Qualcomm is gearing up for another significant launch with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset, set to be unveiled in September 2025. The next-generation mobile processor promises substantial improvements over its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, particularly in CPU and GPU performance. The new chip is expected to power flagship smartphones from top Android brands like Xiaomi, Samsung, and OnePlus in the coming months.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 Launch Expected in September

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 will make its official debut at Qualcomm’s annual Snapdragon Summit in late September. Following the unveiling, flagship devices powered by this new SoC are expected to launch as early as October 2025. Rumors suggest that Xiaomi could be the first to release smartphones featuring the new chip, with their Xiaomi 16 and Xiaomi 16 Pro possibly being among the first to showcase the Gen 2’s power. Other brands like Samsung, OnePlus, and Asus are anticipated to follow suit in the following months.

Performance Improvements: CPU and GPU Boost

One of the most exciting aspects of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is its performance improvements. The new chip is expected to offer up to 25% improved CPU performance and a 30% boost in GPU performance compared to its predecessor. This improvement is largely driven by the inclusion of second-generation Oryon cores, Qualcomm’s custom-designed CPU cores that provide better efficiency and speed.

The GPU performance jump will also be notable, partly due to an increase in independent GPU cache from 12MB to 16MB. This boost will help with more demanding graphics tasks, including gaming and AI-driven processes, ensuring smoother and faster performance across apps and games.

Expected Features and Manufacturing Process

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is expected to be built on the advanced N3P fabrication process by TSMC, ensuring a more power-efficient and compact design. With the new chip, Qualcomm aims to achieve a Geekbench 6 score of at least 4,000 points in single-core testing, marking a major leap from the 3,200 points achieved by the previous generation. This will position the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 as one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market.

Flagship Devices to Feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2

• Xiaomi 16 and Xiaomi 16 Pro – Expected to be the first to feature the new chip in October 2025.
• Samsung Galaxy S25 – Likely to include Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 in select models for global markets.
• OnePlus 13 – Set to launch with the new Snapdragon processor, offering improved gaming and multi-tasking capabilities.

What to Expect from the New Snapdragon SoC

In addition to improved performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is expected to bring new features that enhance mobile experiences. These may include better AI capabilities, faster connectivity (5G and Wi-Fi), and enhanced security features. Qualcomm’s latest chipset aims to deliver an all-around upgrade, not just in raw power but also in user experience, from battery life to media consumption.

Conclusion

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 promises to be a significant leap forward for mobile processors, offering flagship devices the performance they need to handle the next generation of mobile applications, gaming, and AI tasks. With devices expected to launch in October 2025, the new chipset will likely power some of the most anticipated smartphones of the year. If you’re planning on upgrading to a flagship phone in the coming months, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2-powered devices are definitely worth considering.