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When Qualcomm launched its flagship chip (8 Elite Gen 5), it was widely circulated and even alternatively named as simply "8 Gen 5". But turns out, Qualcomm was actually planning for a separate and actual "8 Gen 5". Yes, they just launched it recently, and it's positioned just below the 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship. Although this chipset uses the exact same 3nm process and the same Oryon CPU architecture, it also has slightly dialed-back specs to hit a lower price point. Now, let's jump in this article, where I will discuss everything about the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, including its specifications and expected devices.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Overview
3nm Process and CPU Architecture
The chipset is built on a 3nm process node, same as the SD Elite Gen 5. The CPU uses Qualcomm's third-generation Oryon architecture with an octa-core configuration: 2 Prime cores clocked at 3.8GHz and 6 Performance cores at 3.32GHz. The main difference is that the prime cores run slower than the Elite Gen 5's 4.6GHz, and the performance cores are also clocked lower.
But when compared to the two-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, Qualcomm claims 36% better CPU performance, 11% improved GPU output, and 46% faster AI processing. Overall, SoC power efficiency has also reportedly improved by 13%.
Adreno 840 GPU
The GPU is an Adreno 840, which is a sliced version of the Elite Gen 5's GPU. It includes Frame Motion Engine 3.0 for smoother frame rates in supported games, but it lacks Adreno High-Performance Memory (HPM) support that the Elite Gen 5 has. This HPM actually improves memory bandwidth and reduces latency in graphics-intensive tasks. But it's worth telling that, hardly any users will notice its absence in daily use, even if someone does, it would be a few heavy gamers playing at maximum settings who might see slightly lower frame rates compared to the Elite Gen 5.
AI Processing and NPU
Moreover, the AI performance that you are getting from this chipset comes from the Hexagon NPU, which delivers 46% faster processing than the 8 Gen 3. The NPU supports multi-modal AI input, meaning it can handle combinations of text, image, audio, and video data simultaneously.
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Camera and Connectivity
The Spectra ISP handles image processing. Qualcomm hasn't really detailed specific capabilities, but Spectra typically enables features like computational photography, multi-frame noise reduction, and real-time HDR processing.
Finally, connectivity features come from the X80 5G Modem-RF System. Which is the same modem used in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and last year's flagship? So there's no compromise on network performance. You're getting the same 5G speeds and connectivity features as top-tier chips.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Specifications
- Process Node: 3nm
- CPU Architecture: Qualcomm third-gen Oryon CPU, Octa-core (2× Prime cores at 3.8GHz + 6× Performance cores at 3.32GHz)
- GPU: Adreno 840 (sliced version), Frame Motion Engine 3.0, No Adreno High-Performance Memory (HPM) support
- AI & NPU: Hexagon NPU, +46% AI performance vs 8 Gen 3, On-device and multi-modal AI input support
- ISP: Spectra ISP (Qualcomm imaging processor)
- Modem: X80 5G Modem-RF System
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Availability
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 was announced recently, with the OnePlus Ace 6T / 15R as the first confirmed device. You should expect more announcements from iQOO, Motorola, and Vivo in the coming months.
Article Last updated: November 27, 2025
