Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, two new flagship smartphone processors designed to expand the role of artificial intelligence directly on mobile devices.
Presented at the Snapdragon Summit, the platforms focus on more personalized AI experiences. Their new sensing hubs can operate compact models with up to 200 million parameters, enabling functions such as on-device voice notes, speaker recognition and usage-based memory for smarter task suggestions.
More capable AI, processed on the phone
Qualcomm says the chips can support complete voice-based AI agents, handling both spoken requests and responses locally. This approach can help deliver faster interactions while keeping more everyday processing on the device.
The standard model includes a new accelerator component aimed at improving AI efficiency. The Extreme edition raises the performance ceiling further, with support for a 30-billion-parameter mixture-of-experts model running locally. This model design activates only the most relevant parts of a larger system for each task, balancing advanced capabilities with more efficient resource use.
Professional tools for mobile creation
Beyond AI, both processors introduce finer pixel-level camera control, enhanced stabilization and improved motion recognition. The Extreme version supports 8K video at 60 frames per second, 4K recording at 240 frames per second for ultra-slow motion, and the Advanced Professional Video codec for creators seeking greater flexibility in mobile production.
Audio features include AI-assisted vocal enhancement, noise reduction and Qualcomm's voice bubble technology, which is designed to separate a user's voice from surrounding sound during calls.
Motorola has also announced the Motorola Signature 27, expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and become available later this year.
As AI processing becomes more powerful within smartphones, future devices may evolve into increasingly personal creative, communication and productivity companions without relying on a constant connection to remote computing systems.
