Qualcomm has announced its latest breakthrough at the Snapdragon Summit, revealing the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, which is being hailed as the fastest mobile system-on-a-chip (SoC) in the world. This new platform brings significant advancements to mobile technology, introducing a custom-built Qualcomm Oryon CPU that delivers unparalleled performance and power efficiency.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite is designed to transform the mobile landscape. It powers devices with next-generation, on-device generative AI. This AI can handle complex tasks like speech recognition and image processing. At the same time, it maintains a strong focus on user privacy.

New Era of Mobile Performance

The 8 Elite marks the first time Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU has been included in a mobile platform, following its earlier success in the PC market. Chris Patrick, senior vice president and general manager of mobile handsets at Qualcomm, emphasized the significance of this release.

“We are thrilled to bring the power of Qualcomm Oryon to our Snapdragon mobile platforms. The Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers dramatic performance enhancements and power efficiency, along with cutting-edge AI capabilities that will elevate the smartphone experience for users,” said Patrick.

On-Device Generative AI

A standout feature of the 8 Elite is its ability to run multi-modal generative AI directly on the device. In addition, smartphones powered by the new platform can handle tasks that integrate speech, context, and images. As a result, they no longer need to rely on cloud-based processing for these functions. This not only leads to quicker response times but also enhances privacy protection.

The platform includes Qualcomm’s upgraded Adreno GPU and Hexagon NPU. These deliver enhanced graphics and improved gaming performance. Additionally, the advanced AI-driven capabilities provide smoother and more immersive mobile experiences.

Advanced Features for Photography and Gaming

The Snapdragon 8 Elite features Qualcomm’s most powerful AI-ISP (Image Signal Processor) yet. It significantly boosts mobile camera functionality. This includes faster autofocus, better low-light performance, and more advanced computational photography. Gamers will also benefit from the platform’s upgraded GPU, which promises higher frame rates and richer graphics, further closing the gap between mobile and console gaming.

Major Brands Set to Adopt Snapdragon 8 Elite