Tag: Snapdragon X

  • 2025 Asus Vivobook 16: Fast Snapdragon X1 Under $800

    2025 Asus Vivobook 16: Fast Snapdragon X1 Under $800

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Snapdragon X laptops, Vivobook 14 and 16, feature Snapdragon X X1 26-100, offering a 44% performance boost.
    2. The laptops promise nearly 20 hours of battery life, making them some of the longest-lasting Windows laptops.
    3. AMD options are available with Ryzen AI 300, priced $50 to $100 higher than Snapdragon versions.
    4. Both Snapdragon and AMD models share the same external design.
    5. All models are positioned in the lower midrange segment compared to premium Vivobook S and Zenbook lines.

    It’s been just six months since the introduction of Snapdragon X laptops, and now the next generation is here. The 14-inch Vivobook 14 and the 16-inch Vivobook 16 are both receiving updates this year. They will feature the Snapdragon X X1 26-100, which promises a performance boost of 44 percent compared to the last generation, along with a quicker 45 TOPS NPU. Asus claims that these new models will offer nearly 20 hours of battery life, making them some of the most enduring Windows laptops available.

    AMD Options Available

    For those who aren’t keen on Windows running on ARM, the Vivobook 14 and 16 also come with Ryzen AI 300 options. These AMD models are identified as M1407KA and M1607KA, and they are priced about $50 to $100 higher than their Snapdragon versions. Generally, all these options fall into the lower midrange segment, especially when compared to the more premium Vivobook S series and the even more expensive Zenbook line.

    Design Consistency

    Both the AMD and Qualcomm versions maintain the same external design. You can find our comprehensive review of the AMD variant of the Vivobook 16 linked here.

    Source:
    Link

    2025 Asus Vivobook 16: Fast Snapdragon X1 Under $8002025 Asus Vivobook 16: Fast Snapdragon X1 Under $8002025 Asus Vivobook 16: Fast Snapdragon X1 Under $800
    Tags: , ,
  • Qualcomm Senior VP on Snapdragon X Series: Power vs. Battery Life

    Qualcomm Senior VP on Snapdragon X Series: Power vs. Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Snapdragon X Series Overview: The Snapdragon X series includes three variants—X Elite, X Plus, and X—designed to meet diverse user needs with a focus on AI integration and battery efficiency.

    2. Battery Life Importance: Snapdragon prioritizes battery life in its design philosophy, with products like the VivoBook S15 Co-pilot PC achieving 9 to 10 hours of usage, significantly outperforming traditional laptops.

    3. AI Integration and Efficiency: The inclusion of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) across the Snapdragon lineup enhances performance and energy efficiency, allowing effective on-device AI processing without compromising battery life.

    4. Clear Product Tiers: Snapdragon offers a straightforward product structure with clear tiers—X Elite for top performance, X+ for balanced efficiency, and X as the entry-level option—ensuring consumer clarity.

    5. Future Expansion and Accessibility: Snapdragon is expanding its X Series with over 70 devices announced, making ARM-powered laptops more budget-friendly and positioning them as a viable alternative to traditional x86 models.

    I attended a recent event held at the Croma store in Juhu, Mumbai, where Kedar Kondap, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Compute and Gaming, unveiled Qualcomm’s inaugural Snapdragon Experience Zone in India. After this event, I was able to converse with him about the current Snapdragon X lineup, which consists of three variants: Snapdragon X, X Plus, and X Elite.

    Understanding the Snapdragon X Series

    Our discussion highlighted how the Snapdragon X series addresses various user demands, with AI integration through the NPU ensuring low battery usage even when using on-device LLMs. Kedar pointed out the importance of clear product names, India’s swift AI adoption, and future prospects, which include ARM-based desktops and more affordable Snapdragon-powered PCs as their popularity grows. We also talked about GPU performance, where Qualcomm is focusing on AI and battery longevity rather than just superior gaming graphics.

    Battery Life: A Crucial Factor

    Battery life is a critical element for modern professionals. Kedar mentioned that Snapdragon is aware of this requirement, stating “market research repeatedly shows that battery life is a key concern for PC consumers.” This insight has influenced the core design philosophy of their X Series processors.

    For instance, I observed the VivoBook S15 Co-pilot PC, running on Snapdragon X Elite, which delivers remarkable endurance, “achieving 9 to 10 hours of usage” during average workdays. This marks a substantial improvement over many traditional x86 laptops that necessitate more frequent charging during demanding tasks. Snapdragon ensures that even those who aren’t yet keen on on-device AI can enjoy enhanced power efficiency. Kedar remarked, “Even if people aren’t fully convinced about generative AI, they will still gain from the impressive battery performance.”

    AI Integration Without Compromising Battery

    A significant worry regarding on-device AI processing is its potential effect on power consumption. Snapdragon tackles this issue by incorporating an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) throughout its entire lineup. For those unfamiliar, the NPU is specifically designed to manage AI tasks effectively, alleviating the load on the CPU and GPU. This boosts both performance and energy efficiency, allowing for smoother AI-related activities.

    Kedar elaborated on how this design improves efficiency: “By utilizing our mobile background, we’ve managed to shift many tasks to the NPU, which indeed enhances efficiency and lessens the battery life impact when running on-device LLMs.”

    Clear Product Tiers in the Elite Series

    To provide clarity for consumers, the Snapdragon X series features a simple product structure:
    – Snapdragon X Elite – The top performance tier
    – Snapdragon X+ – Mid-tier, balancing power and efficiency
    – Snapdragon X – The entry-level choice

    Kedar confirmed, “We want buyers to easily grasp the tiers. X Elite stands for the best performance, followed by X+ and then X.” Although it boasts high-end AI features, Snapdragon has also maintained price accessibility. Kedar mentioned, “With prices beginning at around $600 for the Snapdragon X, we ensure customers can access high-performance laptops with excellent battery life and AI capabilities throughout the entire range.”

    Everyday Performance of Snapdragon X Series GPUs

    While Snapdragon GPUs aren’t tailored for extreme gaming, they provide solid performance for daily applications, including casual gaming and AI tasks. Kedar stated, “Our GPUs excel for casual gaming, standard use, and even AI generation.” However, he acknowledged that Snapdragon isn’t focusing on professional gaming: “For serious gaming, a dedicated gaming GPU would be more appropriate.” This makes Snapdragon-powered PCs suitable for professionals, students, and everyday users who value battery life and AI features over high-end graphics performance.

    Future Expansion of the Snapdragon X Series

    Snapdragon is making notable progress in expanding its X Series range, with increasing adoption from various manufacturers. Kedar highlighted, “We’ve already announced over 70 or 80 devices, whether launched or in development, featuring Snapdragon processors.” As more manufacturers adopt Snapdragon X chips, prices are likely to become more competitive, positioning ARM-powered PCs as a common choice.

    Gradually, Snapdragon-powered laptops are becoming more budget-friendly, with models like the Acer Swift Go A14 and Asus VivoBook 16 priced at Rs 50,000 and Rs 65,900, respectively. Furthermore, Snapdragon is venturing beyond laptops, having already revealed mini desktops and small form factor devices at CES 2024, indicating a possible entry into the desktop market soon.

    Concluding Thoughts

    Snapdragon’s X series processors balance performance, battery longevity, and AI capabilities. By utilizing efficient NPUs and a clear product strategy, they serve a diverse audience. Kedar encapsulated this approach: “Our ongoing focus is on performance, battery life, and AI capabilities across the whole product range.” With ongoing price reductions and growing acceptance, Snapdragon-powered PCs are poised to become a genuine alternative to traditional x86 laptops.

    In related news, Snapdragon India held a special launch event on February 24 to introduce the Snapdragon X platform, showcasing AI innovations like regional LLMs and advanced on-device AI capabilities. At the event, Asus unveiled the Snapdragon X-powered Vivobook 16 and Zenbook A14. To ensure fast delivery, Flipkart confirmed that Snapdragon X laptops will be available through its Flipkart Minutes service, guaranteeing delivery within 10 minutes.

    Tags: , ,
  • Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    Snapdragon X Elite Windows Laptops Surge in Popularity December 2024

    When Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X ARM APUs, there was a lot of buzz since it seemed like Windows devices would finally match MacBooks in energy efficiency. However, it’s clear now that the Snapdragon X SoCs didn’t live up to the expectations many had.

    Performance Comparison

    To start with, Qualcomm’s APUs aren’t giving any significant performance boost compared to the latest Intel and AMD processors. While the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are indeed efficient, many laptops featuring Intel Lunar Lake or AMD Strix Point APUs offer similar or even better battery lives.

    App Compatibility Issues

    Another concern is the app compatibility with the Snapdragon X SoCs, along with the absence of affordable Snapdragon X Windows laptops. All these factors led us to conclude that “there are no real arguments for a Windows laptop with an ARM processor” in our review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7.

    Despite these clear drawbacks, Qualcomm has managed to secure a solid market presence as of December 2024.

    Market Share Insights

    In late November 2024, we reported that Snapdragon X-based Windows laptops held a meager 0.8% market share in Q3 2024. This finding was quite harsh, indicating that Qualcomm had a significant challenge ahead to meet its target of 30-50% market share by 2029.

    However, times seem to be improving for Qualcomm. CEO Cristiano Amon stated that “Snapdragon X Series had more than 10% share of the greater than $800 Windows laptops in U.S. retail.” If these numbers are correct, December 2024 shipments show a notable improvement from previous reports.

    Limited Claims on Global Market

    Nevertheless, observant readers may have realized that Cristiano Amon is referring to a >10% share only for laptops above a certain price point. Therefore, Qualcomm hasn’t made any statements about global shipments or laptops priced under $800. This is logical as there’s a shortage of budget-friendly Snapdragon X Windows devices available. Yet, this news is encouraging for Qualcomm and fans of Snapdragon who want to see better performance from Windows ARM laptops.

    That being said, Qualcomm still has considerable work ahead to ensure that Snapdragon laptops can compete evenly with Intel and AMD machines throughout the Windows ecosystem.

    Challenges Ahead

    A major challenge for laptops using the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus SoCs is the inconsistent app compatibility. This has been a concern since Microsoft first promoted ARM-based Windows laptops as a genuine alternative. Although the situation has improved, both Microsoft and Qualcomm still have quite a bit of work left to address these issues.

    Moreover, the absence of budget Snapdragon laptops will certainly limit the company’s ability to reach a broader customer base. This is especially true internationally and in regions where consumer spending habits are much lower than in the U.S. Qualcomm aims to tackle this issue with the introduction of the 8-core Snapdragon X SoC.

    Finally, to truly excel beyond the current x86 competition, Qualcomm must deliver enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

    Regardless of the outcome, it’s encouraging to see Qualcomm making strides in the market. Increased competition is always beneficial for consumers.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • New Snapdragon X Chip Laptops Launching in India This Month

    New Snapdragon X Chip Laptops Launching in India This Month

    Qualcomm has recently revealed its new Snapdragon X platform that will be the driving force behind forthcoming Windows PCs. Now, we have confirmation on when this innovative processor will debut in India. This marks the third addition to the series, so let’s dive into the details.

    Launch Date of Snapdragon X

    To refresh your memory, the chip manufacturer expanded its Snapdragon X series with the introduction of the Snapdragon X. This model serves as the basic option in the collection, functioning as an entry-level SoC alongside the already successful Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite processors. Qualcomm’s goal with this chipset is to make a deeper impact in the laptop market. The Snapdragon X is intended to cater to both budget-conscious and mid-range consumers.

    PCs Powered by Snapdragon X Chip

    In a recent promotional poster, the company announced that the new Snapdragon X platform designed for AI-powered PCs will arrive in India on February 24, 2025. Initially revealed for Windows PCs, this processor will be available in laptops from brands like Acer, ASUS, HP, Dell, and Lenovo, all priced below $600. However, it remains uncertain which specific laptop models in India will incorporate this new budget-friendly AI chip.

    Specifications and Features

    According to previous announcements, the Snapdragon X is equipped with eight CPU cores that can reach speeds of up to 3.0GHz. It boasts a total memory cache of 30MB and is built on the ARM architecture, akin to its more advanced counterparts. The Snapdragon X comes with an Adreno GPU capable of delivering up to 1.7 TFLOPS, which is adequate for casual gaming, older video games, and various everyday tasks. One of its standout features is the dedicated NPU that provides 45 TOPS of AI performance, making it suitable for Copilot+ functionalities. Thus, this new chip could bring significant improvements to the budget laptop market in India.

    Tags: , ,
  • Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs to Feature Distilled DeepSeek R1 Models

    Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs to Feature Distilled DeepSeek R1 Models

    Microsoft is set to introduce a simplified version of its DeepSeek R1 AI models to Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs. This announcement follows the recent launch of DeepSeek R1 on Azure AI Foundry, which is Microsoft’s platform aimed at developers to promote innovation through AI tools and machine learning models in a secure and responsible way. Initially, this integration will be available on laptops, tablets, and PCs powered by Snapdragon X, with support for Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors to be added later.

    New Optimized Versions

    In a blog post on its Windows Developer Blog, Microsoft revealed that the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) optimized versions of DeepSeek-R1 would be introduced to Copilot+ PCs. These versions will be included in lightweight laptops from leading brands like Asus, Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Acer, all of which offer devices equipped with Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite processors featuring 45 TOPS NPUs. It’s worth noting that all Copilot+ PCs come with NPUs that have 40+ TOPS.

    Developer Access and Future Releases

    The initial release, named DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-1.5B, will be accessible to developers through the AI Toolkit, with the 7B and 14B versions expected to follow soon after. Microsoft claims that these optimized models will allow developers to create and deploy AI-driven applications that run effectively on devices, leveraging the powerful NPUs found in Copilot+ PCs.

    Timeline and AMD Updates

    Although Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for the rollout, it appears that Intel Core Ultra 200V devices will receive these enhancements sooner than their AMD Ryzen AI equivalents. Meanwhile, AMD has already released guides related to DeepSeek R1 Distill for its newest Ryzen AI 300 series APUs, along with information for Ryzen 8040/7040 chips, even though the latter only have 16/10 TOPS NPUs, respectively.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,
  • Cheaper Microsoft Surface Pro and Compact Laptop with Snapdragon X Plus Soon

    Cheaper Microsoft Surface Pro and Compact Laptop with Snapdragon X Plus Soon

    At this time, the Microsoft Surface Pro (priced at $799 on Amazon) is only available with a 13-inch screen. In contrast, the Surface Laptop comes in both 13.8-inch and 15-inch options. Recent reports from Windows Central suggest that Microsoft is working on smaller versions of both products, which are set to be released shortly.

    Upcoming Launch Details

    Although the precise release date is still unclear, it is anticipated that these devices will be officially announced in the coming weeks. The new Surface Pro is likely to directly compete with the smaller 11-inch iPad Pro. This Windows tablet will almost definitely come with a keyboard cover that includes a touchpad, and it will sport a display size between 11 and 12 inches. Conversely, the new Surface Laptop is expected to be the next version of the Surface Laptop Go, which currently has a 12.4-inch screen, but the exact size for the new model is still uncertain.

    Performance Expectations

    Microsoft might equip both new tablets with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X or Snapdragon X Plus, allowing these mini Surfaces to deliver good performance and fairly long battery life, with prices starting around $800. Additionally, Microsoft is reportedly developing new versions of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, which will use Intel’s Lunar Lake chips rather than the Snapdragon X Elite. However, it’s important to note that these models are mainly targeted at business users and are generally not available to everyday consumers.

    Source:
    Link

    Cheaper Microsoft Surface Pro and Compact Laptop with Snapdragon X Plus Soon

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Snapdragon X SoC Takes on AMD Ryzen 7 8840U in Geekbench 6

    Snapdragon X SoC Takes on AMD Ryzen 7 8840U in Geekbench 6

    At CES 2025, Qualcomm revealed a fresh addition to its desktop-class Snapdragon series, named the Snapdragon X. This was the only new system on chip (SoC) that debuted at the event, featuring eight powerful Oryon cores running at a speed of 3.0 GHz, accompanied by a 45 TOPS neural processing unit (NPU). Clearly, this chip is aimed mainly at the entry-level laptop market.

    Performance Insights

    Recent updates have offered us clearer insights into the performance of this new desktop ARM SoC, thanks to Rolan Quandt, who successfully conducted a Geekbench 6 test using a laptop during the event. The Snapdragon X, integrated into a 16-inch Asus Vivobook, showed respectable multi-core performance. However, it’s important to note that the single-core performance isn’t as impressive as one would hope.

    Before we look into the specifics, it’s essential to mention that these laptops are still in the quality control phase, meaning there could be potential for enhanced performance. For single-core performance, the 8-core Snapdragon X scored approximately 2,121 points. In contrast, the multi-core score is more appealing, sitting around 10,492 points. This multi-core performance aligns it closely with the higher-tier Ryzen 7 8840U “Hawk Point” processor, though the Snapdragon X falls short in single-core performance.

    Pricing and Expectations

    Ultimately, the affordability of the laptops powered by Snapdragon X is a significant factor. Qualcomm aims to target the $600 price range, although it’s possible that well-equipped models may cost more. One may anticipate that Qualcomm will excel in terms of power efficiency and battery longevity, but its 1.7 teraflops Adreno iGPU pales in comparison to the older entry-level Radeon 740M iGPU that has been on the market for some time now.

    For individuals who value battery life and can manage their tasks on an ARM-based platform, the Snapdragon X appears quite compelling, as long as iGPU performance isn’t a top priority. However, this holds true only if the upcoming devices are reasonably priced.

    Source:
    Link

    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Importance of the New Snapdragon X Chip for Windows Laptops

    Importance of the New Snapdragon X Chip for Windows Laptops

    Qualcomm is making significant strides in the Windows on ARM space with its Snapdragon X series chips. The company has previously introduced its high-end X Plus and X Elite system-on-chips (SoCs), but now they’ve rolled out a new option aimed at expanding access to Windows on ARM for more consumers.

    Fresh Innovations at CES 2025

    At CES 2025, Qualcomm presented its latest ARM PC chip, simply called the Snapdragon X. This product is positioned as an economical choice, designed to run Windows laptops that are priced around $600. These laptops, featuring innovations like Copilot+PC, are set to compete with Intel and AMD in the budget-friendly laptop market.

    Why This Matters for Budget Laptops

    We believe this development is crucial for the budget Windows laptop sector. The Snapdragon X is categorized as the entry-level option in Qualcomm’s expanding lineup of processors for PCs. It joins the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite, which are intended for more premium devices.

    In contrast to its more powerful counterparts, which can have up to 12 cores and clock speeds over 3GHz, the Snapdragon X has an eight-core structure, with a peak clock speed of 3GHz and 30MB of cache. Although these specifications may not rival the raw capabilities of its higher-tier siblings, they are well-suited for the needs of average users.

    Efficiency and Performance Highlights

    Manufactured using a 4-nanometer process, the Snapdragon X emphasizes Qualcomm’s commitment to efficiency. The company asserts that the Snapdragon X will surpass Intel’s Core 5 120U in terms of performance-per-watt and battery life. While this isn’t Qualcomm’s first attempt to highlight energy efficiency as a key selling point, they face the challenge of convincing consumers that Windows on ARM laptops have matured enough to serve as viable options against Intel or AMD devices.

    Moreover, the Snapdragon X is equipped with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that can achieve 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second).

    Tags: , ,
  • CES 2025: Affordable Laptops Boosted by New Snapdragon X CPUs

    CES 2025: Affordable Laptops Boosted by New Snapdragon X CPUs

    We have recently expressed our disappointment over the decline of affordable laptop options equipped with modern CPU technology. It appears that Intel and AMD are focusing on marketing their older processors in budget devices while directing their attention towards pricier new models like Intel’s Lunar Lake and AMD’s Strix Point. As a result, purchasing an inexpensive laptop often means settling for outdated and less efficient tech.

    A New Direction from Qualcomm

    Qualcomm appears to have a different perspective on the matter. Last year, the leader in smartphone CPU technology launched the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite aimed at high-end laptops, followed by the Snapdragon X Plus for mid-tier devices. Now, a fresh CPU line simply known as “Snapdragon X” is on the horizon, designed specifically for budget laptops to help lower the price of ARM-based Windows machines. The goal is to create PCs that retail for under $600.

    High Performance Within Reach

    Even with the focus on budget pricing, users won’t have to sacrifice much with the Snapdragon X series CPU. This new chip uses the same Oryon CPU cores found in its more expensive counterparts. The core count remains the same, as the Snapdragon X boasts eight CPU cores, mirroring the Snapdragon X Plus. The main distinction lies in the clock frequency, with the Snapdragon X maxing out at 3.0 GHz. In contrast, the Snapdragon X Plus chips can achieve clock speeds between 3.2 and 3.4 GHz, while the X Elite can hit between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz on all cores.

    AI Performance Not Overlooked

    In addition, the Snapdragon X series keeps AI capabilities strong, offering up to 45 TOPS of NPU performance. Qualcomm highlights that CPUs from AMD and Intel in this price category usually lack an NPU altogether.

    The Qualcomm Snapdragon X series CPU is set to debut in the first PCs starting January 2025. If the Snapdragon X can provide similar levels of performance and efficiency as its higher-end Snapdragon counterparts, it could be a significant relief for a market segment that is truly in need of better processors.

    Image 1
    Image 1
    Tags: , ,
  • Asus Unveils Lightest Copilot+ PC with 32-Hour Battery Life

    Asus Unveils Lightest Copilot+ PC with 32-Hour Battery Life

    Asus is preparing to unveil what they’re calling the lightest Copilot+ PC in the world. This new Zenbook model is designed to be extremely portable and boasts an impressive battery life. The laptop is said to draw inspiration from nature and minimalism, offering up to 32 hours of usage on a single charge.

    Battery Life Insights

    The remarkable battery life claim hints that the laptop might utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, known for its efficient power consumption. Other devices with similar capabilities, such as Lenovo’s ThinkPad T14s featuring the Snapdragon X Elite, have demonstrated 21 hours of battery life in tests. While this falls short of Lenovo’s 24-hour guarantee, it still represents a significant achievement.

    Competing in the Market

    In the quest for the lightest laptops, Asus faces stiff competition from LG’s Gram series and Fujitsu’s Lifebook UH-X line. These competitors have successfully produced laptops weighing under 1 kg without compromising on performance.

    Launch Details

    The specific specifications, pricing, and the actual weight of the laptop will be kept under wraps until Asus’s “Always Incredible” event on January 7, which aligns with CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

    The event will also be streamed globally for audiences around the world.

    Source: Link

    Tags: , ,