1. Asus has released the Zenbook A14 (UX3407) in the US, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus processor.
2. The laptop has a lightweight magnesium-aluminum body, weighing 2.4 lbs, and a 14-inch OLED screen with 1920×1200 resolution.
3. It is powered by a Snapdragon X Plus X1P 42 100 processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
4. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB ports, HDMI 2.1, and a 1080p IR webcam for Windows Hello.
5. The Zenbook A14 is priced at $999.99 and is available exclusively at Best Buy until at least Q2 2025.
Asus has begun shipping the Zenbook A14 (UX3407) in the United States, marking its first Zenbook model that utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus processor. This launch follows the laptop’s introduction in India.
Specifications Overview
The Zenbook A14 has a magnesium-aluminum body, weighing 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg) and measuring between 0.53 to 0.63 inches thick. It features a 14-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1920×1200, a 60Hz refresh rate, and full DCI-P3 color support.
Inside, the device runs on the Snapdragon X Plus X1P 42 100 processor and has a Hexagon NPU with a performance of 45 TOPS. The laptop is also equipped with an Adreno GPU, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD.
Connectivity and Battery Life
For connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, and two USB4 Gen 3 Type-C ports (which support 40Gbps, DisplayPort, and Power Delivery). Additionally, it has HDMI 2.1 and a 3.5mm audio jack. The Zenbook A14 is powered by a 70Wh battery and comes with a 65W USB-C charger. It also includes a 1080p IR webcam that allows for Windows Hello authentication.
Price and Availability
The Zenbook A14 is available for $999.99 and can be found exclusively at Best Buy in the US until at least Q2 2025. It comes in a Zabriskie Beige color option.
1. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x is a Windows-on-Arm laptop powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors, likely the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus.
2. It features a 15-inch WQXGA OLED display (2,560 x 1,600) at 60 Hz, with options for up to 24 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD.
3. The laptop includes a 60 Wh battery, a 720p webcam with a privacy shutter, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4 for connectivity.
4. It has multiple ports: two USB 3.2 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Type-C, an SD card reader, one HDMI 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack, while weighing 1.6 kg.
5. The IdeaPad Slim 3x will be available starting in March, with prices beginning at EUR 599.
An earlier leak has basically spoiled Lenovo’s entire MWC 2025 lineup. Included in this is the IdeaPad Slim 3x, which will add to the company’s expanding collection of Windows-on-Arm laptops powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X processors. While Lenovo hasn’t clearly stated the specific model this one uses, it’s probably the newly introduced 8-core Snapdragon X Plus.
Display and Performance Features
The IdeaPad Slim 3x features a 15-inch WQXGA (2,560 x 1,600) OLED display that operates at 60 Hz. You have the option to configure it with up to 24 GB of DDR5-8488 RAM and a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. If you need more storage, there’s a second PCIe Gen 4 slot available. Since this laptop uses a Snapdragon X series chip, there’s no chance to install a dedicated GPU, but it does include a 45 TOPS NPU to handle basic AI tasks.
Battery and Connectivity Options
Among other specs for the IdeaPad Slim 3x are a 60 Wh battery, a 720p webcam that has a privacy shutter, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. In terms of ports, you will find two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Type-C port, an SD card reader, one HDMI 1.4 port, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. Weighing in at 1.6 kg, this laptop is quite light. You can expect to purchase the IdeaPad Slim 3x starting in March, with prices beginning at EUR 599.
Conclusion
Lenovo’s lineup seems to be shaping up nicely, even though the leaks have taken some of the surprise away. The IdeaPad Slim 3x appears to be a solid choice for those looking for a lightweight and capable laptop with a focus on AI capabilities and modern connectivity options.
Qualcomm has launched a large number of Snapdragon X chipsets this year, and they have also rolled out the architecturally similar Snapdragon 8 Elite. Currently, Qualcomm provides the following chipsets to Windows OEMs:
Interestingly, there might be even more SKUs on the way. While the company hasn’t made any public announcements yet, they hinted at this during Qualcomm Investor Day, where XDA Developers were present.
New Chip Details
Sadly, Qualcomm didn’t share much information during the event aside from the fact that these upcoming chips will have the same 45 TOPS NPU as the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite variants. From what XDA Developers discovered, it seems there is a new, more entry-level chipset intended to be positioned beneath the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core. It’s probably going to be named Snapdragon X.
Speculation on Future Chipsets
Recent rumors suggest that Qualcomm is working on at least three ‘Snapdragon X’ chipsets. There’s particular evidence pointing towards the existence of the X1P-24-100, X1P-39-100, and X1P-40-100. However, it’s uncertain whether all these SKUs will actually hit the market. Additionally, there have been no updates on the rumored X1P-56-100 and X1P-62-100 so far. Regardless, these new Snapdragon X chipsets are expected to power laptops priced under $600, which would be a significant drop from the least expensive Surface Pro 11, currently priced at $800 on Amazon.
It’s not often that we see a laptop reach an impressive 22-hour battery life during our Wi-Fi testing. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, which you can find on Amazon.com for $1,899, hit this milestone. In our detailed review, the device ran for precisely 22 hours and 29 minutes while executing our web-browsing script at a screen brightness of 150 cd/m². As expected, the battery performance turned out to be the standout feature of this sleek black laptop for typical office tasks.
Limited Options at Launch
When the T14s Gen 6 was released, it faced criticism due to its limited configurations. Initially, it came with just one screen option, a sole processor, and lacked the anticipated 5G connectivity. However, Lenovo has recently improved this situation by introducing additional choices for the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, particularly the Qualcomm variant.
New Processor Choices
The most surprising addition is the availability of the Lenovo ThinkPad with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100. This Snapdragon X Plus 8 Core CPU, unveiled at IFA, can match the impressive battery life of the X Elite chips, although it does provide slightly lower performance because it has four fewer cores. Nonetheless, it presents an appealing option for those prioritizing battery longevity while also looking to cut costs. Opting for the X Plus at Lenovo.com can save you $60. Furthermore, this configuration allows users to select 16 GB of RAM instead of 32 GB, which helps lower the initial cost. With 16 GB RAM, a 256 GB SSD, and the Snapdragon X Plus, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 starts at $1,036, a significant drop from its original base price exceeding $2,000 when it debuted in June 2024.
Premium Upgrades Available
On the higher end of the scale, there are two new premium options: a 2.8K (2,880 x 1,800) OLED display that supports a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and the Quectel RM520N-GL 5G Sub6 card. This makes the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 the first and currently only Snapdragon X laptop to feature 5G connectivity. Both upgrades come with a steep price tag: adding OLED costs $315 in the Lenovo configurator, while 5G connectivity adds another $298.
The Snapdragon X Plus chipsets have grown to a total of four variants since their launch in April, starting with the initial ‘X1P-64-100’ model. At this point, the Snapdragon X Plus lineup is equal in size to the Snapdragon X Elite SKUs, at least for now. Currently, Qualcomm provides the following Snapdragon X Plus variants to its partners:
New Variants in Development
In recent months, there have been claims that Qualcomm has been working on at least two additional variants that are positioned below the X1P-42-100 model. Reports suggest the existence of the X1P-39-100 and X1P-40-100 variants, but there has been no recent information confirming these chipsets.
Upcoming X1P-24-100 Variant
Recently, Roland Quandt revealed a new variant that seems to be more advanced than all current Snapdragon X Plus models. According to Quandt, there is evidence of the X1P-24-100, which has not been mentioned in prior discussions. He refers to unspecified ‘databases’ that indicate the X1P-24-100 will feature eight CPU cores, similar to the other Snapdragon X Plus chipsets.
Considering the existing Snapdragon X Plus variants, it is reasonable to expect Qualcomm to differentiate the X1P-24-100 in four key aspects. However, its NPU performance, which must reach 45 TOPS to achieve ‘Copilot Plus’ status, is unlikely to be improved. It is anticipated that the X1P-24-100 will have a smaller CPU cache compared to the X1P-42-100 and X1P-46-100 models, along with a downclocked CPU. Additionally, it seems probable that the X1P-24-100 will feature a less powerful GPU in line with the trends seen in the Snapdragon X Plus series.
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q was one of the first business laptops to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite platform when it debuted in June. As a device aimed at enterprises, it came with a high price tag, starting at approximately $1,700.
New Pricing Options
At HP’s Imagine event, the well-known American computer manufacturer is broadening the price options for this lightweight business laptop. The 14-inch device is now set to launch with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X Plus 8 core version, which was introduced at IFA. This new variant will help make the ARM-based laptop more accessible to a wider range of customers. Unlike the X Elite model, the 8 core CPU version will come exclusively with 16 GB of RAM, meaning those requiring more memory will need to opt for the more expensive X Elite model.
Enhanced Display Features
Along with the new processor options, HP is also introducing a new display choice for the EliteBook Ultra. Previously, the laptop, which features a sleek dark blue metal body, was limited to a rather dim 300 cd/m² display. While this initial LCD option will remain available, HP is now adding a brighter 400 cd/m² panel to the lineup. Aside from the difference in brightness, both screens share identical specifications, featuring a 2.2K resolution (2,240 x 1,400), 100% sRGB color coverage, and a glossy touch surface.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite processors have been a formidable competitor to Apple in terms of laptop performance, AI capabilities, and battery longevity.
At the IFA 2024 event, Qualcomm is now shifting focus towards cost-effectiveness with the introduction of the Snapdragon X Plus. This budget-friendly variant aims to make AI-driven laptops more accessible, with potential starting prices as low as $700.
Before you consider making a purchase, let's delve into the details and implications for your upcoming laptop decision.
The X1P Chip Variants
The new processors are available in two versions: the X1P-46-100 and the X1P-42-100. The X1P-46-100 can reach a CPU speed of 4.0 GHz for single-core tasks, with a GPU performance of 2.1 TFLOPS (compared to 3.8 TFLOPS for the 10-core X Plus and 4.6 for the higher-end Snapdragon X Elite models). In contrast, the X1P-42-100 boosts to 3.4 GHz and has a 1.7 TFLOPS GPU. Despite these differences, all Qualcomm NPUs offer 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), similar to the Snapdragon X Elite. Laptops utilizing these chips will feature the Copilot+ label.
Here are the specifications for the Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-42-100):
Cores: 8
Frequency (max): 3.4 GHz
Memory bandwidth: 135 GB/s
Cache (total): 30 MB
Microsoft indicates that laptops powered by these new Qualcomm chips will handle more generative AI and machine learning tasks locally, reducing reliance on cloud services. Even if AI isn't your primary interest, the Copilot+ PC label offers benefits. Every laptop with this label includes at least 16GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state storage, enhancing functionality for web browsing and general computing tasks.
Understanding the Performance
While these chips may not set new performance records, they are expected to handle everyday tasks like browsing, document editing, and streaming effectively.
For example, Tom's Guide tested the Asus Vivo S 15 equipped with Qualcomm's X Plus chips. Here’s how they stack up against the Apple M3 MacBook Air in Geekbench 6:
Chip
Geekbench 6 Single-Core
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
Snapdragon X Plus 8-core (X1P-46-100)
2780-2813
11713-12001
Snapdragon X Plus 8-core (X1P-42-100)
2385-2445
11027-11530
Apple M3 MacBook Air
3082
12087
As evident, both single-core and multi-core performance lag behind Apple's offerings. The same trend is observed in graphics, with the X1P-46-100 achieving approximately 26 FPS in the demanding WildLife Extreme Vulkan benchmark.
3D Mark Wildlife Extreme
FPS
Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-46-100)
41
Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100)
36
Apple M3
45
The upside? This reduced performance could potentially result in extended battery life. While official figures are not yet available, these chips might power laptops for longer durations due to lower processing demands.
Manufacturers and Availability
Several manufacturers have embraced the new chip announcement. Asus offers a Vivobook S 15 featuring the 8-core X Plus for $899—a significant reduction from its 12-core X Elite counterpart, priced at $1,300. Similarly, Dell's Inspiron 14 is priced at $899 with this new chip.
Expect additional announcements from Acer, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. Rumors suggest the $999 Acer Swift Go 14 AI and a new 15-inch Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge will debut in October.
Although these budget-friendly Snapdragon X Plus laptops may take time to arrive in stores, their price points provide a clear expectation.
Is the X Plus Right for You?
So, who should consider a laptop with the new Snapdragon X Plus chip? Here’s a quick guide:
Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you're seeking an AI-powered laptop experience without a hefty price tag, starting prices around $700 are significantly lower than current alternatives.
Battery Life Enthusiasts: If extended battery life in a Windows device is your priority, these chips could be appealing, especially if manufacturers design for efficient power use.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon X Plus 8-core presents an intriguing choice, blending affordability with AI integration for daily tasks. However, its performance falls short when compared to top-tier options.
The critical factor will be real-world application performance and how manufacturers incorporate these chips into their laptops. If cost-effectiveness and battery life are your priorities and you don't require high-demand performance, the X Plus could be a worthy contender.
On the other hand, if top-notch performance is crucial, consider higher-end Qualcomm models or established brands like Apple.
The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, commonly known as IFA, stands out as one of the most expansive and long-standing technology trade fairs worldwide, taking place every year in Berlin, Germany. Since its inception in 1924, the event has served as a pivotal meeting place for the consumer electronics and home appliance sectors.
This year’s IFA will occur from September 6 to 10 at Messe Berlin. The event is particularly noteworthy as it celebrates the fair’s 100th anniversary. Organizers anticipate attendance from over 180,000 visitors from 139 nations, who will have the opportunity to explore more than 1,800 exhibits from leading technology brands.
Brands and Innovations
Key companies participating this year include major players such as Honor, Samsung, LG, Philips, Hisense, and Lenovo. These brands will utilize IFA 2024 to exhibit their latest advancements in areas like artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and sustainability.
This article will highlight what to expect from IFA Berlin 2024, though it will not cover everything. With around 93 million products projected to be announced, detailing each one is unfeasible. However, this should provide a glimpse into what the show has in store.
Smartphones and Tablets
You won’t typically find Samsung, Apple, or Google unveiling new phones at IFA or similar trade fairs. However, Honor plans to take advantage of this opportunity. The brand is set to debut its latest foldable phone, Magic V3, at the event, which claims to be the world’s thinnest foldable. Honor has aggressively promoted this device, including a Guinness World Record attempt and multiple jabs at Samsung. Additionally, Honor is expected to introduce its MagicPad 2 tablet.
TCL will also participate in the smartphone showcase, likely launching its new Nxtpaper phone. The brand plans to unveil new QD-Mini LED televisions and has hinted at a “new cutting-edge sound solution,” aiming to establish a new category within its TV series.
Laptops
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chip is set to appear in laptops, with IFA being the launchpad for several new models. Lenovo is expected to reveal a new IdeaPad Slim 5 featuring the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, with a 14-inch OLED display and various configurations offering up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. Another Lenovo model, the ThinkBook 16 G7 QOY, will also feature the new processor, boasting a 16-inch display and an 84-watt-hour battery.
Acer plans to unveil the Acer Swift Go 14 AI SFG14-01, a laptop with the Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, offering a 14.5-inch display and a 75-watt-hour battery.
Home Appliances
Home appliance innovations are always a focal point at IFA, and this year is no exception. Samsung will hold a press conference on August 5, though specific details remain under wraps. Last year, Samsung impressed attendees with technology like the 98-inch Neo QLED 8K TV, gaming monitors, and a new Freestyle projector.
Panasonic returns for the 2024 event, though details on new products are limited. Historically, Panasonic has used the fair to showcase their latest TVs, often launching them earlier in the year. Surprise announcements are anticipated, especially given Panasonic’s reputation for high-quality audio products, such as Technics turntables.
LG, another leader in home appliances, will not be left behind. Alongside their typical array of white goods like washing machines and refrigerators, LG will introduce ThinQ On, a new AI-powered home hub. It is designed to control various connected smart devices and is Matter-certified for maximum compatibility. We are eager to see how it compares to existing smart speaker setups and will explore its features at LG’s booth in Berlin.
IFA 2024 will be a significant platform for artificial intelligence (AI) technology this year. Building on the momentum from CES 2024 and Computex 2024, AI is expected to play a crucial role in many products and announcements at this year’s event.
AI is projected to significantly impact the home sector, with LG already announcing plans to unveil new AI-powered appliances. We can anticipate many more innovative home devices utilizing AI technology.
Beyond home appliances, AI will likely influence other IFA areas, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Honor has confirmed that its latest phone and tablet will feature AI-powered capabilities, and similar announcements are expected from other companies.
Future Tech: Flying Cars and Eyewear
IFA is not afraid to showcase bold concepts. This year, Alef Aeronautics will present a non-operational model of their Model A flying car. With over 2,850 pre-orders already in place, this electric two-seater may soon become a reality. Look forward to learning more about its production timeline and features during the company’s keynote on September 8th.
Qualcomm is set to unveil the newest member of its Snapdragon series, a scaled-down variant of the current Snapdragon X Plus, at a press conference on September 4 during the IFA 2024 event in Berlin.
This announcement, spearheaded by Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, will introduce the market to the first 8-core processor utilizing the Oryon architecture. This processor specifically aims at the CoPilot+ notebook segment, with a price point under $800.
A Budget-Friendly Take on the 10-core X Elite
The Snapdragon X Plus (model X1P-42-100) is anticipated to be a cost-effective alternative to the Snapdragon X Elite and the existing 10-core X Plus. It comes equipped with an 8-core Oryon CPU built on a 4nm process. This chip is crafted to strike a balance between performance and affordability, making it suitable for mid-range laptops favored by budget-minded consumers.
Reports suggest that the Snapdragon X Plus will achieve clock speeds of up to 3.4GHz on a single core and 3.2GHz across multiple cores. It features an Adreno GPU variant, providing 1.7 TFLOPS of processing power. Although this is less than the flagship models’ 3.8 TFLOPS, it should still suffice for general graphics tasks.
Key Specifications and Features
In terms of memory, the Snapdragon X Plus supports LPDDR5X RAM with a total cache capacity of 30MB, as opposed to the 42MB available in the higher-end X Plus versions.
Moreover, the chip will retain several essential features from its pricier counterparts, including the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, delivering 45 TOPS of AI capabilities, and the Always-Sensing ISP, which enhances camera processing.
Connectivity options remain strong, featuring Wi-Fi 7 and 5G support, ensuring that devices powered by the Snapdragon X Plus are aligned with the latest in wireless technology. Additionally, the chip can support up to three external 4K displays at 60Hz, catering to users interested in developing a more complex desktop setup.
Various PC manufacturers have recently introduced their latest notebooks featuring Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors. These chips promise impressive battery life, and now, we observe the Snapdragon X series-powered Surface Laptops compared to the latest MacBooks, delivering some noteworthy results.
Is Snapdragon X Plus Superior to M3 in Efficiency?
In a battery life and efficiency examination by Alex Ziskind on YouTube, we gain insight into the real-world performance of the new Snapdragon chips. His test aimed to provide a realistic portrayal by including coding, music listening, and some intensive tasks. Alex also considered the different battery sizes of the laptops.
In the initial efficiency test measuring “Battery Drain vs Work Done”, the M2 MacBook Air emerged as the most efficient, with the M3 MacBook Pro and M2 Max variants also demonstrating commendable performance. Conversely, the Surface Laptop 7th Edition outshone other Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus equipped laptops such as the ASUS Vivobook S 15, Dell XPS 13, and Galaxy Book 4 16 Edge. It is important to note that this efficiency test focused more on intensive tasks that pushed the CPU cores.
Automated Workflow Test
Ziskind conducted an automated workflow test to simulate a more realistic scenario, rerunning the test while occasionally playing YouTube videos, writing, and running codes. This prolonged test had all laptops set to high performance. In this scenario, the Surface Laptop 7 13 (X Plus) led the group with the highest average efficiency, followed closely by the M3 MacBook Air 13.
The Snapdragon X Elite variant of the Surface Laptop 7 13 secured third place, performing significantly better than the Galaxy Book 4 Edge 16 and VivoBook S 15. It should be noted that this test reflects the experience of a coder, so results may vary with casual use and different tasks. For more details, you can check out our previous coverage of the Snapdragon X Plus, where it outperforms the M2 and M3 chips in Cinebench.
