Qualcomm has unveiled its next-generation flagship mobile platform Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 (SM8845), and the company is calling it “the future of on-device intelligence.” Let us tell you that it is built on the 3nm TSMC process. Qualcomm’s new chipset is going to prove to be a major leap in performance, AI, security, and power efficiency. Along with this, let us tell you that the focus of the 8 Gen 5 is not just speed, but also taking next-generation agentic AI, advanced photography, and 5G/Wi-Fi 7 connectivity to new heights in the real world.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 CPU Performance
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 comes with an all-new CPU configuration. It includes two high-performance cores that achieve a top clock speed of 3.80GHz, while six efficiency cores run at 3.32GHz. In addition, this Snapdragon processor features an L2 cache structure, including a 4MB high-performance cache and a 12MB efficiency cache, which makes the CPU’s multitasking and thermal behavior much more stable. Let us tell you that TSMC’s 3nm processor not only increases speed but also improves battery life, which provides stable performance for a longer time.
Adreno 840 GPU
Let us tell you that Qualcomm has also made a major upgrade in the graphics segment. The new Adreno 840 GPU supports real-time hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which enhances the mobile gaming experience with global illumination, dynamic shadows, and better reflections. Meanwhile, the company claims that the Adreno 840 is more efficient compared to the previous model, which will significantly reduce heat and battery drain during high-frame-rate gaming. Apart from this, we can see that HDR gaming, smooth graphics, and low latency are emerging as major strengths of this GPU.
Next-Generation Smartness With Agentic AI
At the core of Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is Qualcomm’s new Hexagon NPU, specially designed for agentic AI capabilities. Because of this, this chipset does not just run AI models, but can handle complex multi-step tasks, on-device reasoning, and context-aware decision-making. On-device model encryption makes it more secure against cyber-attacks.
In addition, this processor is equipped with an AI Sensing Hub that continuously processes background data, which enhances personal experiences such as real-time notification intelligence, improved camera processing, and smart power management.
320MP Camera Support and Advanced 8K HDR Video
Qualcomm’s new Spectra Triple 20-bit AI ISP has pushed the boundaries of mobile photography even further. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor supports camera sensors up to 320MP and captures extremely fast images in 108MP and 48MP modes. This ISP has now become more accurate in multi-frame HDR image processing, which delivers even sharper results in low-light photography.
In the video segment, this platform supports 8K HDR video recording @ 30FPS and 4K60 AI video segmentation. This feature can be particularly useful for content creators, as it enhances subject tracking and background processing in real time.
Ultra-Smooth Display and Snapdragon Audio Sense Support
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 also proves ideal for high-end displays. It can easily handle 4K+ resolution up to 120Hz and QHD+ up to 240Hz. HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 10-bit color depth make it a perfect display engine for premium smartphones. Let us tell you that gaming, scrolling, and multimedia consumption all become smoother.
In addition, Qualcomm’s latest Audio Sense platform in Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 supports both aptX Adaptive and Lossless, delivering clearer, more detailed, and more stable wireless audio. Along with this, pro-grade features like wind-noise rejection, audio zoom, and spatial HDR audio improve both video recording and calls.
X80 5G Modem and Wi-Fi 7
Let us tell you that Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 includes Qualcomm’s latest X80 5G Advanced modem, which works on both mmWave and sub-6 bands. It offers up to 10Gbps download and 3.5Gbps upload speeds. In addition, AI-based traffic management reduces network latency, making streaming and gaming more stable.
The FastConnect 7900 module supports Wi-Fi 7 with speeds up to 5.8Gbps. Additionally, Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio, and UWB support make it a future-ready platform for IoT and smart devices.
LPDDR5X and UFS 4.1 Storage
This chipset supports up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM running at 4800MHz. Along with this, UFS 4.1 storage support makes app launching, high-resolution games, and handling large files much faster. In such a situation, users who always look for phones with fast storage will soon find their ideal device, as phones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Qualcomm processors will fulfill their needs.
A Big Leap in Security
Qualcomm has included next-generation technology in its security features. The 3D ultrasonic in-display fingerprint solution offers more accurate and faster unlocking. Along with this, TEE, Type-1 Hypervisor, and C2PA provenance authentication make the device and data even more secure.
For navigation, AI GNSS support is available, which includes GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, and India’s NavIC. Triple-frequency support enhances location accuracy even more.
Quick Charge 5 and USB 3.1 Gen2 Support
Speaking of power management, Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 supports Quick Charge 5, which offers fast charging along with better temperature control. The chipset also supports USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C, which speeds up data transfer.
A Major Shift Coming in 2026 Flagship Smartphones
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is not just a chip but a complete AI and performance ecosystem. This platform brings major changes across camera, gaming, AI, connectivity, security, and battery management. In such a scenario, we expect brands like Samsung, iQOO, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Vivo to launch their flagship smartphones based on this chipset in early 2026.
In the end, what do you think about this processor? Do let us know your opinion through the comments, and also tell us whether you would like to buy a phone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
FAQ
What is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 mobile platform?
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is Qualcomm’s next-generation 3nm flagship chipset designed for high performance, agentic AI, advanced gaming, photography, and 5G/Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
Does Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 support advanced AI features?
Yes, it includes a new Hexagon NPU with agentic AI capabilities, enabling on-device reasoning, multi-step tasks, and context-aware decision-making.
What is the GPU used in Snapdragon 8 Gen 5?
It features the Adreno 840 GPU, which supports real-time hardware-accelerated ray tracing, HDR gaming, and low-latency performance.
What Camera Capabilities does Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 offer?
It supports up to 320MP camera sensors, 8K HDR video recording at 30FPS, and improved low-light photography through a 20-bit AI ISP.
Which Smartphones will launch with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5?
Brands like Samsung, iQOO, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Vivo are expected to launch their flagship smartphones with this chipset in early 2026.
