Snapdragon X Elite Laptops in 2025: Game-Changer or Overhyped? The Pros, Cons & How They Stack Up
In 2025, the laptop market has seen significant advancements, particularly with the introduction of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors. These ARM-based chips have garnered attention for their potential to rival traditional x86 processors from Intel and AMD. If you're considering purchasing a laptop equipped with a Snapdragon X Elite, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons and understand how they stack up against the competition.
Pros of Snapdragon X Elite Laptops
- Impressive Performance: The Snapdragon X Elite features the Oryon CPU with twelve cores, achieving clock speeds up to 4.3 GHz. Benchmarks indicate that these processors offer competitive multi-core performance, surpassing Intel's Core i7-1355U and i7-1360P, and even matching Apple's M3 chip in certain tests
- Enhanced Battery Life: One of the standout features is the extended battery longevity. In practical tests, laptops like the Asus Vivobook S15, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, have achieved nearly 11 hours under light usage, outperforming many Intel and AMD counterparts.
- AI Capabilities: Equipped with the Hexagon NPU, the Snapdragon X Elite delivers up to 45 TOPs of AI performance. This positions it favourably for AI-driven applications and features, aligning with the industry's shift towards integrating artificial intelligence into computing devices
- Thermal Efficiency and Quiet Operation: These processors are designed for energy efficiency, resulting in lower heat output. Users have reported minimal fan noise during regular tasks, contributing to a quieter computing experience.
Cons of Snapdragon X Elite Laptops
- Software Compatibility Issues: Despite improvements, running x86 applications on ARM architecture can still present challenges. While the Prism emulation layer has enhanced compatibility, some applications may experience reduced performance or functionality. Additionally, certain software, especially specialized or legacy applications, may not yet have ARM-compatible versions.
- Limited Graphics Performance: The integrated Adreno GPU in Snapdragon X Elite processors, while competent, may not match the performance of discrete graphics cards. This limitation could affect tasks that demand high graphics processing power, such as gaming or professional video editing.
- Higher Price Points: Laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Elite tend to be priced higher. For example, the Dell XPS 13 with this processor starts around $999.99, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
Performance Against the Competition
When compared to Intel and AMD, the Snapdragon X Elite holds its ground, especially in multi-core performance and battery efficiency. However, in single-core tasks, Intel's offerings may still have an edge. Apple's M3 chip remains a strong competitor, particularly with its seamless integration of hardware and software, leading to optimized performance and energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Snapdragon X Elite laptops present a compelling option in 2025, offering robust performance, exceptional battery life, and advanced AI capabilities. However, potential buyers should consider software compatibility, graphics performance, and pricing when making a decision. As the ARM ecosystem continues to evolve, these laptops are poised to become increasingly viable alternatives to traditional x86-based systems.
