We’ve already seen leaks about the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. It turns out this processor will be called the Snapdragon 8 Elite (departing from the generational naming scheme)—but that’s another story. What’s more important is that we now have nearly complete specs for the Snapdragon 8 Elite, thanks to multiple leaked benchmarks, and a new leak on Baidu reveals most of its key details. Let’s take a look at its detailed specifications.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Specifications (Leaked)
The leaked spec sheet outlines the features of the Snapdragon SM8750/SM8750P, identified as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. It appears that two versions are on the way—one could be the regular model, while the other might be an Ultra or Pro variant, likely differing in CPU and GPU clock speeds
The Snapdragon 8 Elite will feature Oryon CPUs, which are more powerful than the Kryo cores found in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It will have a total of 8 Oryon cores, consisting of 2 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores. Rumors suggest it will be built on TSMC’s 3nm process and clocked at 4.0 GHz.
Coupled with the capabilities of the Hexagon Tensor processor, it offers a significant leap in AI performance and efficiency. Features like generative AI and enhanced image processing (HDR, segmentation, depth estimation) seem to compete directly with Apple’s on-device AI processing in their A18 series.
It will pair with LPDDR5X RAM (not LPDDR6 or LPDDR5T, as previously rumored) that will operate in four-channel mode. The processor combines UFS 4.0 storage, capable of 3500 MB/s read and 4000 MB/s write speeds, similar to its predecessor.
The spec sheet also mentions an ‘Adreno 8-series’ Display Processing Unit (DPU), which can power displays up to 3840×2560 at 144 Hz. It supports Multi-DSI and DisplayPort 1.4 interfaces, capable of outputting up to 8K at 60 fps to an external display.
There’s no mention of the Adreno 830 GPU, but based on leaks, it is expected to operate at 1250 MHz and deliver about 40% better performance than the Adreno 750. The processor would further support 4K video recording at high frame rates (up to 240 fps) and 8K at 30 fps. It also supports 8K video encoding at 60 fps and can decode 8K at 240 fps.
Leaked benchmarks show that the Snapdragon 8 Elite offers a 35% boost in single-core performance and a 30% boost in multi-core performance over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. It scores 2,845 points in the Geekbench single-core test and 10,628 points in the multi-core test, with an AnTuTu score of 3,133,570.
Snapdragon 8 Elite: Breaking Down the Spec Sheet
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, based on the leaks:
CPU Architecture:
- Oryon CPU subsystem (newer architecture, replacing Kryo cores).
- TSMC 3nm fabrication process.
- Octa-core (2 performance + 6 efficiency).
Hexagon Tensor Processor:
- V79 AI-optimized tensor processor.
- 8 scalar threads with enhanced microarchitecture.
- 6x HVX tightly coupled coprocessors for pixel processing.
- 1x HMX matrix coprocessor, optimized for deep neural network processing (supports INT8, A16int8, A8int4, FP16).
- Large VTCM (Vector Tightly Coupled Memory).
- Enhanced power efficiency and concurrency.
AI Use Cases:
- Generative AI.
- Noise reduction.
- Super resolution.
- AI ISP (Image Signal Processing).
- HDR, Image enhancement.
- Segmentation.
- Depth estimation.
- Classification and detection.
Always-on System:
- Always-on subsystem with a dedicated always-on processor.
- Hardware-based resource and power management (RPM) system.
- Accelerators for voltage control, lock management, and resource communication.
Modem:
- 3G/4G/5G with mmWave and sub-6 GHz support (Release 17).
- WiFi 7 support.
- Likely using Snapdragon X80 modem.
Location:
- Gen9 positioning system.
- Supports GPS (various bands) and Galileo (E1/E5A/E5B), among others.
- Dual-frequency GPS (L1/L5) for better accuracy.
- NavIC support.
Memory Support:
- Four-channel LPDDR5X RAM (designed for future updates).
Storage:
- UFS 4.0, capable of 3500 MB/s read and 4000 MB/s write speeds.
- SD card support via SDC, with SD v3.04.
Display:
- Supports resolutions up to 3840×2560 @144 Hz.
- Multi-DSI and DisplayPort 1.4 interfaces (output up to 8K60 supported).
- Wide color gamut, Dolby Vision HDR, and HDR10+.
Adreno GPU:
- Adreno 8-series GPU (likely Adreno 830).
- Vivid HDR, scaling, and various gaming-focused features like adaptive sync, and variable refresh rate.
EVA Image Signal Processor (ISP):
- Depth processing for 10TF.
- Enhanced image reconstruction, segmentation, and depth estimation.
- 4K video recording at high frame rates (up to 240 fps) and 8K at 30 fps.
Video Processing Unit (VPU):
- Adreno VPU
- Supports 8K video encoding at 60 fps.
- Can decode 8K at 240 fps.
When is Snapdragon 8 Elite Releasing?
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is officially confirmed to be released on October 21 during the Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Hawaii. Previously, the Xiaomi 15 was speculated to debut with the chip; however, it now seems that the OnePlus 13 will be the first smartphone to launch with this processor.
Other brands like Samsung, Redmi, and Realme will follow suit thereafter. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will also feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor (as always, with the Made for Galaxy branding).
