Snapdragon Elite 2: Powerful, But Is It Truly 'Elite'? | Image Source: www.gsmarena.com
SAN DIEGO, California, March 27, 2025 – Qualcomm is again preparing to stir up the high-end mobile chipset sand with the next release of its second generation Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. After the buzz around Snapdragon 8 Elite, the successor – a rumor that it is called Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 – has technicians and OEMs who pay a lot of attention. But while the chip promises important jumps in performance, efficiency and features, the buzz also raises a deeper question: Does Qualcomm preserve the exclusivity of the ‘Elite’ brand or is it the appointment strategy that tends to be confusing?
According to sources such as Digital Chat Station and Central Android, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 will once again feature the hearts of the Qalcomm Oryon processor, the architecture designed like it generated the success of last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite series and the portable class X Snapdragon series. This marks an important continuity, as Oryon cores are largely attributed to energy efficiency and response capacity that distinguish the latest SoC Qualcomm from their predecessors named by Arm. However, at the heart of recent conversations, there is a potential break in this marking logic, with a floating mid-range chip that could dilute the ‘Elite’ warning.
What is Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 doing to stand out?
Let’s start with what makes this chip exciting. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 will retain the same configuration of the CPU cluster ‘2 + 6’ as its predecessor, with two high performance cores and six efficiency cores. However, it should have a significant impact on performance. The plumbing suggests that the performance cores, called ‘Pegasus’, could reach speeds up to 5.00GHz, compared to the original Elite 4.47GHz cap. Supporting the latest sets of ARM instructions, such as SME (Scalable Matrix Extension) and SVE (Scalable Vector Extension), this SoC is designed to manage more complex and heavy AI loads, aligning with how Apple’s M4 chips are designed.
Mass production would depend on the TSMC advanced 3nm ‘N3P’ node, the third generation of iteration of the TSMC 3nm process. Although this means better energy efficiency and potentially lower thermal production, it also increases production costs. With Qualcomm placing exclusive manufacturing orders with TSMC and jumping to Samsung due to reported performance problems, the production bottle neck can increase chip prices, a particular concern for OEMs and price sensitive consumers in markets affected by commercial tariffs, such as the United States.
Is that fast enough?
If AnTuTu scores are disclosed, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is ready to delete performance charts. A Chinese leak indicates that the Chipset could score an incredible 3.8 million points at AnTututu reference points, a 41% jump from the current highest marker, iQOO 13 powered by the original Elite chip. It’s a massive impulse, at least on paper. Of course, the markers are not all, but they help paint an image of what we might expect to use in the real world, especially in demanding mobile games, 4K video editing applications, and increasingly common AI-based services on Android ships.
The GPU side is not overlooked either. Qualcomm should pack the new Adrene 840 GPU with Elite Gen 2. Although official results are still at stake, expectations are high given the efficiency of the previous generation. Both developers and users should expect improvements in graphic fidelity, rendering speed and battery retention during high intensity sessions.
The brand strategy of Qualcomm Backfire?
That’s where things get complicated. The Elite brand of Qualcomm has so far been reserved exclusively for chips that integrate Oryon kernels, its patented CPU architecture. These kernels are not just noticed ARM designs; they are a cornerstone of Qualcomm’s strategy to compete directly with Apple Silicon. However, current rumours indicate that Qualcomm plans to release an intermediate level chip – which would be named either Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 or Snapdragon 8s Elite – without Oryon stems. Instead, it is planned to use a conventional design: a Core Cortex-X4 Prime, several Cortex-A720 performance cores and two efficiency cores.
Confusion? The name ‘Elite’ has so far involved the excellence of custom silicon. Slapper on a chip that lacks these premium features can erode brand confidence. As indicated by Android Central, “the right option seems clear” – Qualcomm must preserve the Elite plate for its processors standout with the Oryon architecture. The consistency of the marking is important, especially as the names of the chips become more technical and superimposed.
Why is that name important?
When you buy for a premium smartphone, a name like ‘Elite’ implies that you get the best of the best. It is a sign – for customers and manufacturers - that this chip is first level. Diluteing this sense can lead to consumer confusion and dilute the prestige associated with iconic models. Imagine a scenario where two phones are labelled ‘Elite’ – one with Oryon’s hearts and one without. Unless you’re a technology enthusiast that you’re looking for in the benchmark scores, it’s unlikely to notice the difference until you feel it in the daily performance.
Let’s just say: Apple doesn’t call its basic A17 Pro and A17 chips for the same name for a reason. We have additional GPU hearts and enhanced capabilities, and the name reflects it. Qualcomm, which is currently adopting silicon strategies like Apple, would do well to follow the same approach in the nomenclature.
Will OEM stay with Snapdragon?
Despite price uncertainties, many smartphone manufacturers seem to have few options but stay with Snapdragon. Samsung, for example, continued to use Snapdragon chips through its Galaxy S25 alignment due to continuous performance problems with its Exynos 2600 SoC. If Exynos is delayed again for the S26 series, Samsung can be forced to trust the Elite Gen 2 once again, even at a higher cost.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm involved the change to the TSMC 2nm process by 2026, with not one but two badge chips planned. This could include Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3, further pushing performance limits and possibly closer integration with AI workloads. The rhythm in which Qualcomm develops its silicon, in segments of high and medium range, indicates that it wants to dominate through the board, not only in the flagship territory.
Questions about Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2
Q: What makes Oryon cores special?
A: Oryon nuclei are CPU nuclei designed to measure Qualcomm, built from scratch instead of using ARM nuclei outside the platform. They offer better energy efficiency and performance, especially in AI and multi-telephone tasks.
Q: Is 3.8 million AnTuTu score really a big deal?
A: Yes in relative terms. It suggests a jump of about 41% in performance compared to the current top chip. While the profits of the real world may vary, it sets a high bar for next generation devices.
Q: Will this chip be too expensive?
A: Maybe. Exclusive production in TSMC’s advanced 3nm, U.S. tariffs and higher component prices can increase costs, particularly for phones sold in North America and Europe.
Q: Why is there confusion around the ‘Elite’ name?
A: Qualcomm can use the Elite name for a new midrange chip that has no Oryon hearts, breaking with its past use. Critics argue that this movement risks dilution of the mark.
Q: What does SME/SVE support mean for users?
A: These sets of ARM instructions allow for more efficient management of large data matrices and vectors. For users, this translates into better AI performance, faster image processing and smoother multitasking.
Q: When will the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 launch?
A: Although not officially confirmed, rumours suggest an exit around October 2025, a year after his predecessor.
As Qualcomm continues to push the envelope with custom silicon and a strategic brand, it also jumps into the mining field of consumer perception. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 is established to offer elite performances in all ways, but if this ‘Elite’ label remains a symbol of exclusive and personalized excellence or becomes a more general performance marker, it remains to be seen.
