Leaks reveal Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chip with 2nm process: CPU gains under 20%, but GPU up to 50% faster for gaming and AI. Learn about specs and expectations.
© D. Novikov
Despite moving to TSMC's cutting-edge 2nm process, the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro reportedly won't deliver a major boost in computing power. Qualcomm was expected to take a significant leap forward from the previous generation, but leaks suggest a more modest outcome.
The chip will feature a new architecture with a "2+3+3" core configuration, replacing the "2+6" setup used in the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. This should improve efficiency and ensure stable operation at frequencies up to 5.0 GHz. However, insiders indicate that the overall CPU performance gain may be less than 20%, which seems modest given the shift to a new manufacturing process.
The main focus, it appears, will be on the graphics subsystem. The new Adreno 850 GPU will get an enlarged cache, support for LPDDR6 memory, and a significantly expanded bus and video memory capacity—with rumors pointing to gains of up to 50%. This should noticeably enhance both gaming performance and AI task handling.
This approach stems from CPU limitations: rather than pushing for major core improvements, the company is prioritizing system balance. The enhanced graphics block and increased memory resources can boost performance in modern games, including AAA titles, and accelerate on-device AI processing.
Overall, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro may turn out to be an evolutionary update rather than a revolutionary one. Real-world results will only become clear after the official announcement, so current data should be taken with caution.