Qualcomm is likely to continue using the same CPU cluster configuration for the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, just as observed in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. Still, it is the considerable increase in performance and efficiency that really distinguishes this SoC as it strives to become a leader in the mobile chipset market. According to rumors, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will reach new levels in clock speeds, having performance cores that hit 5.00GHz while efficiency cores operate at 4.00GHz.
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WCCF Tech reported this information, citing a source from X (formerly Twitter) user @reikaNVMe. The leaker has declared that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will see considerable evolution thanks to an enhanced production process, which is probably based on TSMC’s 3nm third-generation architecture (‘N3P’). The advanced technology will facilitate the chipset’s ability to maintain power efficiency while achieving higher clock speeds (important for extending battery life and achieving better device cooling).
There is a belief that Qualcomm is checking out the notion of collaborating with Samsung while utilizing its 2nm GAA technology (identified also as SF2) as part of a dual-sourcing strategy to bring down manufacturing costs. Due to Samsung’s trouble with yield issues, Qualcomm has increasingly come to depend on TSMC, which has already secured orders for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.
Performance Cores to Hit 5.00GHz
An important part of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 architecture is its ‘2+6’ CPU cluster, which matches the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in configuration but offers considerably higher clock speeds. As a reference, the Geekbench 6 benchmark leaks disclosed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 in the upcoming OnePlus 13 running at 4.32GHz for its performance cores and 3.53GHz for efficiency cores. By hitting 5.00GHz on performance cores and 4.00GHz on efficiency cores, Qualcomm is making an audacious step forward in raw computing speed.
The potential for Qualcomm to take advantage of its Oryon cores and various other advanced architectural redesigns could unveil improvements in both individual-core and multi-core performance that surpass just increasing clock speeds. Although these rumors are thrilling, it’s important to realize that the details are still up for interpretation and should be considered with discernment. Last month, a rumor about the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 claimed it would bring ‘Pegasus’ cores and a ‘Slice’ GPU architecture, alongside an unchanged CPU configuration, but these claims are still unconfirmed.
TSMC’s 3nm Process and Samsung’s Role
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will probably make use of TSMC’s advanced N3P process to offer superior power efficiency and heat management. Qualcomm is apparently looking into Samsung’s 2nm GAA (SF2) technology to broaden its manufacturing supply chain. Despite its best attempts, Samsung’s continuous yield problems caused it to miss Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 orders, which led Qualcomm to lean more on TSMC for the present moment.