What’s happened? Qualcomm has unveiled the successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (the chipset that powered Galaxy S24 Ultra) — the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 — and it could soon debut on a midrange smartphone in the U.S.
- The new chipset delivers over 30% faster CPU performance and 10% better graphics rendering than its predecessor.
- Along with an improved neural processing unit, the chipset features Qualcomm AI Engine and Sensing Hub, which unlock on-device agentic AI experiences for users.
- CPU and NPU improvements aside, the chipset is less power-hungry as it is built using a 3nm manufacturing process.
Qualcomm
Why is this important? Usually, companies reserve the most powerful smartphone processors for their flagship offerings, which cost $700 to $800 in the U.S.
- However, introducing such a chipset at a sub-$700 price means more buyers can experience flagship-tier performance.
- Given that the chipset packs more power than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it’s interesting that OnePlus is gearing up to use it in its upcoming midrange device, the OnePlus Ace 6T.
- While the device will set foot in the Chinese market first, it could debut as the OnePlus 15R in the U.S. (the company has already confirmed the moniker and a late December release for the handset).
Why should I care? If you’ve been saving up for a worthwhile smartphone that offers exceptional value for its price, the OnePlus 15R could be the one for you.
- All the improvements in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 could result in snappier performance, enhanced gaming and multimedia experiences, and plenty of AI-based features on the device.
- The OnePlus Ace 6T will debut in China with an 8,000 mAh battery that supports 100W wired fast charging. If the same device lands in the U.S., it will be the largest cell phone in the region.
- Additional specifications of the phone include a 165Hz display, an IP69K dust- and water-resistant rating, and dual rear cameras, likely including a 50MP primary sensor.
OnePlus
OK, what’s next? As mentioned earlier, OnePlus has already announced the OnePlus 15R in the U.S., with pre-orders beginning on December 17, 2025.
- In the coming days, the company could also tease the phone’s specifications, specific to the U.S.
- Meanwhile, the OnePlus 15 launch is still pending, and the company hasn’t said anything about it.
