Reliable tech insider Evan Blass reports that Motorola is developing a new flagship smartphone codenamed ‘Urus’. According to the leak, this device features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 System-on-Chip (SoC). Industry analysts believe this device will launch commercially as the Motorola Edge 70 Ultra. This news follows Qualcomm’s recent announcement of its 2025 chipset lineup, which splits the high-end tier into a standard ‘Gen 5’ and a top-tier ‘Elite’ model.
Key Takeaways:
- Reliable tipster Evan Blass leaked a new Motorola device codenamed ‘Urus’.
- The phone likely carries the branding Motorola Edge 70 Ultra.
- It runs on the newly announced standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, not the ‘Elite’ version.
- The processor features Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU with speeds up to 3.8 GHz.
- This choice suggests a strategy focused on efficiency and value rather than raw power.
The Leak and Probable Branding
Evan Blass, a source with a strong track record for accurate mobile tech information, shared the details on the social media platform X. He specified that ‘Urus’ is a non-foldable flagship. This distinction separates it from the Razr line and places it firmly in the Motorola Edge family. Given Motorola’s naming conventions, the Edge 70 Ultra is the most logical name for the US and global markets.
Understanding the Processor Choice
The decision to use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 rather than the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 marks a shift in strategy. The standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is a capable processor built on a 3-nanometer process. It uses Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU architecture. The chip includes two prime cores running at 3.8 GHz and six performance cores clocked at 3.32 GHz.
Qualcomm states this chip offers a 36% performance increase over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. While it is faster than older models, it sits below the ‘Elite’ variant in terms of raw clock speed and graphical output. This suggests Motorola aims to offer a “balanced flagship” that provides high-end performance without the extreme costs or thermal challenges associated with the absolute top-tier silicon.
Inferred Specifications and Market Position
The ‘Urus’ will likely pair this processor with other premium specifications typical of the Edge Ultra series. Previous models in this line emphasized display quality and camera versatility. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 supports advanced imaging capabilities through its triple 20-bit Spectra ISP, which handles photos up to 320 megapixels. This aligns with rumors of a high-resolution periscope telephoto camera on the Edge 70 Ultra.
Motorola faces stiff competition in this segment. The OnePlus 15R is confirmed to be the first device to launch with this specific Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip in December 2025. By choosing the same processor, Motorola positions the ‘Urus’ as a direct competitor to the 15R and other value-focused flagships, rather than ultra-premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, which will likely use the more expensive Elite chip.
What This Means for US Consumers
For buyers in the US, this move indicates that the next Motorola flagship might launch at a more accessible price point than its competitors. The Edge series often sees aggressive discounts shortly after launch. A lower starting price, combined with the capable Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, could make the ‘Urus’ an attractive option for users who want flagship features without paying over $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will the Motorola Urus be released?
A. While no official date exists, the device will likely launch in 2026, following the late 2025 announcement of the chipset.
Q. What is the difference between the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 and the Elite version?
A. The ‘Elite’ version has higher clock speeds and a more powerful GPU for extreme gaming. The standard Gen 5 focuses on high performance with better efficiency and lower cost.
Q. Will the Motorola Urus be a foldable phone?
A. No. The leak explicitly states that the Urus is a non-foldable flagship, distinguishing it from the Razr series.
Q. What is the expected price of the Motorola Urus?
A. Official pricing is unknown, but the choice of the non-Elite chip suggests it may undercut premium rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S series.
Q. Who is Evan Blass?
A. Evan Blass is a technology reporter and leaker known for sharing accurate details and images of unreleased smartphones before their official announcements.
