Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 to Launch Earlier Than Expected

Next-Generation Chipset Set to Debut in Late September

Qualcomm is preparing to accelerate the launch of its next flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, according to reports emerging from China. Traditionally, Qualcomm unveils its premium mobile chipsets in October, but this year, the company is expected to announce the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 as early as late September 2025.

Following the official launch, devices powered by the new chipset are anticipated to hit the Chinese market in October, marking a significant shift in Qualcomm’s usual release timeline.

Significant Performance Gains Expected

Leaked benchmark scores from AnTuTu have already hinted at notable performance improvements for the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. The upcoming chip reportedly delivers a 30% boost in GPU performance and a 25% increase in CPU performance compared to the original Snapdragon 8 Elite. These advancements signal a major leap in processing power and graphics capabilities for Android flagship devices.

The improvements are expected to position Qualcomm’s latest chipset as a strong competitor against Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 lineup, which is also slated for a September debut.

Strategic Timing Ahead of Holiday Season

Launching the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 earlier provides Android manufacturers with a critical advantage. By aligning the chipset release with Apple’s product cycle, Android OEMs can more effectively compete for consumer attention and capitalize on end-of-year holiday sales. This strategic move could see Android flagships leveraging the Elite 2’s performance gains to drive stronger market performance in Q4 2025.

As Qualcomm finalizes preparations, more details about the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2’s capabilities and partner devices are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.