Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X2 Plus could be the most important Windows chip of 2026, bringing Elite‑class power to affordable laptops

Qualcomm is kicking off 2026 with the same momentum it had at the end of 2025, recognizing big changes are happening in the Windows PC market. At CES 2026, they revealed the Snapdragon X2 Plus, the latest chip in the Snapdragon X2 Series. This new chip is expected to be more impactful for most users than the high-end X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme models released in September.

I got a hands-on look at the new X2 Plus laptops at a press event in New York City last December. Qualcomm allowed us to test pre-release versions, and the performance results we got then are nearly identical to the official numbers they’re sharing now, just like with last year’s X Plus launch.

As an analyst, I’ve always appreciated Qualcomm’s commitment to providing reliable and verifiable performance data, and the X2 Plus is no exception. I even had a source at a major phone manufacturer tell me privately that Qualcomm consistently delivers on its promises and provides data on time – a clear dig at Intel, to be honest.

This is significant because the chip is designed for mainstream to high-end Windows laptops – the market where most people purchase PCs. This includes business customers updating their computers and manufacturers who require consistent performance and power efficiency.

The X2 Plus will be a key test for Qualcomm. It will reveal whether their recent success in 2024 and 2025 was just a temporary boost, or if it signals a lasting change towards Windows computers powered by Arm processors.

From what I’ve seen so far, it’s the latter.

A “Plus” chip that feels a lot like an Elite

I’ve been looking at the new Qualcomm X2 Plus, and it comes in two main versions: one with 10 cores and another with 6. What’s interesting is that both versions share a lot of the same technology as the higher-end X2 Elite – they’re built on the same 3nm process, use the same Oryon CPU design, and the same Adreno X2-45 graphics. But the really impressive part is they both include that powerful 80 TOPS Hexagon NPU, which makes this chip feel surprisingly high-end, even more so than you might expect from the name.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m really excited about the 10-core processor – that’s what I expect to see in the nicer ultrabooks and work laptops. It can boost up to 4.0GHz, has a generous 34MB of cache, and the graphics processor runs at a solid 1.7GHz. There’s also a 6-core version, which still reaches the same top speed but has a little less cache and a slightly slower graphics processor to keep the price down. Both versions are great because they can handle up to 128GB of super-fast LPDDR5x memory with a bandwidth of 152GB/s – and that’s becoming really important with all the new AI applications we’re seeing!

This isn’t a “lite” chip. It’s a slightly leaner X2 Elite, and in some cases, it behaves like one.

Performance that punches above its weight

Qualcomm reports that the X2 Plus processor is up to 35

During a New York City demonstration, we tested the 10-core version of the Snapdragon X2 Plus using Geekbench 6.5. The results confirmed Qualcomm’s statements: the X2 Plus was faster than Intel’s Core Ultra 7 265U and 256V processors when using the same amount of power, and in some cases, the difference was significant. According to Qualcomm’s tests, the X2 Plus delivered up to 3.5 times the CPU performance of the Intel Ultra 7 265U, and up to 52

Single-core

Geekbench performance of the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus versus current on-market competition.

Multi-core

Geekbench performance of the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus versus current on-market competition.

However, it’s important to note that Intel is preparing to release its Core Ultra 3 “Panther Lake” processors soon. These new chips are built using Intel’s advanced 18A process and include enhanced performance cores (P-cores), efficiency cores (E-cores and LP E-cores), a much better graphics processor (Xe3 GPU), and an upgraded neural processing unit (NPU) for AI tasks.

Intel has recently improved how efficiently its processors work and how well they handle graphics, and the upcoming Panther Lake series promises even bigger advancements. While the X2 Plus currently outperforms some of Intel’s Core Ultra 2 chips, that advantage is likely to change soon as laptops with the new Panther Lake processors become available in the next few weeks and months.

Qualcomm still excels at maintaining consistent performance while using battery power, which sets it apart. During my testing, the X2 Plus performed just like the X Elite – it didn’t overheat, performance didn’t suddenly decrease when not plugged in, and it didn’t require the fan to work hard. Intel and AMD continue to have trouble achieving this level of consistency in their slim and lightweight laptops.

AI performance: Qualcomm keeps its lead (for now)

Qualcomm consistently leads the industry in neural processing unit (NPU) technology. The X2 Plus features the same powerful 80 TOPS Hexagon NPU as the X2 Elite, and performance tests confirm its strength.

The X2 Plus significantly outperformed Intel’s Core Ultra processors in AI performance tests. In UL Procyon’s AI Computer Vision benchmark, it scored 4193, more than double the score of the Intel Core Ultra 7 256V and over six times that of the Ultra 7 265U. Geekbench AI results were similar, with the X2 Plus achieving a score of 83,624 compared to Intel’s scores of 48,041 and 13,615.

Intel’s next-generation Panther Lake processors (also known as Core Ultra 3) will feature a new Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of around 50 TOPS of performance. While this will improve Intel’s AI capabilities, Qualcomm still leads in terms of overall performance and power efficiency. As Windows 11 increasingly relies on on-device AI – including features like Cocreator, Automatic Super Resolution, and Studio Effects, as well as new AI assistants – computer manufacturers need NPUs that can handle demanding tasks without significantly increasing power consumption.

For now, Qualcomm is still the company delivering that.

Battery life and real‑world behavior

I recently got a look at Qualcomm’s new X2 Plus designs, and I was really impressed with the battery life – they’re claiming multiple days, and it seems legitimate. During my time with them in New York, the devices stayed remarkably cool and quiet, even when I really pushed them. Qualcomm says this new chip uses up to 43

This level of efficiency is transforming the laptop experience. It’s also beneficial for computer manufacturers, allowing them to create slimmer, lighter laptops without compromising on power.

Why the X2 Plus matters more than the X2 Elite

While the Snapdragon X2 Elite (and particularly the X2 Elite Extreme) gets all the attention and showcases the latest technology, the X2 Plus is the processor that’s likely to truly change the Windows PC landscape.

Expensive laptops aren’t what most people or businesses buy. The X2 Plus is different – it’s built for the more popular and affordable price range of $799 to $1,299, where it can really make a difference. The ASUS Zenbook A14 is a great example of a successful laptop in this price range, and we think the X2 Plus can achieve similar results.

This comes at a time when computer manufacturers are facing increasing costs for parts, particularly shortages and price increases for DRAM, which are being driven by the high demand from AI data centers. Because LPDDR5x is becoming more expensive, computer makers need platforms that can offer great performance without needing complex or power-hungry cooling systems. The X2 Plus is ideally suited to meet this need.

This technology also offers remote management features like software updates, device locking/wiping, and tracking – making it accessible to a wider range of computers. This is particularly important for IT departments, as Intel currently dominates this area with its vPro platform. It eliminates a major obstacle to businesses switching to Arm-based computers.

Concerns (and possible criticisms) of the Snapdragon X2 Plus?

I’m trying to be fair, but it’s hard to find many drawbacks with the X2 Plus, at least based on its specifications. Here are a few potential downsides, though.

Windows on Arm has gotten much better, and most apps now run smoothly. However, a few specialized programs, older business tools, and demanding creative tasks might still experience occasional issues when running through emulation, though this is becoming increasingly uncommon.

Gaming on this device is significantly improved, but anti-cheat software and compatibility with some games still need work, though Qualcomm and Microsoft are constantly addressing these issues. Fortnite now runs well. However, because the processor has a less powerful graphics chip and isn’t as strong in demanding tasks, manufacturers could create confusing variations of the device.

The competition is quickly changing. While the X2 Plus is currently better than some of Intel’s Core Ultra 2 chips, Intel’s next-generation Core Ultra 3 “Panther Lake” processors are expected to be much more efficient, have a faster AI processor, and significantly improved graphics capabilities.

As we look ahead to 2026, increasing prices and limited availability of LPDDR5x memory could mean some X2 Plus laptops end up costing more or having less powerful features than customers anticipate. While these issues aren’t major problems, they’re real-world factors that will impact how successful the X2 Plus is when it’s released. It’s also important to note that this RAM situation affects all major processor manufacturers, including AMD and Intel, not just Qualcomm.

Availability and what comes next

Qualcomm expects the first laptops powered by the Snapdragon X2 Plus chip to be available in stores during the first six months of 2026. Several major computer manufacturers, including HP, Lenovo, and ASUS, are expected to announce their new models this week at CES 2026. From what I’ve seen, these laptops will come in a variety of styles, from slim and lightweight designs to 2-in-1s, business laptops, and even some fanless options.

What’s really interesting is that Qualcomm now offers a complete lineup of chips. They have the high-end X2 Elite Extreme, a premium X2 Elite for thinner laptops, and the X2 Plus for everyday machines. Because of this, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a more affordable “Snapdragon X2” chip released later this year, maybe even at Computex 2026. That would give Qualcomm a really strong range of options at different price points – a bit wider than what they originally offered with the first Snapdragon X series.

As an analyst, I’m seeing a really significant shift coming in the Windows laptop market. With Intel’s Panther Lake processors and AMD’s next generation of Ryzen AI chips both slated for release, 2026 is poised to be the most competitive year for Windows laptops we’ve seen in ten years. It’s going to be a fascinating space to watch!

I’ve been testing the latest chips from Intel, Qualcomm, and AMD, and I’m really impressed with all of them. They offer great performance, especially in graphics, and could finally give people a more affordable alternative to NVIDIA’s often expensive cards.

Qualcomm has shifted from being a long shot to a major player, and with its new X2 Plus, it’s directly competing for the largest share of the market.

Will the Snapdragon X2 Plus processor finally make Arm-powered laptops popular with everyday users? Or are people still holding off to see what Intel’s new Panther Lake chips offer? I got a hands-on look at these laptops in New York and was quite impressed, but their success really depends on how well computer manufacturers build them and how smoothly Windows runs the latest AI features.

Drop your thoughts below.

As an analyst, I’m really interested in seeing how the laptop market shifts in the next few years. Specifically, I’m watching to see if Arm-powered Windows laptops will gain traction by 2026, or if most users will still prefer traditional x86 processors. I’m particularly keen to hear from anyone who’s already tried a laptop with Qualcomm’s new X Elite chip – I want to know if your everyday experience matches up with what Qualcomm is promising. Let’s dive in and explore this!

2026-01-05 20:12