Qualcomm Launches Two Classes in Gen 5: Which One is the True Flagship?

Jakarta, Gizmology – Qualcomm is once again using its performance segmentation strategy with the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. On paper, both feature the same next-generation architecture, promising improved CPU and GPU performance compared to their predecessors. However, as is often the case, the differences between the "Elite" and non-Elite versions are more complex than just the name.

Since the beginning, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Positioned as the fastest variant, Qualcomm claims a 20 percent CPU and 23 percent GPU improvement over the previous generation Elite. Qualcomm released the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 but compared it to the two-year-old Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This communication strategy is confusing and raises questions about the actual position of this non-Elite chip.

This is where it begins to become clear that the differences between the two cannot be judged solely by marketing specifications. Leaked benchmark results and technical analysis suggest that the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 may be a "selected" version of chips that failed the Elite version's highest standards. This approach isn't new in the semiconductor industry, but it still leaves some important caveats for consumers.

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Dissecting CPU and GPU, the Differences Are More Than Just Names

CPU-wise, the difference between the two is immediately apparent in their clock speeds. The regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 features a 2-core configuration at 3,8GHz and 6 cores at 3,32GHz. Meanwhile, the Elite version is much more aggressive, with 2 cores at 4,61GHz and 6 cores at 3,63GHz. On paper, the performance boost is clearly noticeable, especially for heavy workloads like gaming, local AI, and rendering.

Interestingly, both chips use the same GPU labeled Adreno 840. However, the results of the Geekbench OpenCL test revealed different facts. On devices like the Moto X70 Ultra that uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 non-Elite, the GPU only runs at a frequency of 384MHz. In contrast, on Elite-based devices like the Realme GT 8 Pro, the GPU is recorded as being able to run at 768MHz as a boost frequency. This means that despite the same name, the character and capabilities of the GPU are very different in practice.

Elite is More Premium, Non-Elite is More Compromise

Beyond frequency, another important difference lies in the GPU's internal memory. The Elite version of the Adreno 840 is known to feature High Performance Memory, a dedicated 18MB of memory, to increase bandwidth and reduce latency. This feature is not present in the non-Elite version. In fact, internally, the Elite GPU is listed as "Adreno 829," while the non-Elite version is actually simply listed as the standard "Adreno 840."

From an industry perspective, this reinforces the suspicion that non-Elite chips are the result of "binning," or selecting chips that don't meet the highest specifications. Qualcomm won't publicly state this, but this practice is common for production efficiency. On the plus side, phone manufacturers still get high-end chips at more affordable prices. However, on the other hand, consumers could be misled by similar-sounding branding, even though the performance is significantly different.

Going forward, the non-Elite Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will be available in a number of phones like the Motorola Moto X70 Ultra and OnePlus Ace 6T, and is also said to be used by iQOO, Honor, Meizu, and vivo. This is where the real test will come in. Will the differences on paper be truly significant in daily use, or will they only be relevant in extreme scenarios like benchmarks and heavy gaming?

Ultimately, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is clearly aimed at a true, no-compromise flagship. Meanwhile, the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 plays in the "affordable flagship" space with high, but not top-tier, performance. The choice ultimately comes down to brand strategy and user expectations. Clearly, consumers now need to be more discerning in reading specifications, as the "Elite" moniker can mean significant performance differences.