Qualcomm has officially cleared up the confusion surrounding its processor naming strategy by introducing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. While at first glance it might seem like the company skipped several generations, Qualcomm explained that the “Gen 5” label reflects the fifth iteration of its premium 8-series platform since it adopted a new naming system in 2021.
The lineup began with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in 2021, followed by the Gen 2 in 2022, Gen 3 in 2023, and last year’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, which unofficially acted as Gen 4. This year’s chip naturally becomes the fifth in the series, hence the new moniker. By keeping the sequence consistent, Qualcomm hopes to make its roadmap more transparent and easier for consumers to follow, while still highlighting its “Elite” branding to set its flagship apart.
More than just a cosmetic change, this naming approach positions Qualcomm directly against Apple’s A-series chips, reinforcing its leadership in mobile silicon. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is set to debut at the Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Hawaii, beginning September 23, 2025. The Xiaomi 17 series has already been confirmed as the first line of smartphones to feature the new processor.
This move shows Qualcomm’s effort to reduce confusion while raising expectations. By branding the latest chipset as “Gen 5,” the company makes it clear that this is the latest step in a continuous evolution rather than a random rebrand. With the upcoming launch, all eyes will be on whether the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 lives up to its promise of performance and efficiency in the competitive Android flagship space.
