The next OnePlus flagship might pack a serious performance punch if recent leaks are anything to go by. According to a post from reliable leaker Digital Chat Station on the Chinese platform Weibo, the OnePlus 15 is expected to feature Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset. This positions the device among the first wave of smartphones set to showcase the next generation of Qualcomm’s mobile technology.
Key takeaways
- The OnePlus 15 is rumored to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, codenamed SM8750
- This new chip will be manufactured on TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer process
- Qualcomm will use its custom-built Oryon CPU cores for the first time in a mainstream phone chip
- The architecture is expected to deliver significant gains in performance and efficiency over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
A new chip with custom cores
The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 represents more than just a spec bump. Qualcomm is shifting gears by moving away from ARM’s standard core designs and instead using its own Oryon CPU cores. That’s a pretty big deal in the world of mobile processors.
These Oryon cores aren’t entirely new. They debuted in the Snapdragon X Elite chips for laptops and are based on work from Nuvia, a company founded by engineers who previously worked on Apple’s custom silicon. By going the custom route, Qualcomm is aiming for tighter integration and better control over performance, similar to how Apple handles its iPhone chips.
The chip will be built by TSMC using a 3nm process. Smaller nodes typically allow for more transistors, which can result in faster speeds and better power efficiency. That could be key for the next generation of Android phones that are trying to do more while using less battery.
What this could mean for the OnePlus 15
OnePlus has always leaned into performance, and adopting Qualcomm’s latest and most advanced chip seems like a natural move. With this chipset, users might see faster app launches, better gaming frame rates, and more advanced AI features handled directly on the device. And because the chip is built using a 3nm process, there’s also the potential for improved battery life without compromising power.
Qualcomm typically announces its flagship chip at the Snapdragon Summit in October. If that schedule holds, smartphone makers like OnePlus and Xiaomi would likely follow up with announcements in the months that follow. Since the OnePlus 14 came out in late 2024, a late 2025 or early 2026 release for the OnePlus 15 seems like a pretty safe bet.
So while nothing’s official just yet, all signs point to the OnePlus 15 being one of the first real showcases of what Qualcomm’s custom chip era could bring to Android devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5?
A. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is the expected name for Qualcomm’s next flagship mobile processor. It will be the first in the mainstream “8-series” to use the company’s custom Oryon CPU cores and will be built on a 3nm process.
Q. When will the OnePlus 15 be released?
A. While there is no official date, based on previous launch cycles, the OnePlus 15 is expected to be announced in late 2025 or early 2026.
Q. What are Oryon cores?
A. Oryon cores are custom-designed CPU cores developed by Qualcomm. They are designed to offer higher performance and better power efficiency compared to the standard ARM Cortex cores used in previous Snapdragon chips.
Q. How much faster will the OnePlus 15 be?
A. Specific performance numbers are not yet available. However, the combination of custom Oryon cores and a 3nm manufacturing process suggests the OnePlus 15 should offer a noticeable improvement in speed and battery life over the OnePlus 14.
Q. Who is Digital Chat Station?
A. Digital Chat Station is the online name for a highly regarded technology leaker based in China. They have a strong history of providing accurate information about unreleased smartphones and components.
