Launched on October 22, 2024, by Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is reportedly the most powerful processor so far, competing directly with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models. But hang on, what really is worth the hype with the new 8 Elite chipset? Here’s a deeper dive into all the exciting features of Snapdragon 8 Elite and how it will impact upcoming smartphone usage.
Understanding what makes Snapdragon 8 Elite
The 8 Elite chipset essentially consists of three major elements, namely :
- The 2nd generation Qualcomm Oryon (its CPU)
- The Qualcomm® Adreno™ (its GPU)
- The Qualcomm® Hexagon™ (its NPU)
All these make the processor AI-ready, and the brand has named this Qualcomm AI engine for reference. Now, here’s what the exciting underrated highlights are that have yet to get their limelight. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor will be able to remove any unwanted elements from video footage right on the device using the Video Object Eraser. What could this mean for near-future? Let’s take a look!
Snapdragon 8 Elite: AI Features
Most mobile and laptop market are shifting their focus towards AI-powered devices – say, Google Pixel’s Add Me/Imagine or AI-backed Focus modes in iOS 18. However, hardware such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite would bring in more options for brands to tap into AI features. As soon as the above-mentioned “Video Object Eraser” feature goes live on Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices, the dependability of many creators, video editors or users to rely on heavy software and PCs to edit videos will be reduced.
Among its other features, the processor will support an AI-based camera that can recognize objects in real-time. This could help both in mobile photography and processing of the image with its relevant context (Example – Using Real-time Insight AI captures and enhances natural skin and sky tones even in the most
challenging conditions.)
Additionally, the chip can handle inputs from multiple sensors simultaneously (say, audio, video, or information all at once). This feature could allow users to ask and get results for even more complex queries. So, the AI assistant game is likely to get a level upgrade.
Lastly, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite will use AI to enhance 5G speeds even in low or poor connectivity areas. Using the Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF, the chip claims to have up to 10 Gbps speeds. Interestingly, most of these features will be available offline on the device itself, removing any concerns about internet reliability or data theft.
Performance, Gaming & Graphics
When it comes to raw power and performance, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is said to be a game-changer. Qualcomm has introduced its custom Oryon CPU, and the results look nothing short of impressive. With over a 45% boost in both single-core and multi-core performance, everything from scrolling through our social media feed to editing complex documents could feel smoother and more responsive than ever before.
For all my gamer friends out there, the Snapdragon 8 Elite has some exciting stuff up its sleeve. The Snapdragon 8 Elite supports Unreal Engine 5 Nanite and Chaos Physics. In a simple to-explain manner, these technologies will allow your devices to run incredibly detailed environments and realistic physics simulations in games. Imagine playing a racing game where every pebble on the road is rendered in detail or an action game where explosions and debris behave just like they would in the real world. Exciting, yes?
Battery and Power Efficiency Upgrades
Now, you might be thinking, “All this power must come at the cost of battery life, right?” Well, we could be pleasantly surprised. While other reports suggest its impressive performance gains, the Snapdragon 8 Elite actually claims to be more power-efficient than its predecessors.
The overall system-on-chip power improvement is said to be a substantial 27%. This means that across all its operations, from processing to graphics rendering, the chip is using significantly less power. But it gets even better when we look at specific components. The CPU, which is responsible for most of the heavy lifting in your device, sees a 44% power saving. That’s almost half the power consumption for the same tasks!
The GPU, which handles all those beautiful graphics we talked about earlier, isn’t far behind with a 40% power saving. This is particularly impressive when you consider the significant boost in graphics performance we discussed.
What does all this mean for you? Well, Qualcomm claims that these efficiencies could result in up to 2.5 hours of additional battery life for activities like gaming. Imagine being able to play your favourite mobile game for over two hours longer without needing to reach for the charger. It’s not just about gaming, though. These power savings will translate to longer battery life across all your activities, from video streaming to productivity tasks.
Improved Connectivity
In today’s connected world, a smartphone is only as good as its ability to communicate with the outside world. The Snapdragon 8 Elite doesn’t disappoint in this department either. At the heart of its connectivity features is the Snapdragon X80 5G modem. This isn’t just any 5G modem – it’s designed to provide enhanced 5G capabilities, potentially offering faster speeds and more reliable connections even in areas with weaker signals.
But cellular connectivity is just one piece of the puzzle. The Snapdragon 8 Elite also supports the latest and fastest Wi-Fi 7. This means lightning-fast speeds when you’re connected to a compatible router, perfect for everything from streaming 4K content to online gaming.
One of the more intriguing features is the integrated Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. UWB allows for incredibly precise location tracking and spatial awareness. This could open up a whole new world of possibilities, from finding your lost keys with pinpoint accuracy to unlocking your car as you approach it.
Lastly, the chip supports Bluetooth 6.0, the latest version of the popular wireless standard. This means better audio quality for your wireless headphones, longer range for your connected devices, and potentially even lower power consumption for your Bluetooth accessories.
Camera Enhancements
For many people, their smartphone is their primary camera, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite is set to revolutionize mobile photography. First off, there’s a 33% throughput improvement in camera performance. In practical terms, this means your camera app will launch faster, focus quicker, and process images more rapidly. You won’t be missing any shot because ‘the camera was too slow!’
One of the most exciting features is the AI-powered capability to capture clearer photos of fast-moving objects. Whether you’re trying to snap a picture of your kid scoring a goal or capture a bird in flight, this feature could be a game-changer.
Remember the Video Magic Eraser we mentioned earlier? This feature allows you to remove unwanted elements from your videos right on your device. Imagine being able to erase that photobomber from your vacation video or remove a distracting object from your vlog – all without needing a powerful computer or complex software.
The chip also brings enhanced HDR and autofocus performance. HDR (High Dynamic Range) helps balance the light and dark areas in your photos, resulting in more natural-looking images even in challenging lighting conditions. Improved autofocus means your camera will be better at keeping your subject sharp, even if they’re moving.
Whether you’re a casual shutterbug or an aspiring influencer, the camera capabilities enabled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite are sure to impress.
Impact on Future Smartphones
The Snapdragon 8 Elite is set to revolutionize the smartphone industry, offering unprecedented performance and AI capabilities. Users can expect faster, more efficient devices with improved battery life and enhanced camera features. The processor’s AI capabilities will enable more advanced on-device processing, leading to improved privacy and faster response times for AI-powered applications.
For the industry, this chipset raises the bar for mobile computing, potentially influencing the design and capabilities of future smartphones across various brands. Few upcoming phones which are to be seen with this processor are :
- OnePlus 13
- Realme GT7 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S25 series
- Xiaomi 15 series
- ASUS ROG Phone 9 series
- Honor Magic7 series
- iQOO 13
Conclusion
It is exciting to see how the Snapdragon 8 Elite will power up and present new AI and non AI features in the upcoming flagship devices. We will soon be uploading a detailed review once we get our test device running with this. For more such news, and tech review, follow GadgetsToUse and check out the following reads.
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