 Pro is expected to be India’s first smartphone to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. With a 6,500mAh battery, 120W fast charging, and a 50MP camera, the Realme GT 7 Pro promises top-tier performance at an affordable price. The device is set to launch in November 2024.


- Launch Timeline: November 2024
- Key Features: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6,500mAh battery, 120W fast charging, 50MP triple camera
Snapdragon 8 Elite: A Giant Leap for Smartphone Technology
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a mobile device. Here are some key enhancements brought by the new chip:

1. Oryon CPU Architecture
The Oryon CPU cores offer a new 2+4+4 configuration, delivering up to 45% better performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The CPU clocks at a massive 4.32GHz, making it the fastest mobile processor to date.
2. Sliced Adreno GPU
Qualcomm has introduced a new sliced design for its Adreno GPU, which allows each GPU slice to operate independently for better power efficiency. The result is 40% better graphics performance and enhanced ray tracing capabilities for gaming.
3. Hexagon NPU
The new Hexagon NPU offers 45% faster AI processing, supporting multimodal AI for voice, image, and text recognition. This improves everything from voice commands to AI-assisted photography.
4. Camera and Imaging
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s AI-enhanced camera ISP, users can expect better low-light photography, real-time object detection, and AI-based noise reduction. The ISP can handle up to 8K video recording, making it perfect for creators.
Key Feature | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
---|---|
CPU Performance | 45% faster than Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
GPU Performance | 40% faster graphics and ray tracing |
AI Performance | 45% faster AI processing |
Battery Efficiency | 44% more power-efficient |
Camera Features | AI-enhanced ISP, up to 8K video recording |
Charging Support | Quick Charge 5 (100W+) |
Conclusion: The Future of Flagship Smartphones
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm is cementing its place as the leader in mobile processing power. As more smartphones adopt this chipset, users can expect to experience unmatched performance, cutting-edge AI capabilities, and breathtaking graphics.