In a potential shift in Qualcomm’s flagship chipset naming strategy, leaks suggest the company could launch both a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and a Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 in the coming months. This development follows last year’s unexpected debut of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which bypassed the anticipated Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 name and introduced a new naming schema.
The information comes from prolific leaker Digital Chat Station via Weibo, who posted that Qualcomm’s rumored SM8845 chipset may be branded as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Meanwhile, another chipset under development, SM8850, is believed to be the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 or simply Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. The presence of two top-tier processors suggests Qualcomm might maintain both naming conventions simultaneously, with the Elite 2 positioned as the flagship in 2026 and the Gen 5 slotting just below it.
This dual-track approach would represent another intriguing naming adjustment from Qualcomm. Last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite marked a departure from the usual “Gen” sequence, creating some confusion among enthusiasts and industry watchers. Supporting this, early packaging of devices like the realme GT7 Pro even referenced the now-superseded Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 designation.
Additionally, there are indications that the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5, previously expected to launch in 2026 as the SM8835 chipset, may no longer be released, further emphasizing Qualcomm’s evolving strategy.
If confirmed, Qualcomm’s release of both Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 would position the Elite 2 as the flagship processor powering the highest-end Android smartphones next year, while the Gen 5 would serve as a strong contender below it. This layered approach to naming and positioning could reflect Qualcomm’s desire to segment its premium offerings more clearly, catering to different tiers of flagship devices.
As the smartphone industry closely watches Qualcomm’s next moves, this potential naming duality marks the latest twist in the company’s top-tier chipset evolution. Official announcements are expected in the coming months, with manufacturers gearing up for launches throughout 2026.