For a long time, choosing a Windows laptop meant moving within the world X86, with Intel and AMD as absolute protagonists. But the photo is changing while the ARM ARCHITECTUREdifferent at its base and that until now we associated mainly to mobiles and tablets. In computers, the proper name is Qualcomm, which with its Snapdragon seeks to offer a real alternative. The difference is not alone in whom it manufactures, but how the instructions are executed, which implies another way of understanding power, autonomy and compatibility.
The arrival of ARM to the laptops is not explained without a change of priorities in the market. It is increasingly real autonomy and the possibility of executing artificial intelligence at a local without depending on the cloud. There, the NPU enter, who enable experiences of the co -senses focused on creativity and productivity. Qualcomm was among the first to align with Microsoft in this field, and since May 2024 its Snapdragon are among those who can fully take advantage of these functions.
Technical sheet of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite and Elite Extreme
Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite |
Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme |
|
---|---|---|
Manufacturing process |
3 nanometers |
3 nanometers |
cpu |
ARM ARCHITECTURE Nuclei: 18 (12 Prime + 6 Performance) Max. Multinuk: Prime 4.0 GHz / Performance 3.4 GHz Boost (1/2 NÚCLEOS): 4.7 / 4.7 GHz Total hidden: 53 MB |
ARM ARCHITECTURE Nuclei: 18 (12 Prime + 6 Performance) Max. Multinuk: Prime 4.4 GHz / Performance 3.6 GHz Boost (1/2 NÚCLEOS): 5.0 / 5.0 GHz Total hidden: 53 MB |
gpu |
Adreno Max.: 1.70 GHz |
Adreno Max.: 1.85 GHz |
artificial intelligence |
NPU Hexagon 80 TOPS |
NPU Hexagon 80 TOPS |
modem |
Snapdragon X75 5G |
Snapdragon X75 5G |
connectivity and location |
Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 Mobile Compatible con WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 LE |
Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 Mobile Compatible con WiFi 7 Bluetooth 5.4 LE |
ARM as a way to rethink the Windows laptop
The change of approach is perceived in the way of talking about performance. It is no longer so much to boast maximum or nuclei frequency, but about the ability to maintain fluidity throughout the work session. Qualcomm processors point there: that opening several applications, editing a video or continuing with the laptop Without a plug, do not suppose a speed downturn. This stability is combined with autonomies of several days, a land in which ARM wants to mark distance in front of X86.
In Copilot+ laptops, artificial intelligence becomes another component of experience, not an isolated addition. The NPU allows you to execute models locally and support functions such as summarizing texts, separating voices in a recording or improving the sharpness of the live camera. The key is in the possibilities of computation at home and in the lower dependence of the cloud, all without the energy consumption shooting.
Beyond performance and battery, the choice of a laptop with Snapdragon is to review what programs are used daily. In ARM not the entire Windows catalog works natively: much yes, but there are still exceptions that force emulation. This means that for the common user the difference is minimal, but for whom It depends on specialized software or concrete drivers it is convenient to verify compatibility.
Qualcomm places the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme in the range of range with 3rd generation CPU Oryon, of up to 18 nuclei, and with the first CPU compatible with ARM in reaching 5.0 GHz, in addition to an NPU of 80 tops. The company speaks of “up to 75% more CPU yield that the competition at the same power ”and of an adreno GPU with improvement of“ 2.3x ”in performance per watt against the previous generation. It is oriented to professional loads and experiences of the concurrent in co -pilot+ in fine and light laptops. They are official promises pending independent verification.


The Snapdragon X2 Elite maintains the NPU of 80 tops and the 3rd generation CPU Oryon, manufactured in 3 Nm, with figures that Qualcomm defines as “up to 31% more performance at the same power” and “up to 43% less consumption” against the previous generation. Add the connectivity ecosystem (5G X75, WIFI 7) and an ISP Spectra for higher quality PCs, in addition to Snapdragon Guardian for remote management. On paper, it is designed for demanding multitasking and thin designs that are used away from the charger.
Qualcomm describes these chips as a basis for “Ultra-Premium Windows PCS” and advances that the first teams would arrive in the First half of 2026. There is no public confirmation of brands, chassis or prices, so any list would be speculative. What is clear in the note is the type of product: fine and light portables that are committed to sustained yield, the local and long -term batteries. The rest of the variables, from materials to ports, will depend on each launch when the OEM make their configurations officers.
Images | Qualcomm | WorldOfSoftware
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