Qualcomm just cleared up the mystery around its next flagship chipset. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is about to get official and the name itself tells a story.
Qualcomm reveals the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 name
Ahead of its big launch, Qualcomm confirmed what its upcoming premium chip will be called – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and this is something we have heard before. At first glance, it might look like the company skipped four generations, but that is not the case.
The “Gen 5” label actually reflects the fifth generation of Qualcomm’s top-tier 8-series platform since it switched to its simplified naming system. By aligning the number with the series’ timeline, Qualcomm says it makes the roadmap easier to follow while also underscoring its position at the front of the market.
In reality, this is less about a complete rebrand and more about returning to the original scheme. The naming began back in 2021 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, followed by Gen 2 in 2022, then Gen 3, and last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite – which could have been the Gen 4. That makes this year’s chip the fifth in line, hence the Gen 5 tag.
Think of it like this: Gen 5 isn’t just a number. It’s a signal that this platform leads the family forward.
What do you think of Qualcomm’s new chip name – Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
Makes sense, easier to follow.
28.57%
Confusing, still too many words.
28.57%
Don’t care, just show me performance.
42.86%
Sounds cool, but a bit over the top.
0%
Why the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 name matters
This isn’t just a cosmetic change. Qualcomm’s decision to stick with a generational label makes its lineup easier for people to track and puts the Gen 5 branding in direct contrast with Apple’s A-series chips. For buyers, it makes it clear that this year’s chipset is the fifth in the new era of Snapdragon silicon.
At the same time, it signals that Qualcomm wants to keep continuity while still leaving room for its “Elite” branding to stand out.
Smart branding, bigger expectations
Qualcomm didn’t really skip numbers – it simply lined things up so the branding makes more sense going forward. But by putting “Gen 5” on its next flagship chip, the company is also setting the bar higher for itself.
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With the Xiaomi 17 series confirmed as the first to use it, we’ll see very soon if the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 lives up to its name.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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