Qualcomm’s Next Big Chip: What to Expect from the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6

Qualcomm is already looking ahead to the future of smartphone chips. While the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has yet to appear in phones, reports suggest the company is developing its next major processor — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6. This chip is expected to arrive in time for Samsung’s Galaxy S27 series in 2027. A known leaker, Jukanlosreve, shared details that point to a processor built under the codename Hawi. The new chip may not deliver a huge jump in CPU power, but it could bring key upgrades in efficiency and graphics.

According to early information, the CPU could use a 2+3+3 setup. That means two performance cores for heavy tasks, three mid-level cores for balance, and three efficiency cores to handle lighter work while saving energy.

The chip will likely be made on TSMC’s 2nm process, one of the most advanced manufacturing nodes yet. This shift should give phones better speed and lower power use. Still, the overall performance boost may sit at around 10%, which is modest compared to past leaps.

Where Qualcomm seems to be putting more effort is the GPU. Leaks suggest the new graphics unit will be much stronger, offering smoother visuals for games and apps that rely heavily on graphics. With better efficiency, phones may also last longer on a single charge.

Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup is set to debut later this year with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. But Qualcomm already has its sights on 2027. If the timeline holds, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 should launch at the end of 2026, lining up with the Galaxy S27’s release window.

Meanwhile, Samsung is not only depending on Qualcomm. The company is also testing its own Exynos 2600, built with the same 2nm process. Early benchmark scores show 3,300 points in single-core tests and 11,520 in multi-core, which suggests it could compete well against Qualcomm’s chip.

Xiaomi, on the other hand, is expected to be the first company to launch a phone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. That device may appear soon after Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit later this year.

Looking ahead, the real competition may come down to who can balance performance and efficiency best. Qualcomm is betting on graphics, while Samsung is working to close the gap with its Exynos line. For users, that means more powerful options when upgrading in 2026 and 2027.