Snapdragon 8 Gen 6: Qualcomm prepares its 2 nm chips for 2026
Just after the launch of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the next generation of Qualcomm’s high-end chips is already making headlines. According to the renowned leaker Digital Chat Station, the semiconductor giant is actively working on two new SoCs expected in 2026: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 and its larger counterpart, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.
Code Names Revealed: SM8975 and SM8950
The leak unveils the internal code names:
- SM8975 for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6
- SM8950 for the “standard” Snapdragon 8 Gen 6
As a reminder, the current Gen 5 chips utilize the codes SM8850 (Elite Gen 5) and SM8845 (8 Gen 5). This numbering confirms Qualcomm’s new branding strategy, which now more clearly distinguishes between its “Elite” chips aimed at ultra-premium flagships.
2 nm Process Technology by 2026?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 is expected to introduce a 2 nm fabrication process, likely produced by TSMC. This transition to an even more advanced process technology promises significant gains in performance, energy efficiency, and thermal dissipation—key considerations for future smartphones.
What the Gen 5 Tells Us About What’s Next
While the technical details of the Gen 6 are still unknown for now, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (currently being adopted) provides insight into upcoming trends:
- 3rd generation Oryon CPU, up to 4.6 GHz
- +20% performance, +35% energy efficiency
- GPU with improved ray tracing and +23% graphics power
- Enhanced Hexagon NPU (+37% AI processing)
- Snapdragon X85 modem for advanced 5G connectivity
- 8K recording with near-lossless quality via the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec
Models such as the Xiaomi 17, OnePlus 15, Vivo X300, and upcoming Honor Magic, Realme GT, and iQOO 14 will feature this chip by the end of 2025.
In summary, 2026 is already shaping up to be a new era for mobile SoCs, with the Gen 6 promising to push the boundaries even further.
