• New chipset brings flagship-level performance to mid-premium phones
• Major AI, CPU and GPU upgrades for faster and smarter experiences
• Will power upcoming devices from iQOO, OnePlus, Motorola and Vivo

Qualcomm has introduced its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, designed to bring premium performance and advanced AI features to the mid-premium smartphone segment. The launch follows the debut of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and expands the company’s 8-series lineup, giving brands more flexibility to deliver high-end features at accessible price points.

The chipset will power upcoming devices from iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, and Vivo, many of which are expected to hit the market soon.

One of the biggest upgrades comes in AI performance. The new Sensing Hub can now detect when a user picks up their phone and instantly activate their AI assistant, enabling quicker interactions. Qualcomm says the updated Hexagon NPU offers up to 46% faster AI processing, supporting smarter suggestions, improved voice recognition, quicker text generation, and more efficient on-device AI tasks without relying heavily on cloud processing.

For everyday performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 features Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU, reaching speeds up to 3.8GHz. The company claims a 36% overall performance boost and 76% faster web browsing responsiveness, which should enhance multitasking, app launches, and productivity.

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Gamers also benefit from an upgraded Adreno GPU, which delivers an 11% jump in graphics performance, smoother gameplay, and better thermal control during long sessions.

Chris Patrick, SVP and GM of Qualcomm’s mobile handset division, said the new chipset is built to meet rising demand for premium smartphone experiences. “We’re putting top-tier performance into the hands of more consumers worldwide”, he added.