Best Snapdragon 8 Elite phones to buy today

Qualcomm introduced its most powerful chip upgrade — Snapdragon 8 Elite — in October 2024, and since then, it has been the backbone of several well-known brands. Offering 45 per cent better performance, 40 per cent better graphical performance and 44 per cent better power efficiency, the processor is considered ideal for demanding tasks.

In fact, for users who frequently multitask, edit photos and videos, play graphics-intensive games, or use AI-powered applications, a phone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite can provide the processing power needed for smooth operation minus an excessive battery drain.

If you’re in the market looking for a new Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphone, we have a list of the top devices you can invest in right now. Check them out below:

Top Snapdragon 8 Elite smartphones to buy in 2025

Here’s a look at five standout phones featuring Qualcomm’s latest (read: powerful!) chipset:

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 series
2. Realme GT 7 Pro
3. OnePlus 13

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 series

Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 early this year, and the trio offers plenty of exciting features, including a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset under the hood. But that’s not all, Qualcomm has also tailored the SoC for the Galaxy S25 series to meet high demands in certain areas, such as artificial intelligence, mobile gaming, along with improved camera capabilities.

Beyond the chipset, the Samsung Galaxy series packs several design as well as functional changes and boasts of an impressive triple-rear camera setup. Apart from that, the series gets an Android 15-based One UI 7, which brings in a smooth, interactive interface. And, lastly, users with a flair for illustration can even make the most of its tweaked S Pen experience that comes with the Galaxy S25 Ultra variant.

2. Realme GT 7 Pro

The Realme GT 7 Pro was one of the first devices to host the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and is best known for its gaming capabilities. The smartphone was unveiled late last year and often makes a premiere choice for avid gamers who are looking for both impressive tech specs and the latest Snapdragon chipset.

ALSO READ: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite announced with massive performance boost and more

Apart from what’s good under the hood, the Realme GT 7 Pro even gets a dedicated cooling solution with its 11480mm2 Ice Berg dual VC cooling system. According to the brand, this technology promotes 30 per cent better heat transfer. And, like the Galaxy trio, the device also gets a triple-rear camera setup at the back coupled with a fairly long-lasting battery life.

3. OnePlus 13

OnePlus’ latest flagship makes it to this list for housing the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and is great for those looking at a blend of lifestyle and gaming-related features. Moreover, the brand also claims that this has enabled the device to power a much larger battery life of up to 6,000mAh.

Along with this, the phone gets a 6.82-inch AMOLED display panel and boasts of 4,500 nits of peak brightness for outdoor use. The OnePlus 13 ships with Android 15-powered Oxygen OS and also comes with Google’s latest AI features, such as Circle to Search.

Whether you’re big on gaming or simply want a smartphone that can run your day-to-day, heavy-duty apps, these devices are sure to offer an all-around package for your requirements. For more buying guides and comparisons, make sure you subscribe to Unboxed by Croma.