New Snapdragon Elite Gen 6 Processors
Qualcomm has unveiled two new flagship smartphone processors, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, both designed with a strong emphasis on enhancing AI-focused features.
On-Device AI Capabilities
At its annual Snapdragon Summit, Qualcomm highlighted that these new chips will facilitate improved personalization for AI agents. The processors incorporate new sensing hubs capable of running small models up to 200 million parameters. This enables smartphones to locally operate a personal scribe, differentiate between speakers, and build usage memory for better task automation suggestions. Qualcomm stated that the new chip can run a complete voice-in and voice-out AI agent.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 features a new accelerator element optimized for efficient model execution. The high-end Extreme version is capable of running a 30-billion-parameter mixture-of-experts (MoE) model locally, meaning only a subset of parameters is activated for specific tasks.
This local MoE model capability surpasses Apple's most advanced third-generation foundation model, which was a 20-billion-parameter mixture-of-experts model released at its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June.
Enhanced Camera and Audio
Beyond AI, the new Qualcomm CPU offers pixel-level control for cameras, enabling more professional-grade experiences, along with improved stabilization and motion understanding. The Extreme version supports video recording at 8K 60fps and 4K240 for ultra HD slow-motion, and introduces the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec for high-quality recording.
Both chips also leverage AI to boost vocal clarity and reduce background noise. Additionally, they feature Qualcomm’s new voice bubble technology, designed to isolate users’ voices during calls.
Industry Adoption and Outlook
During the event, Motorola announced its upcoming Motorola Signature 27 smartphone, which will be powered by the Snapdragon Gen 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and is expected to be generally available later this year.
Qualcomm is developing over 40 AI-enabled devices, yet there's a prevailing industry belief that smartphones will remain the primary platform for AI interactions, rather than dedicated AI devices. This sentiment has been echoed by figures like Nothing co-founder Carl Pei and, more recently, Apple CEO John Ternus during the iPhone Duo launch.
