Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Dimensity 9600: Qualcomm and MediaTek clash at 2 nm
Leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS) returns with new insights on Qualcomm’s next-generation high-end chips.
Following initial rumors about a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and a “Pro” variant, DCS now shares more technical details and the competitive positioning of these chips against MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600.
Two High-End Snapdragon Chips in the Same Cycle
According to DCS, Qualcomm is preparing two distinct variants of its upcoming flagship SoC:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 (SM8950)
- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro (SM8975)
Both processors will be manufactured by TSMC using a 2 nm (N2P) process, an improved version of the N2 process. This smaller node promises enhanced energy efficiency and significant performance gains over the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
A New Hierarchy Between Qualcomm and MediaTek
DCS indicates that the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 will sit between the two Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 variants in terms of performance: “The hierarchy will be: 8 Elite Gen 6 < Dimensity 9600 < 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro.”
In other words, MediaTek aims to outperform the standard Snapdragon while stopping short of competing with the Pro model.
Architecture and CPU Configuration
Initial leaks suggest that both Snapdragon Gen 6 variants will retain Qualcomm’s proprietary CPU architecture (Qualcomm Oryon) in a 2 + 3 + 3 configuration:
- 2 ultra-performance cores,
- 3 performance cores,
- 3 efficiency cores.
Thus, both versions will share the same structure, but the Pro model will feature a more powerful GPU and support for LPDDR6 memory, which will be absent in the standard version.
The Dimensity 9600: A Direct Competitor Under TSMC’s 2 nm Process
The MediaTek Dimensity 9600, also built on a 2 nm (N2P) process, will still rely on classical ARM architecture, unlike Qualcomm, which is moving towards a fully proprietary design.
The exact specifications of the CPU for the Dimensity 9600 remain unclear, but MediaTek is looking to provide a balance between raw power and energy efficiency, aiming to sit just below the Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 Pro—a segment where the Taiwanese manufacturer already excels.
Soaring Production Costs
The shift to 2 nm, combined with support for LPDDR6 and next-generation GPUs, could significantly increase manufacturing costs.
Analysts predict that this rise will be reflected in high-end smartphones as early as 2026–2027, with even higher prices for “Ultra” and “Pro” models.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is set to be a major milestone for Qualcomm, marking its entry into the 2 nm era and the diversification of its premium lineup. Meanwhile, the Dimensity 9600 enters the fray with a more balanced approach, aiming to offer the performances of the standard Gen 6 at a lower cost.
With these three chips vying for attention in the same segment, the years 2026–2027 are shaping up to be among the most competitive in the decade for mobile SoCs.
