Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X Elite chipset could potentially offer a much-needed boost to the Windows ecosystem, especially when compared to the groundbreaking M1-powered MacBook Pro and MacBook Air from Apple. The shift from Intel’s x86 platform to Apple’s ARM-based platform in the MacBooks has highlighted the advantages of Apple’s approach over the Windows-based competition and older Intel MacBook models. The new MacBooks offered better performance, improved battery life, and seamless emulation of x86-based apps without any lag, setting a high bar for the competition to match.
Windows 10 on ARM, along with Qualcomm’s ARM-based chips, initially focused on mobility, instant-on capability, and connectivity rather than directly competing with Apple’s M1 laptops. However, the full emulation of 64-bit apps was not widely available until 2021, two years after Apple’s M1 launch, highlighting a lag in response from the Windows ecosystem. Microsoft’s ARM-based Surface Pro X also leaned heavily on the advantages of ARM technology.
Qualcomm recently demonstrated the Snapdragon X Elite chipset to journalists, allowing them to experience the platform and test various apps and games on the reference design hardware. The upcoming Qualcomm chipset is expected to offer improved power and performance compared to Apple’s current M3 chipset. With the unveiling of the X Plus chipset, there is anticipation that Qualcomm’s new offerings will challenge Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro and push the Windows ecosystem forward in terms of performance and battery life.
The Snapdragon X Elite chipset is set to debut in a new generation of Windows-powered laptops later this year, potentially offering a competitive alternative to Apple’s MacBook lineup. The chipset’s performance and power capabilities will be put to the test against Apple’s offerings, setting the stage for a highly anticipated comparison and possibly driving Microsoft’s plans for more ARM-powered Windows devices. The looming competition may also prompt Apple to reevaluate its pricing strategy for the MacBook lineup.
Qualcomm’s benchmark testing of the Snapdragon X Elite chipset showcased improved performance compared to Apple’s current hardware in multi-threaded CPU performance, although specific comparisons in areas such as single-threaded performance and graphics were not disclosed. Gaming performance is a crucial aspect for Windows laptops, and Qualcomm demonstrated Baldur’s Gate 3 running smoothly on its reference hardware, indicating a solid gaming experience even under emulation. However, areas such as GPU performance and emulation improvements are still points of focus for Qualcomm.
As Qualcomm continues to fine-tune the Snapdragon X Elite chipset and prepare for its release on upcoming Windows laptops, the competition between ARM-based and Intel-based devices is expected to intensify. The balance between emulation and native ARM applications will be key in driving consumer demand for ARM laptops and pushing developers to create more apps for the platform. With Qualcomm’s advancements, the Windows ecosystem is aiming to reach parity with Apple Silicon, offering consumers a wider range of options at competitive prices. Ultimately, the summer release of laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Elite chipset will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the Windows ARM ecosystem and provide a benchmark for comparisons with Apple’s MacBook lineup.
