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Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite: key specifications
The two processors belong to different Snapdragon flagship generations. The most significant stated change is the move from Qualcomm’s Kryo CPU branding on Gen 2 to its custom Oryon CPU on Elite. Qualcomm also lists newer modem platforms and a smaller process node for Elite.
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| Specification | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
|---|---|---|
| CPU architecture/branding | Qualcomm Kryo CPU | Qualcomm Oryon CPU; Qualcomm described it as the first Snapdragon Mobile Platform with Oryon. Qualcomm launch release |
| Maximum listed CPU speed | Up to 3.36 GHz; Qualcomm notes an alternate 3.19 GHz platform version. | Up to 4.47 GHz; Qualcomm also lists a 4.32 GHz version and a 7-core version. |
| Process technology | 4 nm | 3 nm |
| Modem | Snapdragon X70 | Snapdragon X80 |
| Graphics | Adreno GPU | Adreno GPU |
Specifications are from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 product page and Snapdragon 8 Elite product page. Qualcomm cautions that maximum CPU speed varies by platform version and directs buyers to the phone maker’s specifications for the device-specific implementation. The listed process node alone does not establish how long a particular phone lasts on a charge or how quickly it slows under sustained load.
Reported benchmark scores
91mobiles’ comparison page reports higher AnTuTu and Geekbench scores for Snapdragon 8 Elite than for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2:
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| Benchmark | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu total | 1,611,015 | 2,810,079 |
| Geekbench single-core | 2,023 | 3,184 |
| Geekbench multi-core | 5,564 | 10,105 |
These are figures reported by 91mobiles’ comparison, accessed in 2026. The page does not establish that both chipsets were tested in identical phones with matched firmware, cooling, memory, benchmark versions or test conditions. Treat the scores as a reported comparison, not proof that the chipset alone caused the entire difference.
What the performance difference means
CPU work
The higher Geekbench results reported for Elite point to a substantial lead in both single-core and multi-core workloads in that comparison. The architecture change and higher listed clock ceiling are relevant platform differences, but a phone’s performance also depends on its power limits, cooling and software.
Gaming and graphics
Both platforms use Adreno graphics. Qualcomm describes Elite GPU performance and efficiency improvements against the prior Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, not Gen 2. That manufacturer comparison should not be presented as a measured Gen 2-to-Elite percentage. A peak benchmark score also cannot establish sustained gaming performance: temperature management and the handset’s cooling design matter over longer sessions.
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- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
Efficiency and battery life
Qualcomm lists Elite as a 3 nm platform and Gen 2 as 4 nm, but node size is not a direct battery-life rating. The sources cited here do not provide a controlled retail-phone endurance or thermal comparison between the two processors. Compare battery test results for the specific phones you are considering rather than inferring runtime from the chip specification.
Connectivity
Qualcomm pairs Gen 2 with the Snapdragon X70 modem and Elite with X80. Modem generation indicates platform capability, not a guarantee of better reception or faster real-world data: network availability, regional phone variants, antenna design and carrier support affect what a user can access.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which phones use these platforms?
91mobiles lists the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as an example of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 phone and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra as an example of a Snapdragon 8 Elite phone. These are examples, not universal regional configurations: check the exact model and market before buying, because chipset variants can differ by region.
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- Stunning 6.9″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with adaptive 1–120 Hz refresh rate, ultra‑bright up to ~2600 nits, HDR support, “Vision Booster,” and adaptive color tone — giving vivid colours, great outdoor visibility, and super‑smooth scrolling.
- Powerful internals: it runs on the new Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (3 nm) chip, with 12 GB (or in some markets up to 16 GB) RAM and up to 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage — offering significantly improved CPU/GPU/NPU performance, especially for AI tasks, gaming, and heavy multitasking.
- Advanced quad‑camera system: 200 MP wide main sensor, plus a 50 MP ultrawide, a 50 MP periscope telephoto (5× optical zoom), and a 10 MP telephoto (3× optical zoom) — giving flexibility from ultra‑wide through detailed telephoto shots, and strong performance in varied lighting.
- 5,000 mAh battery with 45 W fast wired charging, wireless charging (Qi2) and reverse wireless charging — balancing long battery life with flexible charging options.
- Durable, premium build: Titanium‑frame body, protected by Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass, with IP68 dust/water resistance, ultrasonic in‑display fingerprint sensor, modern connectivity (5G, Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth, UWB, USB‑C), and long‑term software support (Android 15 / One UI 7, promised 7 major OS/security updates).
For an actual purchase, compare the complete phones. Price, display, cameras, software-support policy, cooling and measured battery endurance may matter more to your use than a processor’s peak score. The comparison figures cited here do not establish current prices or which phone offers better value.
Why is it called Snapdragon 8 Elite rather than Gen 4?
Qualcomm chose the Elite name to signal what it said was a broader step in capability rather than simply continuing the numbered-generation label. Its explanation is branding context, not a separate technical specification; the company said “Snapdragon 8 Gen 4” did not fully capture the breadth of the platform’s power. Qualcomm’s explanation of the Elite name.
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