Qualcomm Technologies has unveiled its latest generation of flagship mobile processors, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026. These new chipsets are engineered to deliver significant advancements in artificial intelligence capabilities, overall performance, and productivity for next-generation smartphones.
During the IMC 2026 showcase, three prominent smartphone manufacturers—iQOO, Motorola, and Xiaomi—presented their upcoming flagship devices that will be powered by these cutting-edge Snapdragon processors. These highly anticipated models include the iQOO 16, Motorola Signature 27, and Xiaomi 18 Pro.
Next-Gen Flagships Highlight AI and Performance
Each brand highlighted specific features and innovations in their new flagships, offering an early preview before their official market debuts. The focus across all devices is on leveraging the new Snapdragon chips for unparalleled performance and enhanced on-device AI experiences.
iQOO 16: A True Flagship Experience
Nipun Marya, CEO of iQOO, emphasized that the iQOO 16 is designed as a "true flagship" smartphone. He stated that the company has meticulously ensured a comprehensive flagship experience, where exceptional performance is not achieved at the expense of other critical aspects. This indicates a balanced approach to design, camera, and overall user interaction alongside raw power.
Motorola Signature 27: Design Meets Power
Motorola's upcoming Signature 27 device is set to prioritize distinctive design, advanced camera performance, and an industry-leading commitment to software upgrades. Shivam Ranjan, Head of Marketing, APAC, Motorola, described the Signature 27 as the company’s "most powerful smartphone yet," highlighting Motorola's position as one of the first OEMs to integrate the latest Snapdragon model into their devices.
Xiaomi 18 Pro: Upgrades Across the Board
The Xiaomi 18 Pro is also poised to introduce substantial enhancements, featuring a refreshed design, upgraded camera systems, and robust performance. Gautam Batra, Associate Director, Product Marketing, Xiaomi India, noted that with the Xiaomi 18 Pro, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Xiaomi aims to elevate the user experience further. He specifically mentioned innovations such as a distinctive back display, combining exceptional performance with unique design elements.
All three new flagship smartphones are expected to deliver powerful computing capabilities, significantly improved on-device AI processing, and advanced "agentic AI" functionalities. Users can also anticipate enhanced camera experiences, smoother software operations, and a host of other premium features driven by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Gen 6 chipsets.