US technology giant Qualcomm has just announced the launch of two new processors, and whilst that might not sound all that thrilling, it could be very good news for anyone wanting a powerful Android device without paying flagship prices. The new Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 will arrive in more mid-range devices later this year and look set to bring big gains such as faster app launching, less screen stutter and more reliable performance.

Gamers should also notice a big difference with Qualcomm boasting that some phones will see a whopping 77 percent improved GPU performance. This should mean richer gaming and more robust multi-media experiences. Those using devices with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 inside will also get access to Qualcomm’s Adaptive Performance Engine 4.0 for smoother and longer-lasting gameplay.

Battery life could also get a boost as these chips are likely to be far more efficient than current processors. Other extras coming to some devices include AI-powered camera features for improved photography and access to fast Wi-Fi 7 broadband technology.

“With Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 4 Gen 5, we’re expanding what users can expect from their smartphones — compelling experiences powered by robust performance and dependable battery life,” said Chenwei Yan, Senior Vice President of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

“This launch underscores our focus on delivering impactful solutions, with each platform intentionally designed to strike the right balance of performance, power efficiency and connectivity — helping our partners deliver next-generation smartphone experiences to more users globally.”

So, what phones will get this update, and when will they arrive?

Both platforms are set to power commercial devices in the second half of 2026. It’s been confirmed that manufacturers such as Honor, OPPO, realme, and REDMI will feature the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 and Snapdragon 6 Gen 5.

There’s no word yet and whether Samsung will join the party.

We’ll bring a full list of phones once things have been confirmed.