Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite: 6 Surprising Gains and Shortfalls

Qualcomm has taken a bold step into the Windows laptop market with the introduction of its Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips. These new systems-on-chip (SoCs) promise to revolutionize portable computing, offering a blend of performance, power efficiency, and advanced features. Here’s a detailed look at what makes these chips stand out and what potential buyers need to know about Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite.

What Are the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite Chips?

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite are Qualcomm’s latest ARM-based processors, designed to challenge the dominance of x86 architecture in personal computing. Unlike traditional x86 chips from Intel and AMD, Qualcomm’s new offerings leverage the ARM architecture, which has gained popularity through its use in Apple’s M-series chips. This shift brings potential benefits in performance and efficiency but also raises compatibility questions for existing software.

Key Features and Specifications

CPU and Performance

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are equipped with Qualcomm’s new Oryon CPU cores, designed to deliver exceptional performance. The configuration of these cores ranges from 10 to 12 high-performance units, providing a robust foundation for a variety of computing tasks.

Core Configuration and Clock Speeds

Snapdragon X Plus: This variant features 10 Oryon CPU cores, making it a powerful option for demanding applications while maintaining a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
Snapdragon X Elite: With 12 Oryon CPU cores, the Elite variant pushes the boundaries of mobile computing performance. The Elite chips are designed to handle more intensive tasks and support higher multitasking capabilities.

The clock speeds of these cores are equally impressive:

Base Frequencies: The Snapdragon X Plus runs at a base frequency of 3.4GHz, ensuring swift execution of everyday tasks.
Boost Frequencies: The Elite variants can reach up to 4.3GHz in dual-core boost mode, providing a significant performance boost for applications that benefit from higher clock speeds. This is particularly advantageous for tasks like gaming, video editing, and other CPU-intensive activities.

Performance Comparisons

Qualcomm has made bold claims regarding the performance of the Oryon CPU cores. According to their benchmarks:

Against Apple’s M3 Chip: The Oryon CPU reportedly outperforms Apple’s M3 chip in multithreaded tasks by 28%. This suggests that for applications that utilize multiple cores, the Snapdragon X Elite can deliver superior performance, potentially making it a more attractive option for power users.
Against AMD and Intel: The Snapdragon X Elite is also said to surpass AMD’s Ryzen 9 7940HS and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H when operating at comparable power levels. This implies that Qualcomm’s new chips not only provide high performance but do so efficiently, maintaining a balance between power consumption and processing power.

Multithreading and Efficiency

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are designed to excel in multithreaded environments. The multiple high-performance cores ensure that these chips can handle concurrent processes smoothly, making them ideal for multitasking and complex workflows. Additionally, the efficiency of the Oryon CPU cores means that these chips can maintain high performance without excessive power draw, which is crucial for extending battery life in mobile devices.

Integrated GPU and NPU

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips not only boast powerful CPUs but also come equipped with advanced graphics and AI processing capabilities, making them a formidable choice for a wide range of computing tasks.

Adreno GPU: Robust Graphics Performance

The integrated Adreno GPU in the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips is designed to deliver excellent graphics performance. This is crucial for several reasons:

Productivity Applications: For tasks such as photo and video editing, the Adreno GPU provides the necessary horsepower to handle complex rendering tasks quickly and efficiently.
Casual Gaming: While not aimed at hardcore gaming, the Adreno GPU ensures smooth performance for casual games and other graphics-intensive applications. It can handle popular games at respectable frame rates and resolutions, providing a satisfying gaming experience for users on the go.

The Adreno GPU’s architecture is optimized for both performance and power efficiency, striking a balance that helps extend battery life without compromising on the quality of the visual experience.

Hexagon NPU: Leading AI Performance

The Hexagon NPU (Neural Processing Unit) integrated into these chips is another standout feature. This NPU is designed to handle AI-specific tasks, which are becoming increasingly important in modern computing. Here’s what makes the Hexagon NPU notable:

Top-Tier Performance: Qualcomm claims that the Hexagon NPU delivers 45 TOPS (tera-operations per second), making it the fastest NPU available in laptops today. This level of performance is essential for handling a variety of AI-driven applications.
AI Tasks: The Hexagon NPU is capable of processing tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and other machine learning workloads. These capabilities are integral to enhancing user experiences in applications like virtual assistants, real-time language translation, and smart photo organization.
Power Efficiency: By offloading AI workloads from the CPU and GPU to the dedicated NPU, these chips can handle intensive AI tasks more efficiently. This not only speeds up AI processing but also conserves power, contributing to longer battery life in laptops.

Synergy Between GPU and NPU

The combination of the Adreno GPU and Hexagon NPU in the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips creates a synergistic effect that enhances overall performance and efficiency:

Enhanced User Experience: For end-users, this translates to smoother performance in graphics-intensive applications, faster and more responsive AI features, and better battery life. Whether it’s enhancing photos, playing games, or using AI-driven applications, the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are designed to deliver a superior experience.

Seamless Integration: The close integration of these units within the same chip package allows for seamless communication and task distribution between the GPU and NPU. This means that graphics and AI tasks can be managed more effectively, with each processor handling the tasks it is best suited for.

Memory and Storage Support

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are designed to provide robust memory and storage capabilities, ensuring that laptops equipped with these processors can handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease.

LPDDR5x Memory: High-Speed, Low-Power

The support for LPDDR5x memory is a significant feature of the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips. LPDDR5x, or Low Power Double Data Rate 5x, is the latest standard in mobile memory technology, offering several advantages:

High-Speed Performance: LPDDR5x memory provides significantly higher data transfer rates compared to previous generations. This translates to faster loading times for applications, quicker data access, and overall smoother performance, especially in data-intensive tasks such as video editing, gaming, and large-scale data processing.
Low-Power Consumption: One of the primary benefits of LPDDR5x is its power efficiency. It consumes less power than its predecessors while delivering higher performance. This is crucial for mobile devices, as it helps extend battery life, allowing users to work longer without needing to recharge.
Enhanced Multitasking: With LPDDR5x memory, laptops can handle more applications running simultaneously without a hitch. This is particularly beneficial for professionals who rely on heavy multitasking, such as running virtual machines, using multiple browser tabs, and operating resource-intensive software concurrently.

Storage Support: UFS 4.0 and PCIe 4.0

In addition to advanced memory support, the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips also support cutting-edge storage technologies like UFS 4.0 and PCIe 4.0.

UFS 4.0 (Universal Flash Storage): UFS 4.0 is the latest standard in flash storage technology, offering several improvements over previous versions:
- Faster Data Transfer Rates: UFS 4.0 provides higher data transfer speeds, which means faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and improved overall responsiveness of the system.
- Power Efficiency: Similar to LPDDR5x memory, UFS 4.0 is designed to be more power-efficient, helping to conserve battery life while still delivering high performance.
PCIe 4.0 (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): PCIe 4.0 is a high-speed interface standard used for connecting high-speed components:
- Increased Bandwidth: PCIe 4.0 offers double the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0, which is essential for high-performance SSDs (Solid State Drives) and other peripherals. This increased bandwidth allows for faster read and write speeds, which enhances the overall performance of storage-intensive applications.
- Quick Access Times: The improved bandwidth and efficiency of PCIe 4.0 enable quicker access times, which is particularly beneficial for applications that require rapid data retrieval and processing.

Combined Benefits for Demanding Applications

The combination of LPDDR5x memory and UFS 4.0/PCIe 4.0 storage support in the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips ensures that these processors can handle the most demanding applications with ease:

Future-Proof Technology: By supporting the latest standards in memory and storage, the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are designed to be future-proof, ensuring compatibility with upcoming advancements in technology.

Smooth Multitasking: Users can expect seamless multitasking capabilities, with the ability to run multiple high-performance applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.

Enhanced Productivity: Faster memory and storage translate to improved productivity, as tasks can be completed more quickly and efficiently.

Connectivity and Display Capabilities

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are designed to deliver cutting-edge connectivity and display capabilities, making them well-suited for modern computing needs. Here’s a detailed look at what these chips offer in these areas:

Advanced Connectivity Options

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity features, ensuring fast and reliable connections across a variety of networks and devices.

Wi-Fi 7:
- Higher Speeds: Wi-Fi 7, also known as IEEE 802.11be, offers significantly faster speeds compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. This means quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and better performance for online gaming.
- Lower Latency: Reduced latency is crucial for real-time applications like video conferencing and online gaming. Wi-Fi 7 helps ensure a more responsive and stable connection.
- Improved Efficiency: Wi-Fi 7 includes features that improve the efficiency of network traffic, reducing congestion and enhancing the overall user experience, especially in environments with many connected devices.
Bluetooth 5.4:
- Enhanced Range: Bluetooth 5.4 provides an extended range, allowing devices to maintain a stable connection over greater distances.
- Higher Data Rates: This version of Bluetooth supports higher data transfer rates, which is beneficial for transferring large files and streaming high-quality audio.
- Improved Power Efficiency: Bluetooth 5.4 is designed to be more power-efficient, helping to conserve battery life in both the connected devices and the laptop itself.
10Gbps 5G via Snapdragon X65 Modem:
- Ultra-Fast Mobile Connectivity: The Snapdragon X65 modem supports 10Gbps 5G speeds, providing lightning-fast internet access on the go. This is ideal for activities such as streaming high-definition video, online gaming, and remote work.
- Low Latency: 5G technology offers lower latency compared to previous mobile network standards, ensuring quicker response times and a more seamless online experience.
- Broad Coverage: The Snapdragon X65 modem supports a wide range of 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with various network providers and offering broad coverage.
Multiple USB4 Ports:
- Enhanced Data Transfer Speeds: USB4 ports offer high-speed data transfer rates, which are essential for quickly moving large files between devices.
- Versatile Connectivity: USB4 supports a variety of peripherals, including external GPUs, high-speed storage devices, and multiple displays. This versatility enhances the overall functionality of laptops equipped with Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips.

Display Capabilities

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are designed to support high-resolution displays and multi-monitor setups, catering to professionals and content creators who require extensive screen real estate and superior visual quality.

Advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP): The integrated ISP supports camera recording up to 4K resolution and can handle dual 36-megapixel sensors or a single 64-megapixel sensor. This feature is particularly useful for video conferencing, live streaming, and creating high-resolution multimedia content.

Multi-Monitor Support:

Up to Three 4K@60Hz Monitors: These chips can handle up to three external monitors at 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate. This is ideal for multitasking, allowing users to have multiple applications open simultaneously across different screens.

Enhanced Productivity: Multi-monitor setups are beneficial for tasks that require extensive screen space, such as video editing, programming, financial trading, and other professional applications.

High-Resolution Content Creation:

4K HDR Encode and Decode: The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips support 4K HDR video encoding and decoding, making them suitable for high-quality video production and playback. This capability ensures that content creators can work with high-resolution video files without compromising on quality.

Challenges and Compatibility

While the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips offer impressive features and performance, one of the primary challenges they face is software compatibility. This stems from the fact that these chips use an ARM-based architecture, which differs significantly from the x86 architecture that has dominated the personal computing space for decades. Here’s a detailed look at this challenge and Qualcomm’s approach to addressing it:

Software Compatibility Issues

Historical Context: Most popular applications and software programs have been developed for x86 architecture, used by Intel and AMD processors. This has created a large ecosystem of software that is not natively compatible with ARM-based processors.
Native ARM Versions: To run efficiently on ARM architecture, applications need to be either rewritten or recompiled into native ARM versions. This requires significant effort from software developers, and not all developers are willing or able to make this transition quickly.
Translation Layers: In the absence of native ARM versions, translation layers are used to run x86 applications on ARM-based processors. These layers translate x86 instructions into ARM instructions in real-time, which can introduce performance overhead and potentially reduce the efficiency and speed of the applications.

Qualcomm’s Solution: Microsoft’s Prism Emulator

To address the compatibility challenge, Qualcomm has partnered with Microsoft to develop the Prism emulator, a sophisticated translation layer designed to run x86 applications on ARM-based processors with minimal performance loss.

Prism Emulator: The Prism emulator is a key component of ensuring smooth performance for non-native applications on Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips. It aims to provide seamless compatibility by translating x86 instructions to ARM instructions efficiently.
Optimized Performance: Microsoft has put significant effort into optimizing the Prism emulator to reduce the performance overhead typically associated with translation layers. This includes optimizing frequently used instructions and leveraging the hardware capabilities of the Snapdragon chips to accelerate the translation process.
Extensive Testing: Qualcomm and Microsoft have conducted extensive testing of the Prism emulator with hundreds of popular applications to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently on Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips. This testing includes productivity software, entertainment applications, and professional tools.

Real-World Challenges

Despite these efforts, the true test of the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips and the Prism emulator will be in real-world usage. Several factors will determine the success of this approach:

User Experience: The overall user experience, including the ease of installing and running applications, responsiveness, and battery life, will play a significant role in the acceptance of Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips in the market.

Application Performance: While the Prism emulator shows promise, the actual performance of non-native applications in real-world scenarios will be crucial. Users will expect applications to run as smoothly and quickly as they do on x86-based laptops.

Critical Applications: Ensuring compatibility for critical applications is essential. This includes professional software used in fields like engineering, graphic design, video editing, and software development. Any performance issues or incompatibilities with these applications could be a significant drawback.

Developer Adoption: Encouraging software developers to create native ARM versions of their applications is important for long-term success. While the Prism emulator provides a temporary solution, native ARM applications will always offer better performance and efficiency.

Upcoming Laptops Featuring Snapdragon Chips

The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips are set to power a new generation of laptops from several major manufacturers. These devices are positioned to leverage the high performance, advanced features, and efficient power consumption that Snapdragon chips offer. Here’s an in-depth look at the upcoming models and what they bring to the table:

Surface Pro 11th Edition

Overview: Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11th Edition is expected to continue the legacy of the Surface line, known for its versatility and premium build quality.
Features: This model will likely feature a detachable keyboard, high-resolution touch screen, and stylus support, making it ideal for professionals and creatives who need a flexible device for both work and leisure.
Performance: With the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips, the Surface Pro 11th Edition promises improved battery life and performance, especially for tasks that benefit from the integrated NPU for AI-powered functions.

Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6

Overview: The ThinkPad series is renowned for its robust build quality and business-oriented features, and the T14s Gen 6 will be no exception.
Features: This model is expected to include advanced security features, a comfortable keyboard, and extensive connectivity options, making it a solid choice for business users.
Performance: The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips will provide enhanced multitasking capabilities and efficient power usage, critical for business professionals who need reliable performance throughout the workday.

Dell XPS 13 (9345)

Overview: The Dell XPS 13 is a flagship model known for its sleek design and impressive display.
Features: Anticipated features include a nearly bezel-less InfinityEdge display, high-resolution screen options, and a compact, lightweight design.
Performance: With the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips, users can expect superior performance for everyday tasks, as well as enhanced graphics for creative work and media consumption.

Asus Vivobook S 15 (S5507)

Overview: The Vivobook S 15 is a versatile laptop aimed at students and young professionals.
Features: It is expected to come with a vibrant display, a backlit keyboard, and multiple color options to appeal to a younger demographic.
Performance: The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips will ensure smooth performance for multitasking, media playback, and light gaming, while also providing excellent battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge

Overview: Samsung’s Galaxy Book 4 Edge is likely to feature a blend of premium design and powerful functionality.
Features: This model may include a Super AMOLED display, S Pen support, and seamless integration with other Samsung devices, enhancing productivity and creativity.
Performance: The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips will offer robust performance, especially in terms of graphics and AI tasks, making it suitable for both professional and personal use.

HP OmniBook X

Overview: The HP OmniBook X is anticipated to be a high-performance laptop geared towards professionals.
Features: Expected features include a high-quality display, durable build, and advanced connectivity options.
Performance: Equipped with Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips, the OmniBook X will provide fast processing speeds, efficient power usage, and excellent support for multitasking and productivity applications.

HP EliteBook Ultra G1q

Overview: The EliteBook series is known for its business-centric features, and the Ultra G1q will likely continue this tradition.
Features: This model is expected to offer top-tier security features, a high-resolution display, and extensive connectivity options, making it ideal for enterprise use.
Performance: The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips will deliver superior performance, particularly in handling business applications, videoconferencing, and other productivity tasks.

Key Features Across Models

Enhanced Productivity: The integrated NPU in the Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips will help offload AI tasks, ensuring that other applications run smoothly and efficiently, thereby enhancing overall productivity.

Portability: All these laptops are designed with portability in mind, featuring lightweight and slim profiles, making them easy to carry and use on the go.

High-Resolution Displays: With support for multiple 4K monitors, these laptops are well-suited for users who require high-resolution screens for work or entertainment.

Advanced Connectivity: The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 10Gbps 5G ensures that these devices will offer fast and reliable connections, whether at home, in the office, or on the move.

Conclusion: The Potential and Pitfalls

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips represent a significant advancement in the laptop market, offering compelling performance and efficiency benefits. These chips are designed to deliver a powerful computing experience, leveraging ARM-based architecture to achieve high performance while maintaining low power consumption. However, their success in the competitive laptop market will depend on several critical factors.

Significant Advancements

Performance: The Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips boast impressive specifications, including high-performance Oryon CPU cores, robust integrated Adreno GPUs, and the world’s fastest Hexagon NPU for laptops. These features promise to deliver exceptional performance across a range of tasks, from productivity to casual gaming.
Efficiency: One of the standout features of these chips is their efficiency. The integration of high-speed, low-power LPDDR5x memory, and advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7 and 10Gbps 5G, ensure that laptops powered by these chips can offer extended battery life without compromising on performance.
Innovative Features: The inclusion of support for UFS 4.0 and PCIe 4.0 storage, multi-monitor setups with up to three 4K@60Hz displays, and advanced AI capabilities through the Hexagon NPU, position these chips as leaders in innovation for mobile computing.

The Challenge of Software Compatibility

ARM-Based Architecture: The shift from x86 to ARM-based architecture presents a significant challenge in terms of software compatibility. Many popular applications are designed for x86 architecture, requiring either native ARM versions or efficient translation layers to run on ARM processors.
Microsoft’s Prism Emulator: Qualcomm has partnered with Microsoft to address this challenge with the Prism emulator. This sophisticated translation layer is designed to run x86 applications on ARM-based processors with minimal performance loss. While this approach shows promise, the real-world performance of the emulator will be a crucial factor in the success of these chips.
Developer Adoption: Encouraging software developers to create native ARM versions of their applications is essential for long-term success. Native ARM applications will always offer better performance and efficiency compared to those running through translation layers.

Real-World Performance

Initial Impressions: As these chips make their way into consumer laptops by mid-2024, initial impressions from users and reviewers will be critical. The real-world performance of Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips, particularly in handling demanding applications and multitasking scenarios, will play a significant role in determining their success.
Critical Applications: Ensuring compatibility and smooth performance for critical applications used in professional environments, such as graphic design, video editing, and software development, will be vital. Any performance issues or incompatibilities with these applications could hinder the adoption of Snapdragon-powered laptops.

Potential to Transform Mobile Computing

Market Impact: The success of Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips could potentially transform the landscape of mobile computing. By offering a viable alternative to Intel and AMD processors, Qualcomm could drive innovation and competition in the laptop market, leading to better products and more choices for consumers.

Competitive Edge: If Qualcomm’s claims about the performance of Snapdragon X Plus vs Elite chips hold true in real-world usage, these chips could provide a competitive edge over traditional x86-based laptops. The combination of high performance, advanced features, and efficient power consumption makes these chips a compelling choice for a wide range of users.