At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 held in Las Vegas, Qualcomm unveiled its latest addition to the Snapdragon X Series – the Snapdragon X chip for Windows on Arm PCs. This new processor is designed with students, freelancers, and cost-conscious consumers in mind, with laptops starting at $600.
The Snapdragon X1-26-100 chip is a modified version of the Snapdragon X Plus, maintaining an 8-core structure but peaking at 3.0 GHz without any overclocking, and delivering 1.7 teraflops in graphics performance. On the other hand, the Snapdragon X Plus lineup varies from 3.2 to 3.4 GHz with boost capabilities reaching 4.0 GHz for certain models, while their GPU performance ranges from 1.7 TFLOPs to as high as 3.8 TFLOPs.
Nevertheless, the latest Snapdragon X chip offers the same 45 TOPS neural processing unit (NPU), transforming it into a powerful Copilot+ PC and an AI PC equipped with sophisticated AI capabilities.
Ever since Qualcomm introduced its Snapdragon X Elite chip, I’ve observed that this system isn’t a single processor. Instead, it allows Qualcomm to adjust the number of cores or clock speed according to demand. For CES 2025, Qualcomm is emphasizing the clock speed, which I think is a smart decision. Economy-priced Windows laptops under $800 have often struggled with performance due to Intel and AMD’s mediocre offerings in this price range.
Beyond boasting eight cores running at 3.0 GHz, the Snapdragon X model also includes optional 5G compatibility, Wi-Fi 7 technology, swift LPDDR5x RAM operating at 8448 MT/s, a “Sensing Hub” providing human detection capabilities, USB4 with a speed of 40Gbps, and Bluetooth 5.4. These state-of-the-art features are usually found in higher-priced Windows laptops.
How does Snapdragon X compare to other Snapdragon X chips?
The Snapdragon X Plus model is available in four different versions, each with a core count ranging from 8 to 10, and varying speeds that temporarily increase for short periods. The latest version of the Snapdragon X chip boasts 8 cores, operates at a slightly lower base speed, and does not support bursts. Interestingly, its graphics processing unit (GPU) is equivalent to the lower-end Snapdragon X Plus variant (XIP-42-100).
With my initial usage of the Snapdragon X, I found Windows 11 to be remarkably swift and undeniably superior to certain budget Intel processors from the past.
As a devoted enthusiast, I’m excited to share my insights about the Snapdragon X Computer Platform chips. Here, you can find all eight of these marvels arranged, and the latest addition, the Snapdragon X (X1-26-100), is conveniently placed at the bottom for easy comparison.
How does Snapdragon X compare to Intel?
In the process of conducting our own tests, Qualcomm has made a comparison between its Snapdragon X1-26-100 chip and Intel’s upcoming Core 5 120U processor from early 2024. This particular Intel processor boasts ten cores with a maximum frequency of up to 5GHz.
As a researcher, I’ve chosen to utilize a reference-design laptop when testing Qualcomm’s chips, while opting for the Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (Model 7440) for Intel comparisons. This particular Dell model retails at around $750 and comes equipped with 8GB of RAM.
As a tech enthusiast, it seems that the Snapdragon X packs twice the punch compared to its Intel Core 5 counterpart within the same class, all while consuming only half the power!
Qualcomm asserts that its new Snapdragon X chip outperforms, running 163% faster in single-core performance and 157% faster in multi-core tests (both at equal power consumption) according to Geekbench 6.2 benchmarks. Furthermore, Qualcomm points out that Intel’s Core chip uses 168% more power for single-core tasks and a staggering 240% more power during multi-core operations when matched for performance with the new Snapdragon X.
Similarly, it’s stated that the Qualcomm GPU operates approximately 3.19 times faster per watt compared to the Intel Graphics GPU. Conversely, the Intel Graphics GPU consumes roughly 2.58 times more power (at equal performance levels) than the Snapdragon X.
Qualcomm points out that neither the Intel Core 5 120U nor the AMD Ryzen 5 7540U budget processors offer any support for Neural Processing Units (NPUs). In contrast, the Snapdragon X’s 45 TOPS NPU positions it as a genuine AI PC.
The company additionally disclosed some other benchmarks, highlighting that the Snapdragon X chip offers approximately twice the performance per unit of power compared to Core 5 in Google Chrome, and nearly three times the performance per watt when used with Microsoft Office.
Why is Snapdragon X a big deal?
Many Windows 11 laptops fall within the price range of $600 to $700, but their performance historically hasn’t been impressive because Intel has been less competitive in this particular market sector, opting for a more passive approach. Additionally, these laptops haven’t excelled in battery life.
It’s worth noting that while expensive tech media often highlights laptops priced over $1,000 (who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle?), it’s actually the mid-priced laptops between $600 and $800 that are most commonly sold. In fact, as per Grand View Research, this price range – $501 to $1,000 – accounted for 35.8% of the market share in 2022 and is projected to continue leading the market by 2030.
The cause stems from a variety of factors such as consumers requiring laptops that cater to both personal and professional tasks, the approaching end of Windows 10 support, and also due to the fact that processors in this price range are continually improving, enabling users to accomplish more without having to spend excessively.
Moreover, making Copilot+ PCs accessible to all users, not only the premium ones, significantly broadens the reach of AI in personal computer software, bringing the AI revolution closer to everyday users, rather than a slow trickle-down approach.
Opting for a Laptop based on the ARM architecture with Snapdragon X will likely provide users with commendable performance, often surpassing the expectations set by Intel and AMD alternatives.
Likewise, battery life should be markedly better with little or no fan noise.
To put it simply, the introduction of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X is expected to stir up some commotion in the affordable computer market. This could potentially prompt Intel and AMD to step up their game, resulting in improved competition – a situation that usually benefits consumers.
Which PC makers are adopting Snapdragon X?
To date, brands such as Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, and Lenovo are unveiling laptops powered by the Snapdragon X Series (including the Snapdragon X Plus and Elite). However, we won’t know which of these manufacturers plan to announce new Snapdragon X laptops at CES 2025 until later this week.
It’s probable that the laptop, which might have been named as the “Windows Central top Windows laptop at CES 2025,” incorporates the Snapdragon X.
Essentially, Qualcomm states that the Snapdragon X Series is growing steadily, with currently over 60 devices either in production or being developed. By 2026, more than 100 such devices are expected to be in the pipeline from major device manufacturers.
Who is Snapdragon X for?
Qualcomm asserts that the Snapdragon X is particularly suited for individuals such as students, independent workers, and individuals mindful of their spending.
When will Snapdragon X Windows laptops be available?
You won’t have to wait long, as some Snapdragon X laptops start shipping in January 2025.
How many external displays does Snapdragon X support?
The Adreno GPU of the Snapdragon X device can run as many as three external Ultra High Definition displays (with dimensions 3840 x 2160 pixels) at once, all maintaining a smooth refresh rate of 60 times per second.
Could Microsoft use Snapdragon X in its Surface Go line?
As a dedicated fan, I’m speculating that Microsoft might incorporate the Snapdragon X chip into their upcoming Surface Go 4 and Surface Laptop Go 4 in 2025, if these devices are indeed in the pipeline for production.
The performance jump between the previous models and Snapdragon X would be massive.
The latest Surface Go 3 model features an Intel Core i3-10100Y processor from the year 2021, while the Surface Laptop Go 3 boasts an Intel Core i5-1235U processor from 2022. Neither device delivered exceptional performance, although the Surface Laptop Go 3 began to show somewhat acceptable performance levels.
From my perspective as an analyst, I am keenly interested in seeing the integration of the Qualcomm chip in the Surface Go series. This upgrade would undeniably elevate these already exceptional devices to new heights, marking a significant leap forward and potentially revolutionizing their performance.
Will Snapdragon X laptops have a fan?
In typical fashion, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) retain complete authority over the thermal behavior of Snapdragon X. They can construct systems that utilize active cooling via fans, passive cooling through ventilation, or even opt for a sealed system with no fan at all. The choice between these options is largely influenced by the OEM’s desired balance between laptop performance and aggressiveness.
What comes next?
This week at CES 2025, you can anticipate further updates on Snapdragon X. We’ll be delving deeper into discussions with Qualcomm and getting a firsthand look at the latest laptops that incorporate this silicon.
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2025-01-06 19:39