Qualcomm has officially confirmed the launch of its next-gen flagship processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, at the Snapdragon Summit 2025. Scheduled for September 23 to 25 in Maui, Hawaii, the event will unveil the chip that’s set to debut in Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series.
Key Takeaways
- Event: Snapdragon Summit 2025
- Location: Maui, Hawaii
- Dates: September 23–25, 2025
- Main Launch: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 SoC
- First Flagship Device: Samsung Galaxy S26
Snapdragon 8 Elite 2: Major Upgrades Expected
The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is designed to deliver higher performance, better thermal efficiency, and more competitive AI and GPU capabilities.
Technical Specifications
- CPU Configuration: 6+2 core setup
- GPU: Adreno 840 with a performance boost of up to 30 percent
- Fabrication Process: TSMC N3P (3nm performance-enhanced node)
- Architecture: Arm v9
- Estimated AnTuTu Score: Up to 3.8 million
This chip will directly compete with the following:
- Apple A19 Bionic
- MediaTek Dimensity 9500
- Xiaomi Xring O1
Galaxy S26 to Debut Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S26 series in Q1 2026, likely in January or February. This will be the first device series to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 in select markets.
SoC Distribution by Region
- Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 in North America and other global variants
- Exynos 2600 may power units in Europe, India, and other regions
Samsung may also rebrand its mid-tier model as the Galaxy S26 Edge, replacing the traditional "Plus" variant.
Qualcomm Moves Summit Timeline Ahead
Qualcomm has moved the Snapdragon Summit up to September, breaking from its traditional October schedule. This aligns with strategic moves by other major tech players:
- Apple’s iPhone 17 series is expected to launch around the same time.
- Google’s Android 16 will be released a quarter earlier to help OEMs sync their hardware launches.
Device Launch Implications
The early reveal of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is expected to reshape the flagship Android launch cycle, offering several advantages:
- Earlier commercialization of Android devices
- Better competition with Apple in Q4
- Increased flexibility for OEM release timelines
Upcoming Samsung Devices (Android 16-Based)
- Galaxy Z Flip7
- Galaxy Z Fold7
Note: These foldables will likely not feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, making the Galaxy S26 the only confirmed Samsung device to launch with the chip.
Final Thoughts
The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is a critical step in Qualcomm’s ongoing mission to lead in mobile performance and AI capabilities. With Samsung’s Galaxy S26 poised to be the first showcase device, the upcoming flagship season promises intense competition, innovation, and performance gains across the Android ecosystem.
Source
- Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit 2025 Announcement: NotebookCheck Article