Snapdragon 8 Gen 5: A next Powereful Flagship Chip from Qualcomm: Everything You Need to Know

Qualcomm is preparing to launch its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, which will be the first to use the 3nm process. But the rumors about its successor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, are already swirling. Here’s what we know so far about this upcoming flagship processor.

Highlights:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 CPU: Pegasus Cores and 2 + 6 Configuration
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 GPU: Slice Architecture and Adreno 830
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Release Date: Expected in 2025

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 CPU: Pegasus Cores and 2 + 6 Configuration

According to a tweet by @For_Ataraxia, the processor will feature new custom cores codenamed Pegasus, which will be an improvement over the Phoenix cores used in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Both chipsets will have the same 2 + 6 CPU configuration, meaning two performance cores and six efficiency cores. However, Qualcomm will follow MediaTek’s strategy of using only performance cores for the Dimensity 9400, which is expected to compete with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

The exact clock speeds of the chipset are unknown, but it is likely that they will be higher than the 4.00GHz frequency that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 was reportedly tested with. This could give the chip an edge over its predecessor in terms of performance and power efficiency.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 GPU: Slice Architecture and Adreno 830

Another similarity between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and the 8 Gen 5 is the use of the same Slice GPU architecture, which is designed to deliver better graphics and gaming performance. However, it is unclear whether the processor will reuse the Adreno 830 GPU from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or introduce a new GPU model. The Adreno 830 is expected to be a powerful graphics processor that can support up to 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Process: Samsung’s 2nm vs TSMC’s N3E

One of the most surprising aspects of the chipset rumors is the claim that it will use Samsung’s 2nm process, also known as SF2. This is a significant jump from the 3nm process that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will use, and it could offer significant advantages in terms of performance, power consumption, and chip size. However, this also raises the question of why Qualcomm would switch from TSMC, which is the leading foundry for advanced nodes, to Samsung, which has been struggling to catch up.

The tipster also suggests that the chipset will stick with TSMC’s N3E process, which is an enhanced version of the 3nm process that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will use. This seems contradictory, and it could mean that Qualcomm is testing both processes to see which one is more suitable for its next flagship chipset. Alternatively, it could mean that Qualcomm will use different processes for different markets or regions, depending on the availability and cost.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Release Date: Expected in 2025

The chipset is still a long way from being launched, as Qualcomm is expected to unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in late 2024 or early 2025. The chipset will likely follow a year later, in 2025, and power the next generation of flagship smartphones from various brands. Until then, we will have to wait for more reliable information and leaks to confirm or debunk the rumors about this promising chipset.