New Info on Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 Chip Shows Big Power
A new test score for the next big thing from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, is out now, and it shares a cool tale. Seen in a test model of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge, this chip shows off strong scores, but a deep look shows more power is still hidden.
First Scores: A Strong Start
In a Geekbench 6.4 test, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 got a score of 3,393 for one core and 11,515 for many cores. This is a tough, about 10% better single-core jump from the last Snapdragon 8 Elite. Even with good first scores, there is more to this story.
The Real Story: Clock Speeds Show More Power Left
Here’s where the story gets juicy. The test data show the chip’s main cores had a limit at 4.00 GHz. But, the chip can boost to a bigger 4.74 GHz. This gap means there was a lot of power not used. If it ran at full go, the end scores could be way higher.
Why the slow clock speed? This is normal for not-yet-done tech. It might be on purpose for testing how steady it is, or it could be due to the test model (the Galaxy S26 Edge) not ready to deal with the chip's max power yet.
Inside Look at Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
- Making Method: Made with TSMC's new 3nm 'N3P' style, lets it run faster and save more power.
- CPU Style: A 6+2 core setup, just like before, with helper cores at 3.63 GHz.
- Tech Used: Supports the Scalable Matrix Extension (SME), key for AI and more.
- Test Phone: The Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge test model (SM-S947U) had 12 GB of RAM and an early Android 16.
What It Means for Phones
This early score sends a big message in the fight between Qualcomm and Samsung's own chip team. With Samsung's Exynos 2600 not doing great in early tests, the strong showing by the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 could keep Qualcomm ahead in the top Android market.
For us, this is great news. It hints that the Galaxy S26 line will likely use this big power chip, promising a big jump in how well it works. The main thing we're waiting to see: how much of that 4.74 GHz top speed will be in the final sale phones? We'll know more when Qualcomm does the big reveal of the chip at its Snapdragon Summit on September 23.
