Qualcomm’s affordable flagship strategy is taking shape. Fresh leaks from reliable tipster Digital Chat Station reveal the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will feature Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU architecture for the first time on a non-Elite platform, built on TSMC’s advanced N3P 3nm process.
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Flagship Performance Without the Premium Price Tag
The chip features eight CPU cores—two high-performance cores clocked at 3.80GHz and six efficiency cores at 3.32GHz, bringing Oryon architecture to more affordable devices. This represents a major shift in Qualcomm’s strategy, extending custom silicon beyond the most expensive flagships.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Leaked Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Process | TSMC N3P (3nm) |
| CPU Cores | 2x Prime @ 3.8GHz + 6x Performance @ 3.32GHz |
| CPU Architecture | Qualcomm Oryon (custom) |
| GPU | Adreno 840 @ 1.2GHz |
| AnTuTu Score | 3.3+ million points |
| Geekbench 6 | ~3,000 (single) / ~10,000 (multi-core) |
Benchmark Performance Impresses
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 allegedly scores over 3.3 million on AnTuTu and around 10,000 points in Geekbench multi-core tests. In Aztec 1440p gaming benchmarks, the chip reportedly maintains close to 100 FPS, making it powerful enough for demanding mobile gaming.
Strategic Positioning for Mid-Premium Segment
This non-elite variant sits below the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 but still packs serious performance credentials, potentially bringing flagship experiences to phones priced between $600-$800. The approach mirrors MediaTek’s Dimensity lineup strategy, giving consumers more choices across different price points.
Adreno 840 GPU Delivers Solid Graphics
For graphics, it features the Adreno 840 GPU, based on the same architecture as the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s GPU but with slightly scaled-down performance at 1.2GHz frequency. While graphics performance may be slightly lower than the Elite variant, it remains powerful enough for demanding games and AI workloads.
Improved Thermal Efficiency Expected
Performance-wise, CPU output is said to be comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while GPU performance is slightly lower. However, the N3P fabrication process is expected to deliver improved thermal management and energy efficiency. This suggests smoother sustained performance despite the more compact design.
First Devices Launching Soon
Reports suggest the OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo, Vivo S50 Pro Mini, and Honor GT 2, expected to debut in the November-December period, will be the first phones to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Additionally, the OnePlus 15R may launch globally with this chipset.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 represents Qualcomm’s dual-track strategy: delivering flagship power without flagship costs, democratizing high-end technology for budget-conscious consumers seeking premium performance.
FAQs
What makes Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 special?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 brings Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU architecture to non-Elite devices for the first time, offering near-flagship performance at mid-premium pricing ($600-$800).
Which phones will launch with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5?
OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo, Vivo S50 Pro Mini, Honor GT 2, and potentially OnePlus 15R will be first devices featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 in November-December 2025.
