Robert Triggs / Android Authority
TL;DR Qualcomm is rumored to launch its next flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, in two tiers: Standard and Pro.
The Pro version may offer faster LPDDR6 RAM, higher GPU clocks, and stronger AI performance, while the Standard could dial things back for affordability.
This naming split could help shoppers pick based on needs, but also risks confusing buyers who assume all “Gen 6” phones are equal.
Qualcomm has just introduced its latest flagship chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, and it’s already powering many upcoming Android heavy-hitters. But even with that release still fresh, rumors about its successor are gaining momentum. The next high-end processor, expected to launch as the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, may arrive in two distinct tiers: a Standard version and a more powerful Pro variant.
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As per a new leak by reliable tipster Digital Chat Station, the Pro model could feature a beefier GPU, support for faster LPDDR6 memory, and other premium upgrades. In other words, the Gen 6 generation might not just be about raw speed, but about giving phone makers (and buyers) more choice at the top end.
For everyday buyers, this split could be both helpful and messy. On the positive side, having two versions of the same chip gives phone makers more flexibility. A “Standard” Gen 6 for mainstream flagships, and a “Pro” tier for ultra-premium performance. Essentially, it lets users choose between “great for most people” and “top-tier for power users” under the same family name.
But there’s a catch: it also opens the door to confusion. Most consumers see “Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6” and assume they’re buying the very best. If the Standard and Pro variants differ meaningfully in speed, graphics, memory, or long-term software support, someone could easily end up paying flagship money for something that’s only flagship-ish. And you can bet marketing teams will do their best to blur the differences.
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