Qualcomm’s next flagship processor could introduce AI-powered frame generation and upscaling to premium Android phones, according to a leak.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro is expected to use TSMC’s enhanced 2-nanometre N2P process.

Despite the more advanced manufacturing node, the chip is reportedly larger than its predecessor, measuring about 134mm² compared with 126.2mm² for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. That suggests Qualcomm may be using the extra space for more advanced graphics, AI and connectivity hardware.

The processor is tipped to use Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU cores in a 2+3+3 configuration, alongside an Adreno 850 GPU with 18MB of graphics memory.

Its headline feature could be AI Frame Fusion, which reportedly uses two dedicated Matrix ALU blocks to support super-resolution upscaling and AI-generated frames.

The latest claims build on an earlier leak suggesting Qualcomm could prioritise graphics and AI gains over raw CPU performance.

That report tipped the chip to deliver less than a 20% CPU improvement despite its move to 2nm, while also adopting the same 2+3+3 layout, upgraded graphics and LPDDR6 support.

The technology could render games at a lower resolution before upscaling them to 1080p or 1440p, while inserting generated frames to improve perceived frame rates without a similar rise in power use.

AI Frame Fusion is reportedly exclusive to the Pro model. The standard Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is expected to use a cut-down Adreno 845 GPU with 12MB of graphics memory and no Matrix ALU blocks.

The Pro chip may also support Qualcomm’s X105 5G modem.

The expected move to a more expensive 2nm manufacturing process could also add to pricing pressure.

Qualcomm is reportedly preparing to raise chip prices by double-digit percentages on products shipped after September 1, potentially increasing costs for smartphone makers and consumers.

Qualcomm has not confirmed the specifications and is expected to reveal its next flagship platform at its Snapdragon Summit from September 22-24.