Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Smartphones to Launch Globally This Month, India Launch Expected in December

Qualcomm’s next-generation chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, is gearing up to make its debut in smartphones this month. Following the recent wave of flagship launches featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, several smartphone manufacturers are now preparing to unveil models powered by the slightly toned-down Gen 5 variant. According to a post from tipster @heyitsyogesh, the first Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 devices will launch globally in November 2025, with the Indian debut expected in December 2025.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset is positioned as a high-performance SoC aimed at gaming and upper mid-range smartphones. While it offers slightly lower performance metrics compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, it is designed to deliver efficient thermal management and sustained performance at a more accessible price point. The chipset’s per-unit cost is reported to range between USD 160 – 180, making it an ideal choice for brands targeting performance-focused devices without breaching flagship pricing.

As per reports, several OEMs including OnePlus, iQOO, Vivo, Honor, Motorola, and Xiaomi are currently developing smartphones equipped with this chipset. OnePlus had already teased its Snapdragon 8 Gen 5-powered smartphone back in September 2025, hinting that it could debut alongside the company’s next flagship release. Other brands such as Xiaomi and Honor are expected to follow closely with their own global unveilings.

Meanwhile, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 continues to dominate the ultra-premium segment, powering devices like the Xiaomi 17 series, Redmi K90 Pro Max, iQOO 15, RedMagic 11 Pro, Nubia Z80 Ultra, Realme GT 8 Pro, Honor Magic 8 series, and the OnePlus 15. Most of these models have already launched in China, with select global rollouts underway.

The upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 lineup aims to balance cost and performance while introducing new gaming optimizations and improved energy efficiency. With the first wave of devices expected this month, and India’s availability targeted for December, smartphone enthusiasts can look forward to a busy season of high-performance launches.

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