Qualcomm’s next wave of flagship mobile processors may debut sooner than expected, with a new leak suggesting the company is preparing multiple high-end Snapdragon 8-series chips based on both 2nm and 3nm manufacturing processes. According to a tipster, these processors will feature next-generation Oryon CPU cores, upgraded Adreno GPUs, and support for faster memory standards.
The same leak also points to MediaTek’s upcoming Dimensity 9600 Pro as a potential challenger, particularly in graphics performance, setting the stage for closer competition at the top end of the smartphone chipset market.
The information comes from tipster Digital Chat Station, who shared details on Weibo about Qualcomm’s future flagship roadmap. The post suggests Qualcomm is developing at least two 2nm processors that could form the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 lineup, alongside refreshed 3nm variants positioned below them.
If accurate, the move would represent a major generational shift, as Qualcomm pushes toward smaller process nodes to deliver higher performance and improved efficiency in premium smartphones.
Gen6
The first 2nm chipset mentioned in the leak carries the model number SM8975. It is expected to launch as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and serve as Qualcomm’s top-tier mobile processor.
According to the tipster, the chip could feature a 2+3+3 Oryon CPU core configuration with 16MB of shared L2 cache. On the graphics side, it is said to include an Adreno 850 GPU paired with 18MB of GMEM. Memory support is tipped to include both LPDDR6 and LPDDR5X RAM.
The SM8975 is described as a performance-focused flagship, likely intended for ultra-premium smartphones where peak CPU and GPU output takes priority.
Standard
The second 2nm processor, identified as SM8950, is expected to arrive as the standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. It is said to share the same Oryon CPU architecture and 16MB L2 cache as the Pro model, but with some differences aimed at efficiency.
Graphics duties could be handled by a slightly lower-tier Adreno 845 GPU with 12MB of GMEM. Unlike the Pro variant, this chip is tipped to support LPDDR5X memory rather than LPDDR6, suggesting a balance between strong performance and improved power efficiency.
This version is likely to power high-end flagships that sit just below the ultra-premium tier.
Gen5
In addition to the 2nm chips, the leak claims Qualcomm is also working on further 3nm processors to expand its existing Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 lineup.
One such chip is the SM8850Q, which could be marketed as a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5XX Edition. Another processor, identified as SM8845 Pro, may debut under the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Pro or possibly Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 branding, depending on Qualcomm’s final naming strategy.
These chips would allow Qualcomm to maintain a broader portfolio across price segments while newer 2nm silicon gradually rolls out.
MediaTek
The tipster also commented on MediaTek’s next flagship processor, commonly referred to as the Dimensity 9600 Pro. According to the claim, MediaTek’s upcoming 2nm chip could outperform Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series in GPU-intensive tasks.
While no official specifications have been confirmed by MediaTek, this suggests a renewed focus on graphics performance and could intensify competition between the two chipmakers in gaming and graphics-heavy applications.
Context
Earlier reports had already hinted that the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro would feature second-generation Oryon CPU cores, an upgraded Adreno 850 GPU, and support for LPDDR6 memory. The latest leak reinforces those claims while adding clarity around cache sizes, GPU memory, and product positioning.
As with all leaks, these details remain unofficial. Launch timelines, branding, and final specifications could change before Qualcomm makes any announcements.
If the leaked information proves accurate, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 lineup could mark a significant leap in mobile performance, driven by 2nm manufacturing and next-generation CPU and GPU designs. At the same time, MediaTek appears poised to challenge Qualcomm more directly at the flagship level, particularly in graphics performance. The coming months are likely to reveal how this next phase of competition in premium smartphone silicon unfolds.
FAQs
What is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6?
It is Qualcomm’s upcoming flagship smartphone processor.
What process node will it use?
It is tipped to be built on TSMC’s 2nm process.
What is the Gen 6 Pro variant?
A higher-performance version aimed at ultra-premium phones.
Will it support LPDDR6 memory?
Yes, the Pro variant is expected to support LPDDR6.
What is MediaTek’s rival chip?
The upcoming Dimensity 9600 Pro.
