The new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 arrives with more power… and a hefty price tag. Industry sources place its cost between $240 and $280 per unit, a jump that reflects not only the technical advancement but also the realities of the advanced manufacturing market.
Part of that price increase stems from TSMC's 3nm N3P node , for which Qualcomm reportedly paid around 24% more . The result is improved efficiency, a faster CPU, and a boost in AI , but also high-end phones that could be priced above €1.200 in many cases.
Price and manufacturing: the keys to the cost increase
In addition to the TSMC node, the use of Qualcomm's Oryon cores and a more capable GPU also play a role. Internal figures indicate up to a 15% increase in CPU performance and clear improvements in AI and graphics workloads, which supports this chip's position at the pinnacle of mobile performance.
Although each brand sets its own terms (volume, royalties and deadlines), the pattern is clear: there will be fewer "flagship killers" and more premium devices with rising prices to absorb the cost of silicon.
Dual source with Samsung: 2nm testing and probable schedule
Meanwhile, Samsung Foundry is working on a 2nm (SF2) variant of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 using GAA technology . According to industry reports, samples have been sent to Qualcomm for validation, a move that, if successful, would pave the way for dual sourcing and less reliance on TSMC.
These tests are geared towards high-end phones slated for 2026. Among the scenarios considered is the Galaxy Z Flip 8 as a possible candidate to debut this version, while the Galaxy S26 family would initially remain on the 3nm iteration already in production at TSMC.
The final decision will depend on thermal efficiency, performance, and factory yields . If the numbers work out, dual sourcing could stabilize prices and availability , while also introducing real competition in cutting-edge processes.
Brands and launches: who's putting it together
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 has already started appearing in commercial models like the Xiaomi 17 , and is expected in upcoming releases such as the OnePlus 15. The chip's expansion into the high-end segment is progressing well.
HONOR has also confirmed its Magic 8 series with this processor , to be unveiled in China on October 15th . The brand aims to compete head-to-head with its direct rivals by leveraging the improved computing power and efficiency.
The first performance hints of the HONOR Magic 8 Pro indicate scores around 3.563 points (single) and 7.632 (multi) in Geekbench, with 12 and 16 GB RAM versions and Android 16/MagicOS 9; data in line with what can be expected from the new silicon.
Meanwhile, some manufacturers are exploring differentiating themselves with high-capacity batteries and aggressive fast charging: there is talk of cells up to 7.200 mAh alongside this SoC, a combination designed to sustain demanding sessions without sacrificing performance.
Price and performance competition
On the other side of the ring, MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 is priced between $180 and $200 per unit, clearly below the ceiling of up to $280 that is being discussed for Qualcomm's chip —compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2— , despite also being manufactured in an advanced 3nm process.
Part of the difference lies in the design choices: Qualcomm has invested in custom Oryon cores, while MediaTek relies on standard ARM configurations to cut costs. Initial comparisons point to Snapdragon advantages in efficiency per watt and thermal stability , although the final performance will always depend on the phone's design.
What to expect for the user
With a more expensive and ambitious SoC , it's logical to see fewer aggressively priced phones and more premium flagship offerings. The technological leap has a direct impact on the retail price, but also on the daily experience under sustained load.
The improvements in sustained performance, AI, and thermal management should be noticeable in gaming, video editing, or productivity tasks. Even so, the price of each model will be determined by supply agreements, volume, and royalties that each manufacturer negotiates with Qualcomm.
The picture that is emerging is clear: the bar for high-end Android devices is being raised with a cost commensurate with its ambition; the 2nm trials with Samsung could open new avenues for capacity and price, while the first brands to adopt it are setting the pace for a generation that focuses on power, efficiency, and dual power supply.
