Category: Computers

  • A15 Pro: Affordable 16-Inch Laptop with AMD CPU & 120Hz QHD Display

    A15 Pro: Affordable 16-Inch Laptop with AMD CPU & 120Hz QHD Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Ninkear A15 Pro is priced at €479 and ships from a European warehouse, but warranty claims may be complicated due to its seller’s origin.
    2. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD, all of which can be upgraded.
    3. The laptop has a 16-inch display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, with a brightness of 400 nits.
    4. Connectivity options include two USB Type-C ports, an HDMI port, three USB 3.0 ports, Ethernet, WiFi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.
    5. The design includes a QWERTY keyboard, a 2MP webcam, two speakers, and a fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.


    The Ninkear A15 Pro may not be the latest model in laptops, but there’s a new variant now up for grabs. You can get this laptop for €479 at Geekbuying, and it ships from a warehouse in Europe. However, if you need to make a warranty claim due to any defects, it might be a bit tricky, since it’s sold by a seller from a Chinese marketplace.

    Specs and Performance

    This laptop is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 7430U, which should handle most daily tasks that aren’t too heavy. With 16GB of RAM, it is adequate for regular use, and the 1TB PCIe 3.0 SSD provides ample storage. Both the RAM and SSD can be upgraded or swapped out after buying the laptop. The keyboard also features the familiar international QWERTY layout, making typing comfortable.

    Display and Design

    The A15 Pro boasts a 16-inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The manufacturer claims that this display covers the full sRGB color gamut. Ninkear also mentions a typical brightness of 400 nits, which is common but not particularly impressive. According to the official specifications, the notebook is 0.7 inches thick and weighs 4.08 pounds. It comes with two speakers, a 2MP webcam, and a fingerprint sensor that is supposed to unlock the device in just 0.3 seconds.

    Connectivity Options

    For connectivity, the laptop includes two full-featured USB Type-C ports. These ports can charge the 54Wh battery at 65 watts and can also connect to monitors or external storage. Additionally, there’s an HDMI port and three USB 3.0 ports available. You can connect to the internet via Ethernet or WiFi 6, and the budget-friendly laptop also supports Bluetooth 5.2, making it versatile for various needs.

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  • Minix N713: Powerful Core i7 Mini PC with 4 Monitor Support

    Minix N713: Powerful Core i7 Mini PC with 4 Monitor Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minix has launched the N713 mini PC, available on Amazon for $659, with a launch promotion offering $60 off.
    2. The N713 features an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, expandable with an additional M.2 slot.
    3. It supports up to four external monitors via two HDMI 2.1 ports, one Thunderbolt 4 port, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port.
    4. The mini PC is designed for productivity users, not gamers, focusing on office work and multimedia tasks.
    5. Connectivity options include four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, WiFi 6, and two Ethernet ports (one at 2.5Gbit/s and one at 1Gbit/s).


    Minix has introduced the N713, a fresh mini PC that is currently up for grabs on Amazon. The company itself is the seller, while the shipping is managed by the e-commerce giant. The price tag for this new device is set at $659, but there’s a coupon code that provides an extra $60 off as part of the launch promotion.

    Specifications

    Moving on to its features, the mini PC has dimensions of 4.72 x 4.72 x 1.49 inches and is equipped with an Intel Core i7-13620H processor, which has been around for over two years now. Despite its age, it is expected to deliver good performance. Additionally, the system comes with 32GB of RAM, specifically two 16GB modules. It can support up to 96GB of memory and is fitted with a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. There’s also a second M.2 2280 slot available for storage expansion, although it connects through four PCIe 3.0 lanes and can also accommodate SATA SSDs.

    Display and Performance

    The Minix N713 can handle up to four external monitors, thanks to its two HDMI 2.1 ports, one Thunderbolt 4 port, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. In theory, you could connect an external graphics card using Thunderbolt 4, but this may result in lower GPU performance since OCuLink is not present. It’s important to note that this mini PC is not aimed at gamers, rather it is tailored for users focused on productivity, such as those working in offices or handling multimedia tasks.

    Connectivity Features

    For connectivity, there are four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports available. Instead of the usual barrel plug, power is delivered through a USB Type-C connection, supplying 20 volts at up to 5 amperes. For networking, users can take advantage of WiFi 6, along with two Ethernet ports—one capable of 2.5Gbit/s and the other reaching a maximum of 1Gbit/s.

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  • Vaio Launches F14 and F16 Laptops with Intel Raptor Lake CPUs

    Vaio Launches F14 and F16 Laptops with Intel Raptor Lake CPUs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Vaio has launched two lightweight laptops, F14 and F16, designed for daily use in Japan, powered by Intel Raptor Lake processors.
    2. The F14 features a 14-inch 1080p display, while the F16 has a 16-inch 1200p display, with both screens laying flat at 180 degrees.
    3. Both models include advanced connectivity options, such as USB-C, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E, along with features like a 920,000-pixel webcam and Dolby Atmos speakers.
    4. The F14 is lighter at 1.23 kg (2.7 lbs) and offers up to 7.7 hours of battery life, whereas the F16 weighs 1.59 kg (3.5 lbs) with 6.0 hours of battery life.
    5. Pricing ranges from approximately 144,800 to 267,800 yen ($1,000 to $1,800), with availability mainly in Japan and options for international shipping.


    Vaio has introduced two new lightweight laptops aimed at daily usage in the Japanese market, known as the F14 and F16.

    Performance and Specifications

    These laptops run on the latest 15-watt TDP Intel Raptor Lake mobile processors, ensuring extended battery life. Users can choose from three CPU options: Intel Core 3 100U (6C/8T), Core 5 120U (10C/12T), or Core 7 150U (10C/12T). For RAM and storage, configurations range from 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD to 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD.

    Display Features

    The F14 features a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 in a 16:8 aspect ratio, while the F16 boasts a 16-inch screen with a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution in a 16:10 aspect ratio. Later, an optional 2,560 x 1,600 display will be offered for the F16. Both screens can lay flat at a full 180 degrees.

    Connectivity and Audio

    These laptops come equipped with a 920,000-pixel webcam, three AI noise-canceling microphones, and Dolby Atmos stereo speakers, ensuring high-quality video calls. The camera allows for Windows Hello facial recognition, and the power button features a fingerprint scanner for easy sign-in to Windows 11 without a password.

    Ports and Wireless

    Both models have a variety of ports, which include two USB-A 3.0 ports at 5 Gbps, two USB-C 3.1 ports (DP 1.4, PD), one HDMI port, and one 1000BASE-T Ethernet port. Users can also plug in headphones via a 3.5 mm headphone jack, with the F16 additionally featuring an SD card slot. Wireless connectivity is supported through Bluetooth 5.3 and 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E.

    Weight and Battery Life

    The F16 weighs 1.59 kg (3.5 lbs) while the F14 is lighter at 1.23 kg (2.7 lbs), both due to their aluminum constructions. Each model is subject to thorough in-house testing for durability and longevity. The F16 offers a battery life of 6.0 hours, while the F14 lasts up to 7.7 hours (according to the JEITA Measurement Method 3.0 during video playback). Full battery recharge takes 3.0 hours.

    Pricing and Availability

    The price of these laptops ranges from approximately 144,800 yen (around $1,000) to 267,800 yen (about $1,800), depending on the selected specifications. For those outside Japan, importing the Vaio F14 and F16 is the only option, or customers can choose from other Vaio models available for purchase on Amazon US or Vaio US.

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  • Asus ProArt Desktop GPU: RTX 5080 with Wood, USB-C, M.2 Slot

    Asus ProArt Desktop GPU: RTX 5080 with Wood, USB-C, M.2 Slot

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus GeForce RTX 5080 features 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM and is designed for professional users.
    2. It has a unique design with an authentic wood front panel and a slim profile, occupying only 2.5 slots.
    3. The advanced cooling system includes a vapor chamber, phase-change thermal pad, and three axial fans for optimal performance.
    4. It includes an M.2 slot for upgrading storage with a PCIe 5.0 SSD, enhancing performance during demanding tasks.
    5. The card features a USB Type-C port for connecting portable monitors and supports daisy-chaining for multiple displays.


    Asus is launching a new GeForce RTX 5080 that comes with 16GB of GDDR7 VRAM, specifically targeting professional users. This ProArt version sports a unique design featuring a front panel made from authentic wood. The card is rather slim, taking up 2.5 slots, which should ease the installation of multiple RTX 5080 cards within the same PC case. This could be beneficial for various AI and creative tasks.

    Advanced Cooling Mechanism

    The cooling system incorporates a vapor chamber, a phase-change thermal pad, and three axial fans, all working together to maintain optimal temperatures for the GPU and graphics memory. Asus asserts that this setup keeps the RTX 5080 both cool and silent; however, the company has yet to provide concrete data to support this assertion. Additionally, an interesting aspect of the graphics card is its M.2 slot, which allows users to upgrade their storage using a PCIe 5.0 SSD. This SSD connects directly to the GPU’s heatsink, ensuring elevated performance during demanding tasks.

    New Connectivity Features

    Furthermore, the Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 5080 stands out as one of the first RTX 5080 cards to include a USB Type-C port. This port can be utilized to connect portable monitors that can also receive power through USB-C. It even supports daisy-chaining, enabling multiple displays to operate from a single USB-C connection. The specifics regarding clock speeds and power consumption are anticipated to be shared soon.

    As of now, Asus has not disclosed the official price and launch date on the product page. Nonetheless, it is expected that the ProArt version will be pricier than the Asus Prime GeForce RTX 5080 OC Edition, which is listed at $1,320 but is currently available for over $1,800 on Amazon.

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  • Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse Leaked Before Launch Event

    Logitech MX Master 4 Mouse Leaked Before Launch Event

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Logitech MX Master 4 has received certification from Brazil’s telecommunications agency, indicating its upcoming release.
    2. An accidental image leak reveals minor design changes, including a shifted thumb scroll wheel and slightly larger left and right buttons.
    3. Technical details about the MX Master 4’s advancements remain unclear.
    4. The MX Master 3S has a low polling rate of 125Hz, which may not be ideal for high-refresh monitors.
    5. The MX Master 3S’s Darkfield laser sensor has a maximum resolution of 8,000 DPI, and the mouse lacks a storage option for the USB dongle.


    The Logitech MX Master 3S (starting at $119 on Amazon) has been around for nearly three years, and Logitech is gearing up to release its next version. Tecnoblog found out that the MX Master 4, identified by the model number MR0118, received certification from Brazil’s telecommunications agency Anatel on May 9. In addition, Logitech has shared an initial image of the MX Master 4 on Instagram.

    Image Leak

    This image was clearly uploaded by accident and was swiftly removed, but not before a clever Reddit user captured a screenshot. The image, shown below, reveals that the mouse’s design has not changed significantly. The thumb scroll wheel has been shifted slightly forward, and the left and right buttons now take up a bit more space on the top. Furthermore, the texture of the thumb rest and the mouse’s overall shape have seen minor revisions. However, details about the technical advancements and enhancements of the Logitech MX Master 4 remain unclear.

    Room for Improvement

    That being said, there is certainly room for upgrades in several areas. A key concern is that the Logitech MX Master 3S has a polling rate of only 125Hz, both via Bluetooth and the USB dongle, which can feel slow on high-refresh monitors with rates of 240Hz or higher. The Darkfield laser sensor, while functional on various surfaces including glass, only has a resolution of 8,000 DPI. Weighing just under 5 oz, the MX Master 3S is also heavier than many premium gaming mice. Lastly, Logitech does not provide an option to store the USB dongle inside the mouse, which could be convenient for those who need to transport or use the mouse on the go.

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  • Minix Unveils Two Mini PCs with AMD Strix Point APUs

    Minix Unveils Two Mini PCs with AMD Strix Point APUs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Minix introduced two mini PCs at Computex 2025: ER936-AI (budget-friendly) and ER937-AI (more powerful).
    2. The ER936-AI features Ryzen AI 9 365, while the ER937-AI has Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with a Radeon 890M iGPU.
    3. Both mini PCs have 32 GB of DDR5 RAM at 5,600 MHz and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, expandable up to 8 TB.
    4. They share a similar chassis design with ventilation holes, two USB Type-A ports, and one USB Type-C port; ER937-AI is silver, ER936-AI is black.
    5. Both models support WiFi 7, dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and quad-display output; pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.


    Minix recently introduced two fresh mini PCs during Computex 2025: the ER936-AI and the ER937-AI. These newly unveiled systems are driven by the AMD Strix Point APUs, with the ER936-AI appearing to be the more budget-friendly choice.

    Specifications of the ER936-AI

    The ER936-AI comes with the Ryzen AI 9 365, recognized as one of the high-end selections within the Strix Point series. In contrast, the Minix ER937-AI is equipped with the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, which includes a superior Radeon 890M iGPU, as opposed to the Radeon 880M featured in the ER936-AI.

    Similarities in Features

    Aside from the processors, the specifications of both Minix mini PCs are quite alike. Each system is outfitted with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM that operates at a speed of 5,600 MHz. They also come with a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, allowing for a maximum storage capacity of up to 8 TB (for instance, the 4 TB WD_Black SN7100 currently priced at $249.99 on Amazon).

    According to what Minix presented at Computex 2025, the chassis of both Strix Point mini PCs appear to be the same. The casing features ventilation holes at the top along with two USB Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port on the front. Notably, the chassis of the ER937-AI demo unit has a silver finish, whereas the ER936-AI has a sleek black finish.

    Connectivity and Launch Information

    In addition, Minix emphasizes that both new Strix Point mini PCs support WiFi 7, come with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, and are capable of quad-display output. Although the company has not disclosed any information on pricing or availability yet, the unveiling at Computex 2025 suggests that a launch might be on the horizon.

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  • Ugreen Nexode 500W GaN Charger: Launch Discount on Amazon

    Ugreen Nexode 500W GaN Charger: Launch Discount on Amazon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ugreen’s Nexode 500W GaN charger is now available in Europe, priced at €250 with a 20% discount until June 8, and £175 in the UK using a promo code.
    2. The total charging power of 500 watts is shared across six ports, not available from a single port; maximum single port output is 240 watts.
    3. To utilize the full 240 watts, devices must support USB PD 3.1; many smartphones and tablets may not be compatible.
    4. The charger features six ports: five USB-C (with one at 240 watts, others at 100 watts), and one USB-A (max 20 watts).
    5. Weighing about 4 lbs and measuring 5.75 x 2.36 x 4.53 inches, the Nexode 500W is designed for stationary use with a safety mechanism for power reduction if tipped over.


    The company Ugreen has begun offering its latest Nexode 500W GaN charger in Europe, with plans to expand to other areas shortly. Currently, it can be found on Amazon Germany for €250, but there’s a coupon that gives a 20% discount until June 8. Alternatively, customers can purchase it directly from the UK online store for £175 using the code “DL55551”. Even with these discounts, it’s still considered a relatively pricey charger, albeit one that delivers impressive performance.

    Power Distribution and Charging Capacity

    The 500 watts mentioned is not available from a single port; instead, it represents the total charging power across all ports. A single device can be charged at a maximum of 240 watts through USB PD 3.1. To take advantage of this power, the device must also be capable of handling it, which is often not the case with most smartphones and tablets. For instance, Ugreen claims that an Apple MacBook Pro 16 can reach 60% charge in just 30 minutes, although the laptop only draws up to 140 watts.

    Ports and Specifications

    The Nexode 500W charger features a total of six USB ports: five are the modern Type-C and one is the older USB-A. Only the first USB-C port can deliver up to 240 watts, while the other ports are capped at 100 watts, and the Type-A port maxes out at 20 watts. When all six ports are in use, the charger can provide 1x 240 watts, 4x 60 watts, and 1x 20 watts. Additionally, this charging brick weighs about 4 lbs and has dimensions of 5.75 x 2.36 x 4.53 inches, making it not the most portable option. Thus, the Nexode 500W is mainly intended for stationary use on a desk. In the event that the charger tips over, Ugreen has integrated an intelligent safety mechanism that reduces the charging power automatically.

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  • Banana Pi Unveils Feature-Packed Single-Board Computer

    Banana Pi Unveils Feature-Packed Single-Board Computer

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro features nine networking ports, including four Ethernet ports with speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and options for 10 Gbps connections.
    2. It runs on the MediaTek MT7988A processor with four Cortex A73 cores, clocking up to 1.8 GHz, and supports up to 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.
    3. Storage options include 8 GB of eMMC flash, expandable via microSD cards or M.2 SSDs, with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports for external devices.
    4. The board allows for WiFi module additions, including WiFi 7 compatibility, and has a SIM card slot for mobile network cards.
    5. The BPI-R4 Pro is suitable for cluster networks and robotics projects but is not recommended as a desktop PC replacement; pricing and availability are yet to be announced.


    Banana Pi has launched a new and very capable single-board computer called the Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro. This system stands out due to its impressive networking capabilities, featuring a total of nine ports, although some are combined and can’t all be used at the same time. There are four Ethernet ports that support a maximum transfer rate of 2.5 Gbps, along with both RJ45 and SFP connectors for connections up to 10 Gbps. It also allows for the addition of WiFi modules, including those compatible with WiFi 7, as well as mobile network cards. A SIM card slot is provided as well.

    Specifications Overview

    The BPI-R4 Pro runs on the MediaTek MT7988A, which includes four Cortex A73 cores that can reach clock speeds of up to 1.8 GHz. It can support up to 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, which is not bad at all. The eMMC flash storage is 8 GB, a feature that isn’t always standard. Users have the option to expand their storage using a microSD card or M.2 SSDs. For connecting external storage devices or peripherals, it has USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 ports available. However, it lacks an HDMI port, but this is easily fixed with a USB-to-HDMI adapter.

    Use Cases and Pricing

    The Banana Pi BPI-R4 Pro can be utilized in various applications, such as cluster networks and robotics projects. However, it probably won’t serve well as a desktop PC replacement. Details regarding its price and availability have yet to be announced.

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  • Asus ProArt P16 Laptop: Why Only RTX 5070 is a Mistake

    Asus ProArt P16 Laptop: Why Only RTX 5070 is a Mistake

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Asus ProArt P16 is designed for creatives, featuring a black metal design and a touchscreen with stylus support, unlike its gaming counterpart, the ROG Zephyrus G16.
    2. It uses standard heat-pipe cooling, limiting GPU options to the GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, which may hinder performance in demanding tasks.
    3. The laptop’s VRAM is limited, potentially impacting tasks like photo and video editing.
    4. The display has been upgraded to a 120 Hz OLED with a resolution of 2880 x 1800, but the brightness levels are lower than competitors, at 360 nits in SDR and 430 nits in HDR.
    5. Overall, while the ProArt P16 is a solid multimedia laptop, it could be more competitive with better display brightness and GPU options.


    The Asus ProArt P16 stands as the creative counterpart to the gaming laptop ROG Zephyrus G16. While the outer design is almost the same, the ProArt P16 does away with the illuminated lid, and it features black metal surfaces. The most significant distinction, however, lies within. Unlike the Zephyrus G16, which can be outfitted with advanced vapor chamber cooling for higher-end GPUs up to the RTX 5090 Laptop, the ProArt P16 relies on standard heat-pipe cooling. As a result, the most powerful GPU available is the GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop, which still boasts 8 GB of VRAM and offers a performance edge over the older RTX 4070 Laptop.

    Performance Drawbacks

    Along with the modest performance improvements, the limited VRAM can quickly become a hindrance, especially during photo or video editing tasks. It’s puzzling why Asus does not provide the ProArt with more powerful GPU choices, given that the cooling setup from the Zephyrus G16 is accessible. Switching to the Zephyrus G16 isn’t feasible for everyone, as the ProArt uniquely features a touchscreen that supports stylus input.

    Display Quality

    Next, let’s discuss the screen. The 2024 version came with a high-res 4K OLED display, but it was capped at just 60 Hz. Now, Asus has upgraded to a 120 Hz OLED, but the resolution is lower at 2880 x 1800. The display still shows a slightly grainy image when viewing bright content, likely due to the touch layer. Asus still provides precise color profiles for sRGB and P3, but the brightness leaves much to be desired. In SDR mode, we only recorded 360 nits and just 430 nits in HDR mode. Many competitors with OLED technology surpass this performance, not to mention those utilizing Mini-LED displays.

    Overall, the ProArt P16 remains a commendable multimedia laptop, yet Asus could have significantly improved its competitiveness with the MacBook Pro 16 by incorporating a brighter OLED display and a GPU with increased VRAM.

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite: 64 GB RAM Options Revealed Early

    Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite: 64 GB RAM Options Revealed Early

    Key Takeaways

    1. Qualcomm has not announced the official launch date for its next-gen laptop chipsets but will reveal details at the Snapdragon Summit from September 23 to 25 in Hawaii.
    2. The Snapdragon X Elite 2, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, and other options are expected to be unveiled during the summit.
    3. The laptop chipset model SC8480XP is still under development and has been noted to support testing with up to 48 GB of RAM.
    4. Qualcomm is also testing configurations with 64 GB of RAM for the Snapdragon X2 Elite, which is unusual for standard Windows laptops.
    5. The Snapdragon X2 Elite is expected to feature an 18-core SoC, representing a 50% increase in CPU core count compared to the previous Snapdragon X Elite.


    Qualcomm has yet to announce when it will officially launch its next-gen laptop chipsets. However, the company has disclosed the dates for this year’s Snapdragon Summit, scheduled to take place over two days from September 23 to September 25 in Hawaii. It appears likely that during this event, Qualcomm will unveil not only the Snapdragon X Elite 2 but also the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and some less powerful options.

    Latest Developments

    Meanwhile, leaker Roland Quandt has provided fresh insights regarding Qualcomm’s leading laptop chipset. He mentioned that the chipset, known by the model number SC8480XP, is still being developed, with this model number first appearing in September of the previous year. Recently, Quandt has indicated that he has come across information suggesting that the SC8480XP is being tested with 48 GB of RAM, an improvement from the current maximum of 32 GB available for Snapdragon X Elite laptops like the Surface Laptop 7, which is priced at $659 on Amazon (refurbished).

    Potential Upgrades

    However, it’s possible that 48 GB of RAM might not be the highest configuration available for the so-called SD X2 Elite or Snapdragon X2 Elite. Quandt has now reported that Qualcomm is in the process of testing configurations with 64 GB of RAM, which is still quite uncommon for Windows laptops, aside from workstations and gaming models. As of now, Quandt believes that the Snapdragon X2 Elite is increasingly resembling an 18-core SoC, indicating a significant 50% increase in CPU core count compared to the Snapdragon X Elite.

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