Qualcomm is expanding its Snapdragon mobile processors into the laptop market with the Snapdragon X SoC series, designed for Windows systems. This lineup of ARM processors, including the Snapdragon X, X Plus 8-Core, X Plus, and X Elite, offers exceptional battery life, advanced AI capabilities, and efficient heat management. Collaborating with Microsoft, these chips provide optimal performance for Windows 11. Notable laptop options like the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5X and Surface Laptop 7e showcase the advantages of Snapdragon X technology.
If the term Snapdragon sounds familiar, that’s completely understandable. Most leading smartphone brands rely on these mobile processors, which are widely regarded as the most powerful in the industry.
Building on this remarkable success, Qualcomm, the creator of Snapdragon chips, is now setting its sights on a new domain: laptops. This transition is a logical progression, as numerous manufacturers are increasingly developing devices based on ARM architecture.
This architecture boasts numerous advantages, particularly in temperature regulation and energy efficiency, making it an ideal choice for portable devices. With this vision in mind, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X SoC series—chips tailored for the PC landscape, designed for Windows systems that are both powerful and energy-efficient, potentially heralding the ARM PC revolution.
Understanding the Snapdragon X Series
The Snapdragon X series encompasses four ARM processors crafted by Qualcomm specifically for laptops: the Snapdragon X, Snapdragon X Plus 8-Core, Snapdragon X Plus, and Snapdragon X Elite, arranged from least to most powerful.
These processors capitalize on Qualcomm’s extensive mobile experience to deliver a compelling mix of enhanced performance, lower energy consumption, and efficient heat management.
To ensure exceptional performance on modern PCs, particularly those running Windows 11, Qualcomm collaborated closely with Microsoft. This significant technical partnership enables Windows 11 to operate more swiftly and effectively on devices powered by Snapdragon X chips. Moreover, the inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) within these processors allows users to leverage Microsoft’s cutting-edge AI innovations, resulting in some of the most advanced Copilot+ PCs available today.
The Benefits of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Chips
As you’ve likely gathered, Snapdragon X chips are engineered for high performance and are meticulously optimized for laptops utilizing Windows 11. But what does this mean in practical terms?
First and foremost, a laptop powered by a Snapdragon X chip—regardless of its specific model—offers remarkable battery life that far exceeds the average. With lower power requirements than conventional processors, Qualcomm’s ARM chips can deliver battery longevity of up to 22 hours, depending on the device and usage patterns. This impressive duration significantly outpaces what competitors typically provide.
Additionally, Snapdragon X chips feature sophisticated power management while in sleep mode, effectively minimizing energy drain during inactivity. This low energy consumption also leads to superior heat management and reduced noise levels. The minimal heat produced by these chips allows for lighter cooling systems, often fanless, which greatly diminishes operational noise.
Another standout feature of the Snapdragon X series is its focus on Artificial Intelligence. Each model in this series is equipped with a Hexagon NPU, a dedicated AI processor capable of achieving 45 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), effortlessly managing tasks like image processing, video editing, and code generation. This capability allows devices powered by Snapdragon X to earn the “Copilot+” designation from Microsoft, indicating compatibility with advanced AI functionalities.
With unparalleled battery life, a competitive edge in AI capabilities, and overall performance that exceeds industry standards, the Snapdragon X series—especially the higher-end models like Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite—currently stands at the forefront of the ARM chip market.
Explore Our Picks for Snapdragon X-Equipped Laptops
Are you considering a laptop with a Snapdragon X chip? If you’re eager to make that leap, you’re in luck: there are great deals available on Windows 11 PCs featuring Snapdragon X technology. This presents a fantastic opportunity to save hundreds of euros while acquiring top-notch devices.
Currently available for just 799 euros instead of 999 euros, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5X is an OLED Copilot+ PC that leverages the Snapdragon X Plus advancements, delivering stellar performance whether at home or on the move—making it an excellent choice for professionals on the go.
Another standout option is the stylish and powerful Surface Laptop 7e, rated 9/10 in our test, which features the Snapdragon X Plus. Priced at 1,199 euros instead of 1,453 euros, this touchscreen laptop combines cutting-edge AI capabilities with impressive performance across most tasks, making it a versatile choice—though gaming may not be its strong suit.