Qualcomm is shaking things up in the laptop world with the new Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset. This marks their bold entry into Windows laptops, building on past models like the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme introduced last year. Excitingly, early tests show the Snapdragon X2 Elite outperforming its predecessor and, in some cases, even beating Apple’s M5 chip.
One standout feature of the Snapdragon X2 Elite is its efficiency. It runs on just 5 watts more power than the Apple M5, yet it excelled in three out of five benchmarks during tests. This efficiency is especially impressive given that the Qualcomm chipset operates at 31 watts, compared to the M5’s maximum of 26 watts.
YouTube’s Hardware Canucks recently showcased these benchmarks using pre-production samples from ASUS. While these early tests are informative, they may not perfectly represent the final performance of the consumer models that will roll out later this year. So, it’s wise to wait for those actual units to get a clearer picture of battery life and overall performance.
Windows 11 updates could also impact battery performance, which adds a layer of unpredictability. The results from these tests are as follows:
- Cinebench 2024 (single-core): Snapdragon X2 Elite – 146 (35.2% faster than Snapdragon X Elite)
- Cinebench 2024 (multi-core): Snapdragon X2 Elite – 1,432 (24.2% faster than M5)
- Blender 5.01: Snapdragon X2 Elite – 3:31
- Handbrake: Snapdragon X2 Elite – 3:29
- DaVinci Resolve 20.3: Snapdragon X2 Elite – 22:06
These benchmarks show an impressive leap in performance over previous generations but still trail some high-end chipsets like the M5. For instance, the M5 scored 200 in single-core tests, making it still a worthwhile contender.
Interestingly, Intel recently announced its Core Ultra X9 388H, signaling that competition is heating up in the processing space. It will be interesting to see how Qualcomm’s entry affects the market dynamics, especially with user reactions trending toward a preference for efficiency and battery life. Many users are discussing their excitement for better-performing laptops that can handle both work and entertainment seamlessly.
In summary, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite is a promising development in laptop technology, hinting at a competitive future. As we await the commercial launch, users are eager to see if these laptops can deliver on the high expectations set by these benchmarks. For more details, check out benchmarks shared by Hardware Canucks and other sources.
