The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is set to debut in early 2026 with significant upgrades including a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor globally, a redesigned ergonomic and thinner body with rounded corners, and a focus on high performance and user comfort, marking a major hardware shift for Samsung.
The OnePlus 15 is now available for purchase in the US through the official website and Amazon, featuring multiple color options, high-end specifications like Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, a 6.78-inch display, and advanced camera systems, with prices starting at $899.99.
Samsung chose to use the older Snapdragon 8 Elite instead of the newer Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in the Galaxy Z TriFold, citing a focus on product perfection, likely due to cost considerations and limited production volume, which suggests a strategic move to save on chipset expenses despite the premium price of the device.
The OnePlus 15, launched in China and set for global release on November 13, features a flat, ceramic-like textured metal frame, a large 6.78-inch OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, up to 1TB storage, a versatile camera system, and a massive 7,300mAh battery with fast charging, promising to be a top Android flagship of 2025.
OnePlus has officially announced that the OnePlus 15 will launch in China on October 27, 2025, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a 165Hz display, with a global release expected around November 13, 2025. The phone marks the end of the Hasselblad partnership and introduces the in-house DetailMax Engine for image processing.
A rumor suggests that a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 flagship is being tested with a massive 9,000mAh battery, significantly larger than the current maximum of 7,500mAh in devices like the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, indicating a push towards longer battery life in high-end smartphones through advanced silicon-carbon battery technology.
Samsung has sent a sample of its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset made on the 2nm GAA process to Qualcomm for evaluation, signaling potential for a dual-sourcing partnership. The process involves rigorous testing and could take up to a year, but success may boost Samsung's position in the competitive semiconductor market, especially as it struggles with yield issues on other chips.
Upcoming Android phones like the Xiaomi 17 Pro and OnePlus 15, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, are expected to outperform the iPhone 17 Pro in multi-core CPU and graphics benchmarks, potentially offering better gaming and video recording capabilities, though thermal management remains a challenge during intensive use.
The Galaxy S26 is expected to feature UFS 4.1 storage supported by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, promising faster data access and improved responsiveness, potentially making it a performance leader among flagship smartphones.
The Galaxy S26 series may receive a storage upgrade to UFS 4.1 support thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, potentially boosting performance and efficiency, although confirmation for all models and the Exynos 2600 support remains pending.
Qualcomm hints at more upcoming surprises beyond the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, including a likely exclusive overclocked version for the Galaxy S26 series and the potential unveiling of Samsung's first 2nm Exynos 2600 chipset, suggesting an exciting year for mobile processors.
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max features a dual-screen design with a large rear OLED display for widgets and camera use, powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and an innovative L-shape 7,500 mAh battery, marking Xiaomi's shift to match iPhone's model numbering and emphasizing high-end hardware for the China market.
The OnePlus 15 is set to be the first smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but Xiaomi's 17 series will be the first to launch with this chipset, available in China on September 27. The device features a 165Hz display, a bezel-less front, and potentially a 7,000 mAh battery, making it a highly anticipated flagship. However, official confirmation and hands-on reviews are awaited to validate these specs.
Xiaomi announced the Xiaomi 17 series in China, featuring the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, with models including the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, which boast innovative rear displays and large batteries up to 7,500 mAh, with global release expected around February.
OnePlus announced the upcoming OnePlus 15 flagship, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, a 165Hz display, and a design similar to the 13T/13S, with notable changes like the removal of Hasselblad branding and the introduction of a new image processing technology called DetailMax Engine.