In an exciting development for technology enthusiasts, Qualcomm has introduced its latest Snapdragon X Series chips tailored specifically for laptops. This announcement comes alongside the launch of a new system-on-a-chip designed for flagship smartphones. The new lineup features the cutting-edge Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip, which is engineered for ultra-premium Windows 11 laptops that demand performance and efficiency.
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip is purpose-built to manage complex and expert-level workloads while facilitating rapid AI processing. With a focus on delivering a multi-day battery life, this chip is ideal for professionals in fields such as data analysis, media creation, and scientific research. Qualcomm's commitment to performance is evident in this new offering, which is set to revolutionize how users interact with their laptops.
Qualcomm has also introduced two variants of the Snapdragon X2 Elite chips: one featuring 18 total cores and the other with 12 cores. These processors are touted as the fastest, most powerful, and efficient options available for Windows PCs. Previously, the company launched the first Snapdragon X Elite chip in 2023, marking a significant upgrade from the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 line of laptop processors. The rebranding reflects the substantial performance enhancements achieved with this new technology.
In 2024, Microsoft introduced a lineup of Copilot+ PCs featuring the new Snapdragon chip, further expanding the ecosystem of devices powered by this innovative technology. Earlier this year at CES, Qualcomm showcased the Snapdragon X for Copilot+ PCs, which are competitively priced at $600 and below, making high-performance computing more accessible.
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip is equipped with Qualcomm's third-generation Oryon CPU, which is reported to operate up to 75% faster than competing processors. This remarkable capability enables laptops to handle demanding tasks with ease. Additionally, the chip is integrated with Qualcomm's Hexagon NPU, claiming to be the fastest NPU for laptops, which supports simultaneous AI tools and experiences on Copilot+ PCs.
The lower-tier Elite chips still deliver impressive performance, boasting speeds up to 31% faster and energy usage reduced by 43% compared to the previous generation. While these chips are designed for users with less resource-intensive workloads, they still enable the use of simultaneous AI experiences, making them a versatile choice for a wider range of users.
The first laptops powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite processors are set to hit the market in the first half of 2026. With this new technology, Qualcomm is poised to redefine the landscape of laptops, providing users with the tools they need for advanced computing in an increasingly digital world.
