The competition in the mobile chipset arena is heating up as Qualcomm introduces two new processors launched close together: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Despite similar naming, these chipsets show significant performance differences, prompting questions about whether the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is truly flagship or a more affordable variant of the Elite Gen 5.
Benchmark scores give an initial glimpse into their capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, powering the OnePlus 15R, scored 2,784 in single-core and 9,329 in multi-core Geekbench tests. These figures place it firmly within the premium segment. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, found in the OnePlus 15, scored 3,594 single-core and 10,602 multi-core, representing approximately 14% and 29% higher performance respectively.
CPU Architecture and Speeds
Both chipsets use the third-generation Oryon CPU architecture. However, the clock speeds reveal the gap. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 features two prime cores running at 3.8 GHz, whereas the Elite Gen 5 reaches a much higher 4.61 GHz. The six performance cores also differ, with the Gen 5 operating at 3.32 GHz and the Elite Gen 5 at 3.63 GHz. While everyday tasks might not highlight the difference, intensive workloads like gaming and video editing benefit from the Elite’s faster speeds.
GPU Differences
Both processors are equipped with the Adreno 840 GPU, but the frequencies vary significantly. Snapdragon 8 Gen 5’s GPU runs at 384 MHz, while the Elite Gen 5’s GPU can boost up to 768 MHz, effectively doubling the GPU clock speed. The Elite version also supports a “turbo mode” for enhanced graphics performance and has 18 MB of high-performance memory to improve bandwidth and reduce latency—features that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 lacks. Despite this, the standard Gen 5 handles heavy games well, supporting ray tracing and all Snapdragon Elite Gaming features.
AI and NPU Capabilities
Both chipsets share the same Qualcomm Hexagon NPU generation, ensuring comparable AI performance. This parity means tasks such as generative AI assistants, advanced photo processing, and device intelligence functions run smoothly on either chipset, maintaining efficiency and speed.
Connectivity Advances
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 incorporates the Snapdragon X80 modem, while the Elite Gen 5 uses the newer Snapdragon X85. Both support high-speed 5G networks and modern wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio, and Snapdragon Sound. However, the Elite’s modem offers download speeds up to 12.5 Gbps, exceeding the 10 Gbps of the Gen 5.
Camera Processing Features
In imaging, both processors use Qualcomm’s Spectra Triple 20-bit ISP, delivering advanced photo and video processing. Notably, the Elite Gen 5 adds the Advanced Professional Video (APV) feature, improving video stabilization and detail capture during recording, which is not available on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
Choosing Between Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Elite Gen 5
Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 stands as Qualcomm’s most powerful chipset to date. It targets users demanding top-tier performance, such as heavy gamers, mobile content creators, and multi-camera users. On the other hand, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 remains a high-end chipset designed for flagship devices seeking premium Qualcomm features at a more accessible price point.
To summarize the key distinctions:
- Performance: Elite Gen 5 offers up to 29% higher multi-core CPU performance and a GPU clock twice as fast.
- Clock Speed: Elite Gen 5 CPUs operate significantly faster, with prime cores reaching 4.61 GHz.
- Connectivity: Elite modem supports higher 5G speeds (12.5 Gbps vs. 10 Gbps).
- GPU Features: Elite supports GPU turbo mode and has specialized high-speed memory.
- Camera: Elite includes advanced video stabilization and detail features (APV).
Both chipsets provide a modern and premium smartphone experience, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 balancing performance and cost, while Elite Gen 5 pushes the boundaries of what a mobile processor can achieve. Users should choose based on their need for extreme performance versus value in next-generation flagship devices expected in 2025.
