Andy Walker / Android Authority
As 2025 approaches its final quarter, we now have a solid view of what the flagship mobile chipset space will look like for the next twelve months. Apple has its new Apple A19 Pro, Google has its Tensor G5, MediaTek is lining up the Dimensity 9500, and Qualcomm has just unveiled its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. All are fast enough for daily use, but as we know, some of these chips prioritize outright performance a bit more than others.
Now I’m a tech head, I love nothing better than getting to grips with all the ultra-low-level bits and pieces that go into making brilliant displays, cameras, and processors. If the phone I end up buying has all this kit inside, then all the better.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a favorite source in Google Discover to never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. You can also set us as a preferred source in Google Search by clicking the button here.
But I’m also realistic when it comes to picking the product I want to use every day. Of course, having a phone chip that rivals a light laptop is brilliant, but we’re well past the point where it is the most important factor in deciding whether a phone is a joy to use (outside of pure gaming, at least). For me, I’m busy chasing around two toddlers, so having a brilliant camera is high on my priorities list. I’m also notoriously forgetful about overnight charging, so I need a phone that can top up quickly and run for more than a day on a full charge.
Snapdragon is great, but 2025 has amazing phones with other chips too.
Of course, you can find Snapdragon Elite-powered flagships that tout all of these qualities — such as the mighty OnePlus 13. But there is an increasingly solid selection of powerhouse flagships that fit the bill with a different chip at the helm. Outside of reviews, I haven’t daily-driven a Snapdragon Elite phone this year — and I don’t think I’ve missed anything.
Qualcomm makes incredible silicon, but it isn’t the only game in town
Before Pixel fans think about chalking up another convert, the Pixel 10 Pro XL currently sits on my desk, but I’m not inclined to pick it up. Although there are great reasons to pick Snapdragon over Tensor, I don’t think Google has quite nailed the right balance of performance, battery life, and other features for me. Honestly, I can leave all the Gemini nonsense behind. Instead, I’ve been using the OPPO Find X8 Pro, powered by the last-generation MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip.
I don’t want to harp on about performance here because I’m quite aware that it’s just not the top priority for a growing majority of smartphone owners. It’s sufficient to say that it’s not far off the Elite in benchmarks, and even harder to tell the difference day to day.
... continue reading