Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Could Bring Faster LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 Storage

Qualcomm isn’t slowing down when it comes to pushing mobile chip performance. The company recently introduced its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 platform built on TSMC’s 3nm process, and leaks are already pointing to what’s next — the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6.

What’s Reportedly Coming Next

According to a tip from reliable Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is said to be built on TSMC’s 2nm N2P process — the same cutting-edge node that promises higher efficiency and improved performance. The leak claims the new chip will support next-generation LPDDR6 RAM and faster UFS 5.0 storage, setting the stage for a major jump in smartphone responsiveness and power management.

The chipset is rumored to carry the internal codename SM8975, succeeding the Gen 5’s SM8850. While Qualcomm hasn’t confirmed any of these details, the company traditionally unveils its flagship chip at the annual Snapdragon Summit, so late 2026 feels like a reasonable window for an official reveal.

Efficiency Could Be the Real Upgrade

Beyond just raw speed, TSMC’s N2P node could play a major role in extending battery life and improving sustained performance. The process reportedly offers a 5 percent uplift in performance and up to 36 percent better power efficiency compared to the N2 generation. It also maintains the same design rules while increasing chip density, allowing more transistors to fit into a smaller space.

That kind of improvement could allow Qualcomm’s next flagship chip to run cooler and last longer — both major pain points in today’s high-end Android phones.

Flagships Could Get More Expensive

The same leak suggests that smartphones using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 might cost more than current flagships. With TSMC’s 2nm production still in its early stages, yields and manufacturing costs are likely higher than the 3nm process used in current premium phones like the OnePlus 15, iQOO 15, and Xiaomi 17 series. That could translate into higher retail prices, especially in the early wave of devices adopting the chip.

What It Means for 2026 Flagships

If history is any indication, we’ll likely see the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 power next year’s top-tier devices from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Vivo. The shift to LPDDR6 and UFS 5.0 would mark the next major generational leap in smartphone performance, improving multitasking, game loading times, and overall system fluidity.

For now, Qualcomm hasn’t shared any official information about the chip, but given the company’s pattern, leaks like these often foreshadow what’s coming.

Via