Tag: Snapdragon X Plus

  • Microsoft raises prices on all Surface notebooks unexpectedly

    Microsoft raises prices on all Surface notebooks unexpectedly

    Key Takeaway

    1. Microsoft has increased prices on its entry-level Surface laptops due to rising component and memory costs.
    2. The price hike affects models with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage, powered by Snapdragon X Plus/Elite SoCs.
    3. The original SoCs in these laptops were already less powerful, making the price increase less justifiable compared to competitors like Apple.
    4. The rise may be influenced by plans to set pricing expectations for upcoming Snapdragon X2 Plus-powered Surface models.

    Rising Costs Impact Microsoft Laptops

    Recently, prices of many gadgets and devices have been on the increase. Things like game consoles, including the PlayStation 5 Pro, Ayaneo Pocket Air Mini, and Pocket Vert, are now costing more than before. Even streaming services like YouTube Premium are not immune to this trend. The latest reports reveal that Microsoft Laptops are also experiencing price hikes, as told by Windows Central. Below, you’ll find a list of the affected SKUs along with their updated prices.

    Details on the Current Price Changes

    These price hikes mainly affect the basic models, which come with 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB storage, and a Snapdragon X Plus processor (or Snapdragon X Elite for the Surface Laptop 15). These models are targeted at budget-conscious buyers. The processors in these laptops are not high-end, and now paying up to $300 more seems even less justifiable, especially considering Apple’s options that are equally affordable. A Microsoft representative said, “Because of recent increases in costs for memory and components, Surface is adjusting its prices on Microsoft.com for its current hardware lineup.”

    Why Are Prices Actually Going Up?

    Though their reasoning sounds reasonable, the increase in RAM prices has mostly stopped and is expected to decrease in the upcoming months. This indicates that the rise may not just be about memory costs. More likely, it’s about setting benchmark prices for upcoming Snapdragon X2 Plus models, which could arrive soon now that some Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops are already available. So, in the end, it looks like those hikes are more about preparing for future releases than just current component costs.

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  • Microsoft Surface Pro: 12-Inch, Long Battery Life, Silent Performance

    Microsoft Surface Pro: 12-Inch, Long Battery Life, Silent Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Microsoft Surface Pro 12 is the first device to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus SoC without fans for cooling.
    2. The Snapdragon X Plus can draw up to 35 Watts briefly and settles at 15 Watts, providing competitive performance against Intel’s Lunar Lake chips for daily tasks.
    3. Other manufacturers have not released passively cooled Snapdragon devices, raising questions about market choices, including Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop 13.
    4. The Surface Pro 12 features a quality IPS touchscreen, Wi-Fi 7, but has limited ports and non-upgradable storage, with a starting price of $799.
    5. The device lacks a power adapter, and the new keyboard cover with stylus is expensive, priced at $249, despite the high quality of the backlit keyboard.

    Qualcomm’s Snapdragon-X-series processors have been available for around a year, but we only just got to see a device that doesn’t need fans to cool it down. The new 12-inch Surface Pro convertible from Microsoft is the first gadget using the Snapdragon X Plus System on Chip (SoC) without any fans. This SoC can draw up to 35 Watts for brief moments, then settles down to 15 Watts. We were keen to test the performance at this power level, and the outcome was a pleasant surprise. Even at 15 Watts, the performance remains competitive, matching up well with Intel’s Lunar Lake chips, which means it can handle daily tasks just fine.

    Why No Other Manufacturers?

    This raises the question of why other brands aren’t making passively cooled Snapdragon devices. The same goes for Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop 13, which uses the same Snapdragon X Plus. Instead of selling an overpriced ultrabook with traditional cooling, Microsoft could have made a passively cooled Surface Laptop 13 to make it different from other products in the market.

    Features and Pricing

    Besides having a well-built chassis, the compact Surface Pro 12 also features a decent IPS touchscreen (90 Hz, sRGB) and comes with Wi-Fi 7. Battery life is decent, but there are some aspects where Microsoft is cutting corners. It has only two USB-C 3.2 ports, and you can’t upgrade the UFS storage. The recommended retail price starts at $799 for the entry-level model with 256 GB of storage, but adding accessories can quickly push the cost over $1100. Notably, Microsoft does not provide a power adapter, and the new keyboard cover with stylus (which now attaches to the back of the device and can’t be stored inside the keyboard cover anymore) is quite pricey at $249. However, the quality of the backlit keyboard is commendable.

    In summary, Microsoft’s new 12-inch Surface Pro stands out as an intriguing and compact convertible that sets itself apart from competitors by not having any fans. For further details, check out our in-depth review of the new Surface Pro.

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  • Microsoft Launches New 13-Inch Surface Laptop with Key Downgrades

    Microsoft Launches New 13-Inch Surface Laptop with Key Downgrades

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has launched a more affordable 13-inch Surface Laptop variant, but it features significant reductions in specifications.
    2. The laptop boasts a long battery life of 23 hours for video playback, but lacks advanced display features like HDR and has a lower refresh rate of 60 Hz.
    3. It is equipped with an 8-core Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 processor, which is less powerful compared to other Surface Laptop models.
    4. The device has limited memory options, with only 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, compared to higher specifications in other models.
    5. Priced at $899, the new model is only $100 cheaper than the more advanced 13.8-inch variant, raising questions about its value.

    Alongside the new 12-inch Surface Pro, Microsoft has introduced a more affordable variant of the Surface Laptop. This model has some significant reductions in features, and the price cut isn’t enough to make up for those losses. The only highlight is its impressive claim of 23 hours of video playback on battery, which is slightly better than what the other two Surface Laptop models offer.

    Display and Performance

    The latest Surface Laptop variant sports a 13-inch 16:10 FHD (1,920 x 1,080) display with a maximum brightness of 400 nits. In comparison to its 13.8 and 15-inch counterparts, it refreshes at 60 Hz instead of 120 Hz and completely misses out on HDR capabilities. This, paired with the underwhelming 8-core Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 processor, makes the laptop seem considerably less appealing than its more advanced models.

    Memory and Connectivity

    To add to the disappointment, the 13-inch Surface Laptop is restricted to a mere 16 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512 GB of UFS storage, which is a stark contrast to the 64 GB and 1 TB options available in other models. In terms of connections, the Surface Connect port has been removed, replaced by two USB 3.2 Type-C ports and one USB Type-A port. It also supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for additional connectivity.

    Weighing in at 2.7 lbs, the 13-inch Surface Laptop comes in three different colors: Ocean, Violet, and Platinum. The starting price is $899, which is just $100 less than the 13.8-inch model that offers significantly better specifications. You can pre-order the laptop through retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Microsoft’s own website. It will be generally available starting May 20.

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  • Microsoft Surface Pro: Redesigned 2-in-1 with 12-Inch Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft will present new Surface devices on May 6, including ARM-powered models.
    2. A smaller Surface Pro model with a 12-inch display is being introduced, reminiscent of the Surface Pro 3.
    3. The Surface Pro 12″ will not have a Surface Connect port and will include two USB 3.2 Type-C ports instead.
    4. The device will feature soldered flash storage options of 256 GB and 512 GB, with 16 GB of RAM and a Snapdragon X Plus chipset.
    5. The new Surface Keyboard for the 2-in-1 may lack magnets for a raised angle, limiting its usage to flat surfaces.

    Roland Quandt has gathered a wealth of information regarding Microsoft’s upcoming 2-in-1 device. The leaker has not only disclosed several specifications for the product but has also provided many images that look official. To summarize, Microsoft revealed earlier this week that they will present new Surface devices on May 6, following the launch of Intel Lunar Lake models of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, along with a Surface USB4 Dock in January (currently priced at $199.99 on Amazon).

    Upcoming ARM-Powered Models

    This time around, it seems Microsoft is set to refresh its consumer lineup with at least two new models powered by ARM technology. According to previous rumors, one of these will be a smaller version of the Surface Pro, and Quandt has indicated it will feature a 12-inch display housed within a 274 x 190 x 7.8 mm body. This effectively marks a return to the display size of the Surface Pro 3. The Surface Pro 12″—as Microsoft refers to it in leaked promotional content—will have several compromises compared to the current Surface Pro 11.

    Notable Changes in Specifications

    For instance, the Surface Pro 12″ lacks a Surface Connect port. Instead, Microsoft has opted for two USB 3.2 Type-C ports, but there will be no power adapter included in the package. Moreover, it appears that Microsoft has transitioned to soldered flash storage, which will be available in 256 GB and 512 GB options, combined with 16 GB of RAM and a Snapdragon X Plus chipset.

    Recent benchmark leaks suggest that the Snapdragon chip could be Qualcomm’s X1P-42-100 model, rather than the X1P-64-100 that is utilized in the Surface Pro 11. Additionally, leaked marketing materials hint that the new Surface Keyboard for this 2-in-1 lacks the magnets needed for it to be positioned at a raised angle. Therefore, it might only be usable on a flat surface, similar to keyboard accessories made for rival tablets like the Galaxy Tab S series. Unfortunately, the price remains unknown at this point.

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  • Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon Launches in US for $999.99

    Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon Launches in US for $999.99

    Key Takeaways

    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.

    Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon Launches in US for $999.99Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon Launches in US for $999.99Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon Launches in US for $999.99Asus Zenbook A14 with Snapdragon Launches in US for $999.99
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  • Lenovo Launches IdeaPad Slim 3x with Snapdragon X at MWC 2025

    Lenovo Launches IdeaPad Slim 3x with Snapdragon X at MWC 2025

    Key Takeaways

    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.

    Lenovo Launches IdeaPad Slim 3x with Snapdragon X at MWC 2025Lenovo Launches IdeaPad Slim 3x with Snapdragon X at MWC 2025Lenovo Launches IdeaPad Slim 3x with Snapdragon X at MWC 2025Lenovo Launches IdeaPad Slim 3x with Snapdragon X at MWC 2025
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  • Qualcomm Unveils Next-Gen Snapdragon X Series Chipsets

    Qualcomm Unveils Next-Gen Snapdragon X Series Chipsets

    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.

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  • Lenovo ThinkPad T14s G6: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus, OLED, 5G

    Lenovo ThinkPad T14s G6: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus, OLED, 5G

    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.

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  • Early Details on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-24-100 Chipset

    Early Details on Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-24-100 Chipset

    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.

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  • HP EliteBook Ultra G1q: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus & Brighter Screen

    HP EliteBook Ultra G1q: Affordable Snapdragon X Plus & Brighter Screen

    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.

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