Qualcomm is set to host its annual Snapdragon Summit next month, where the company is expected to showcase new processors that will power next year’s flagship Android smartphones. Industry leaks suggest that the event will introduce at least two high-end chipsets, both with flagship names, making it all the more confusing.
The main highlight is expected to be a chip carrying the model number SM8850. Reports indicate it could launch as either the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. This processor will succeed the current Snapdragon 8 Elite and is expected to serve as the core platform for most premium Android devices in 2026.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 5?
Another chipset, model SM8845, is also generating attention. According to leakster Digital Chat Station, Qualcomm may brand it as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. Positioned above the Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 but below the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, this chip could expand Qualcomm’s premium tier lineup with a new middle segment for high-performance devices.
After the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the company replaced the expected Gen 4 label with Snapdragon 8 Elite, marking a clearer distinction for its top-tier processors. The rumored Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 would continue this tiered naming strategy, but it may become confusing for some, as the Gen series also used to be flagship chips.
While the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is expected to debut at the Snapdragon Summit in Hawaii, it is unclear if the SM8845 chipset will appear alongside it or launch at a later date.