Qualcomm's next-generation mobile chipset has appeared in leaked benchmark databases, and the numbers suggest a meaningful generational leap — particularly in graphics performance.

Benchmark results

A device codenamed "kailua" appeared on Geekbench 6 and 3DMark databases in early April, with scores consistent across multiple submissions:

Geekbench 6:

  • Single-core: 3,180 (current 8 Elite: 2,650)
  • Multi-core: 10,450 (current 8 Elite: 8,700)

3DMark Wild Life Extreme:

  • Score: 6,200 (current 8 Elite: 4,600)

AnTuTu v10:

  • Total: 3,100,000+ (current 8 Elite: 2,400,000)

The GPU improvement is the standout figure. A 35% uplift in Wild Life Extreme would make the 8 Elite Gen 5 competitive with the Apple A19 Pro in sustained graphics workloads — a gap Qualcomm has been trying to close for years.

Architecture details

Based on AOSP code commits and supply-chain reports:

  • Process: TSMC N3P (second-gen 3nm)
  • CPU: 2x Cortex-X6 prime cores at 4.2GHz + 6x Cortex-A730 efficiency cores
  • GPU: Adreno 840 with hardware ray tracing improvements
  • NPU: Hexagon NPU with 2x INT8 throughput for large language model inference
  • Modem: Snapdragon X85 5G with satellite messaging
  • Memory: LPDDR5X-9600 support (up from 8533)

The NPU upgrade is particularly significant. Qualcomm is positioning the 8 Elite Gen 5 to run 7B-parameter language models locally — the same class of model that currently powers features like Galaxy AI and Gemini Nano.

Power efficiency

Leaked power consumption data suggests the 8 Elite Gen 5 draws approximately 10% less power than the current 8 Elite at equivalent performance levels. The move to TSMC's N3P process, combined with architectural improvements, should translate to better battery life in 2027 flagships.

Expected devices

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is expected to power:

  • Samsung Galaxy S26 series (early 2027)
  • OnePlus 14 (late 2026 / early 2027)
  • Xiaomi 16 series (late 2026)
  • ASUS ROG Phone 10 (early 2027)

Current-generation phones using the Snapdragon 8 Elite include the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, OnePlus 13, and Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

What this means for buyers

If you are currently considering a Snapdragon 8 Elite phone, there is no reason to wait. The 8 Elite Gen 5 will not appear in consumer devices until late 2026 at the earliest, and the current 8 Elite is more than capable for any mobile workload. The generational improvements, while impressive on paper, are incremental in daily use — the 8 Elite is not going to feel slow for years.

For performance comparisons between current flagships, see our Galaxy S25 Ultra vs OnePlus 13 head-to-head.