In an era where every millisecond counts, Qualcomm’s latest flagship chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, is setting a new benchmark for performance in Android smartphones. With a 45 per cent faster CPU and a 40 per cent faster GPU compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, this chipset is engineered to handle the most demanding tasks—be it high-octane gaming, intensive image editing, or advanced AI-driven applications. Today, we explore the top five smartphones powered by this impressive chipset, each offering a unique blend of innovation, design, and performance.
A New Standard in Mobile Processing
Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite in October last year, and it has rapidly become the heart of some of the fastest Android phones available. With a focus on improved power efficiency (up by around 40 per cent) along with significant enhancements in CPU and GPU speeds, the chipset is a game changer for both gamers and professionals alike. The following devices not only incorporate this powerhouse but also offer a suite of features tailored to meet diverse user needs.
Realme GT 7 Pro: Flagship Performance on a Budget
Launched in November last year, the Realme GT 7 Pro is a testament to Realme’s commitment to providing flagship features at a competitive price. This model is celebrated for its quad-curved 6.78-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED screen, which can reach brightness levels of up to 2,000 nits—ideal for reading articles, watching videos, or scrolling through social media even in bright daylight.
Under the hood, the Realme GT 7 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, ensuring that tasks like gaming and high-resolution video editing run seamlessly. The phone boasts a triple camera setup featuring a 50MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. While it may not be hailed as the ultimate photography device, its performance in well-lit conditions and at night remains impressive.
Additionally, the device runs on Realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15, with promises of three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. The inclusion of both IP68 and IP69 ratings means that the Realme GT 7 Pro is not only built to withstand everyday use but can also handle more rugged conditions, such as trips to the beach or even underwater photography. The phone packs a robust 5,800mAh battery that supports 120W wired charging, making it an excellent recommendation for users who seek power without compromise—all starting at Rs 54,998.
iQOO 13: The Gamer’s Dream
Next in line is the iQOO 13, a device designed for the modern gamer and multimedia enthusiast. With a massive 6.82-inch 144Hz LTPO AMOLED screen, the iQOO 13 delivers stunning visuals that bring games and videos to life. True to its design philosophy, the phone is IP68 and IP69 rated, ensuring durability and resistance against dust and water.
A distinctive design element of the iQOO 13 is the integrated RGB LED on its back, which not only adds an aesthetic edge but also functions as a notification light—an innovative touch for gaming enthusiasts. Constructed with an aluminium frame for added durability, the device runs on Funtouch OS 15, based on Android 15, promising four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
Gaming is taken up a notch with features like game frame interpolation, which uses virtual frames to provide an ultra-smooth gaming experience. Its camera system comprises a squarish island on the rear that houses three 50MP sensors—covering primary, ultrawide, and telephoto (with 2x optical zoom) functionalities. Backed by a 6,000mAh battery that supports 120W wired charging, the iQOO 13 offers consistent performance even during extended gaming sessions. However, it is worth noting that wireless charging is absent, which might be a consideration for some users. Priced from Rs 54,999, the iQOO 13 stands out as an excellent option for those who demand both performance and innovation.
OnePlus 13: The Balanced Flagship
For those seeking a blend of performance and premium aesthetics, the OnePlus 13 is a device that deserves attention. The OnePlus 13 is built on the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, ensuring that it delivers uncompromised speed and responsiveness for both gaming and multitasking. Its 6.82-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display is engineered for clarity and smooth visuals, making it an ideal choice for media consumption and competitive gaming.
OnePlus offers the 13 in multiple finishes, including stylish faux leather and glass variants, catering to users with varied tastes. The camera setup on the OnePlus 13 includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide shooter, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom—each sensor fine-tuned in collaboration with Hasselblad to produce natural and vivid images.
The device also features a 6,000mAh battery that supports rapid 100W wired charging as well as 50W wireless charging. In addition to its robust hardware, OnePlus promises up to four major OS upgrades, which reassures users about the longevity and future-proofing of their investment. With a starting price of Rs 69,998, the OnePlus 13 is an attractive proposition for users who seek a high-performance flagship without exorbitant pricing.
ROG Phone 9 Pro: The Ultimate Gaming Beast
For hardcore gamers, the ROG Phone 9 Pro by Asus is a powerhouse that marries performance with dedicated gaming features. Launched in November last year, this model distinguishes itself with a programmable mini-LED on the back that not only enhances aesthetics but also serves functional purposes during intense gaming sessions. The ROG Phone 9 Pro sports a 6.78-inch 185Hz LTPO AMOLED screen, which is shielded by the robust Gorilla Glass Victus 2, ensuring both visual brilliance and durability.
Running on a heavily modified version of Android 15, the device offers an array of intuitive gaming features. Despite not being the best in camera performance—with a 50MP primary shooter, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro sensor—the ROG Phone 9 Pro’s camera setup is more than sufficient for casual photography, particularly in a gaming-focused device. Its 5,800mAh battery supports 65W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and even 10W reverse wired charging, ensuring that you remain powered up during long gaming marathons.
Priced at approximately $1,199 (around Rs 1,04,226), the ROG Phone 9 Pro is a premium offering that is currently available through import channels for Indian users. For gamers who prioritize performance above all else, this device represents one of the best gaming smartphones money can buy.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Pinnacle of Premium
Rounding off our list is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, a device that epitomizes premium design and cutting-edge technology. Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, harnesses the power of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and offers what many consider the best software experience available on a smartphone today. Running on One UI 7 based on Android 15, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is packed with intelligent AI features powered by Gemini, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a magnificent 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display that is safeguarded by Gorilla Armor 2. Its rounded titanium frame not only exudes luxury but also enhances durability. One of the standout features of this flagship is its comprehensive camera system: a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide sensor, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP telephoto shooter with 3x optical zoom. This versatile setup allows users to capture images in stunning detail, whether in daylight or low-light conditions.
Battery life is robust with a 5,000mAh cell that supports 45W wired and 15W wireless charging, ensuring that the phone stays powered even during intensive use. With an impressive commitment to future-proofing, Samsung has promised seven years of OS updates and security patches. Starting at Rs 1,29,999, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is undoubtedly positioned as a no-brainer for those who want a phone that excels in every aspect—from performance to camera quality and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Power, Performance, and Premium Design
The advent of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset marks a turning point in the world of Android smartphones. Whether you are a gaming enthusiast, a multimedia creator, or simply someone who demands top-tier performance in everyday tasks, these five devices cater to a wide spectrum of needs. From the affordable yet powerful Realme GT 7 Pro and the feature-packed iQOO 13 to the balanced design of the OnePlus 13, the dedicated gaming prowess of the ROG Phone 9 Pro, and the premium experience offered by the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, there is something for everyone.
As we witness these innovations, it becomes clear that technology is not just about raw performance—it’s about crafting experiences that resonate with users on a personal level. Each of these smartphones, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, is a testament to how far mobile technology has come, and how it continues to push the envelope in design, functionality, and user engagement.
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In conclusion, if you are in the market for a device that combines top-tier performance with innovative features and future-ready software support, look no further. The Snapdragon 8 Elite series is setting a high standard for what a flagship smartphone should be, making the decision easier for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
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