Qualcomm is readying its next-generation flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. According to recent leaks, this series will launch in two versions—Standard (SM8950) and Pro (SM8975). Both chips will be based on TSMC's new N2P (2 nm) process technology. This is the same architecture that is claimed to be 18% faster and approximately 36% more efficient than last year's 3nm Gen 5.
New Architecture and CPU Design
The biggest change in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is its CPU configuration. This time, Qualcomm has adopted a 2+3+3 structure instead of the previous 2+6 design. This means that two super-large cores will handle high-load tasks, three performance cores will handle medium-intensity processing, and the remaining three high-efficiency cores will handle background or normal tasks. This balance will improve both phone performance and battery life.
The Pro version will include Qualcomm's LPDDR6 RAM support and the new Adreno 810 GPU, which will bring significant upgrades to both AI and graphics. In terms of clock speeds, the Pro model can reach 4.2 GHz, which is considered the fastest mobile clock speed ever.
2nm Process and TSMC's Contribution
TSMC's N2P technology is a new milestone for Qualcomm. This is the first time Snapdragon chips will be built on a 2 nm process. This will not only increase performance but also reduce phone heating and power consumption. This is the same chip that can be found in upcoming flagship phones like the Galaxy S27, Vivo X400, and OPPO Find X10.
Competition with MediaTek Dimensity 9600
MediaTek, on the other hand, is not far behind. Its Dimensity 9600 will be based on the 3nm N3P process and will come with a 1+3+4 CPU configuration. It is built on the ARM architecture and is achieving scores over 1 million on AnTuTu. However, Qualcomm's new Oryon CPU (3rd Generation) is said to be 15–20% faster and 30% more efficient.
Launch and Conclusion
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will be introduced in the first half of 2026. According to a report in Commercial Times, the new 2 nm chips could increase the prices of upcoming phones by 10–15%.
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