Reports from DCS (Digital Chat Station) reveal exciting details about Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (SM8850), expected to redefine smartphone performance for 2026 flagship devices from brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus.
Key Leaks and Specifications
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Name: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (potentially Elite Gen 2 or Gen 5)
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Process: TSMC 3nm 3rd generation
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CPU: 2+6 core architecture (2 Prime + 6 Performance cores) with Prime cores potentially exceeding 5GHz
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GPU: Adreno 840 with ~30% performance uplift and 16MB dedicated memory
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Performance: Geekbench 6 scores estimated at >4000 single-core and >11000 multi-core, rivaling laptop CPUs
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AI Capabilities: Enhanced on-device AI for multi-modal applications
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Timeline: Expected reveal at September 2025 Snapdragon Summit, first phones in October 2025, global rollout in 2026
What It Means for Smartphones
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Desktop-Class Power: The chip promises laptop-level performance on mobile devices, making gaming and heavy applications smoother than ever.
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AI Advancements: Strong AI integration will enable next-gen mobile features, including advanced imaging, predictive apps, and AI-assisted gaming.
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Competitive Edge: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 sets a new performance benchmark, directly challenging Apple and other mobile platforms.
Outlook
With TSMC 3nm efficiency, 5GHz+ Prime cores, and Adreno 840 GPU, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is poised to redefine flagship performance in 2026, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop computing. Enthusiasts can expect October 2025 launches in select markets, following the September Snapdragon Summit 2025 reveal.
