Detak Media — Qualcomm has unveiled its latest powerhouse chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, promising significant improvements in CPU, GPU, and NPU performance along with support for the APV codec to enhance video capture quality. This cutting-edge System on Chip (SoC) is poised to become the heart of many flagship Android smartphones launching in the coming months and into next year.
Leading manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus, and others have already confirmed plans to integrate the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 into their upcoming premium devices. Here, we spotlight nine of the most anticipated smartphones that will showcase this advanced chipset.
1. Xiaomi 17 Series
Skipping a generation in its naming scheme, Xiaomi is preparing to launch the Xiaomi 17 series as successors to the Xiaomi 15 lineup. This series will mark the first phones to debut with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
The lineup includes the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max models. Xiaomi promises substantial upgrades for the base model without increasing prices domestically. Notably, the 17 Pro is positioned as a compact imaging flagship, while the 17 Pro Max aims to be the most powerful device in the series, replacing the “Ultra” branding with “Pro Max.”
A standout feature on the Pro and Pro Max models is the secondary rear display, a concept previously seen on the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. This smaller screen can display clock faces, app notifications, and serve as a viewfinder for high-quality selfies using the rear cameras.
Charging capabilities have also improved, with some models supporting 100W universal fast charging via USB Power Delivery PPS, allowing high-speed charging with a variety of third-party chargers. The Xiaomi 17 series is set to launch imminently in China, with international releases expected soon after.
2. iQOO 15
As vivo’s performance-centric sub-brand, iQOO is anticipated to equip its upcoming iQOO 15 with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, following its tradition of adopting Qualcomm’s latest flagship SoC.
While the launch date remains unannounced, teasers highlight a visually striking color-shifting back panel that transitions from gray to a reddish swirl depending on the viewing angle. The phone will feature a 6.85-inch QHD+ OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 2,600 nits, incorporating Samsung’s advanced M14 panel technology.
Speculation also surrounds the camera system, which may include a periscope telephoto sensor capable of up to 100x digital zoom, positioning the iQOO 15 as a compelling option for photography enthusiasts.
3. OnePlus 15
OnePlus has confirmed that its next flagship will be the OnePlus 15, skipping the number 14 due to cultural reasons. The new model is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip.
Leaks suggest the phone will sport a 6.78-inch flat display with a 1.5K resolution and a refresh rate exceeding 120Hz, though this would be a slight downgrade from its predecessor on paper. OnePlus has ended its partnership with Hasselblad and is developing its own DetailMax Engine for enhanced photography.
In line with these changes, the OnePlus 15 may include a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with an 85mm equivalent focal length and f/2.8 aperture, offering approximately 3.5 to 3.7 times optical zoom but potentially less effective low-light performance.
4. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung is confirmed to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in at least some models of its upcoming Galaxy S26 series. However, some variants might utilize the in-house Exynos 2600 chip, continuing Samsung’s tradition of region-specific processors.
The Galaxy S26 Ultra, likely the US variant, is expected to feature a specially binned version of Qualcomm’s chip branded “for Galaxy,” delivering enhanced performance. Design updates could include rounder mid-frame corners and the return of a prominent camera island.
The Ultra model might also adopt Samsung’s new M14 OLED display panel and introduce a Private Display feature. Camera improvements include a 50MP 5x telephoto lens with an upgraded f/2.9 aperture, better suited for low-light photography. Charging speed is anticipated to increase to 60W compared to 45W on its predecessor.
Samsung has yet to officially announce the Galaxy S26 series, with a probable launch slated for early 2026 alongside the One UI 8.5 update.
5. realme GT8 Pro
realme is gearing up to launch the GT8 Pro in China this October. Although not officially confirmed, this model is expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.
The GT8 Pro will showcase a uniquely shaped camera island, a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor, and a 2K resolution display. An international release is likely to follow the Chinese launch.
6. vivo X300 Ultra
vivo’s forthcoming X300 Ultra is anticipated to incorporate Qualcomm’s new flagship SoC. While the company has shared details mainly about the base X300 and X300 Pro, the Ultra model remains the flagship of the series.
The X300 lineup is scheduled to debut in China on October 13, with potential international availability thereafter.
7. OPPO Find X9 Ultra
OPPO has teased the Find X9 series launch in China this October. While the base and Pro models will reportedly use the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, the Find X9 Ultra is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
No official details or international launch dates have been disclosed yet.
8. HONOR Magic 8 Series
HONOR confirmed its Magic 8 series will arrive later this year, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The new chipset will also be integrated into HONOR’s MagicPad 3 Pro tablet.
Early images of the Magic 8 Pro suggest the presence of a periscope camera and a physical camera button. The series is slated for an October release.
9. nubia REDMAGIC 11 Pro Series
Known for gaming-centric smartphones, nubia plans to equip its REDMAGIC 11 Pro series with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This aligns with nubia’s history of adopting flagship Snapdragon chips early.
The REDMAGIC 11 Pro phones are expected to include advanced cooling solutions like cooling fans, aiming to deliver sustained high performance ideal for mobile gaming and emulation.
