Tag: Snapdragon X2

  • Microsoft launches 13-inch laptop with Snapdragon X2 Elite, 64GB RAM

    Microsoft launches 13-inch laptop with Snapdragon X2 Elite, 64GB RAM

    Key Takeaway

    – Surface Laptop 8 for Business returns with ARM-based Snapdragon X2 chips.
    – Display remains an unchanged 13.8-inch 120Hz IPS panel (no OLED).
    – Supports removable SSD and up to 64GB LPDDR5X RAM.
    – Battery life rated up to 20 hours.
    – Starts at $1,599; black finish exclusive for 64GB RAM configuration.

    New Surface Laptop 8 keeps same display

    A little more than a month after Microsoft updated its Surface Laptop lineup with the Surface Laptop 8 for Business, the company is back with a fresh model for consumers. The preivous Surface Laptop 7 for Business relied on Intel processors to keep full x86 compability, but now Microsoft has launched a sucessor to the ARM-based Surface Laptop 7 13.8 inch, which we first reviewed about two years ago on this site.

    Same screen and new chipsets

    It looks like the PixelSense Flow display is returning unchanged. This panel outputs at 2,304 by 1,536 pixels with a pixel density of 201 PPI, a fast 120 Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 600 nits. This is an IPS panel, so earlier rumors about an OLED version turned out to be wrong. That aside, the 120 Hz screen now works with either a Snapdragon X2 Plus chipset, which has 10 cores, or a Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset with 12 cores. You can also configure it with 16 GB, 24 GB, 32 GB, or even 64 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.

    Design and storage details

    This 13.8-inch laptop also continues to support a removable SSD, which is a nice feature for users who want to upgrade storage later. The entire device fits inside a chassis that measures 301 by 220 by 17.5 millimeters and weighs about 1.36 kilograms. Color options include Black, Dune, Jade, and Platinum. Acording to Microsoft, this new model should last up to 20 hours on a single charge, which is a significant improvement over older versions.

    Pricing and configuration limits

    The base price for the Surface Laptop 8 13.8 starts at $1,599 for the version powered by the Snapdragon X2 Plus chipset. If you want the more powerfull Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset, the price goes up by $100. One important detail is that you can only order the laptop with 64 GB of RAM if you choose the Black finish. Microsoft also released a 15-inch version of the Surface Laptop 8 today, so you can check our launch article for more info about that larger model.


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  • Detailed Leak: Surface Laptop 8 Snapdragon X2 Specs & Release

    Detailed Leak: Surface Laptop 8 Snapdragon X2 Specs & Release

    Key Takeaway

    – ARM-based Surface Laptop 8 uses Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips with major AI gains and a new “Jade” color.
    – First OLED display option for the series, retaining 13.8-inch and 15-inch PixelSense touchscreens.
    – Processor choices: 12-core Snapdragon X2 Elite or 10-core Snapdragon X2 Plus, both up to 4.0 GHz.
    – No “Privacy Display” feature on consumer ARM models, unlike Intel enterprise versions.
    – Official launch on June 16, 2026, with a premium price expected.

    Microsoft is Finally Refreshing the Surface Lineup

    After revealing the premium Surface Laptop Ultra, running on the Nvidia RTX Spark, its become clear that Microsoft is preparing to refresh its consumer-facing lineup with the Surface Pro 12 (which leaked hours ago) and the Surface Laptop 8 series. Thats right, we dont have to wait for the (now revealed) June 16 launch date to find out everything new about the Surface Laptop 8 series, thanks to a super-detailed leak, which includes the full specs and high-res marketing images. While the Intel-based versions of the Surface Laptop 8 have already hit the enterprise market, the highly anticipated ARM-based variants for private consumers are using Qualcomms Snapdragon X2 chips, with significant AI performance gains and a new colorway.

    Design Language and Display Advances

    Microsoft appears to be sticking to its established design language for the Surface Laptop 8th Edition. The laptops will retain there 13.8-inch and 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen form factors. However, there is a notable display upgrade on the horizon, with the leaked info pointing toward the introduction of an OLED-based panel for the first time in this series. And while the port selection and chassis remain largely unchanged, Microsoft is introducing a fresh “Jade” color. This light green hue will join the existing palette of Platinum, Gold/Dune, and Black.

    Processor Options and Pricing Details

    Depending on the configuration, users will be able to choose between the 12-core Snapdragon X2 Elite (X2E-78-100) or the 10-core Snapdragon X2 Plus (X2P-64-100). Both processors feature boost clock speeds of up to 4.0 GHz. Notably, the marketing materials for these consumer-facing ARM models do not mention the “Privacy Display” feature found in the corporate-focused Intel variants. Given the high-performance memory and storage configurations, consumers should expect a premium price tag when the device officially launches on June 16, 2026, says the leaked info.

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  • New Surface PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 (2026)

    New Surface PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 (2026)

    Key Takeaway

    – Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12 use Intel Panther Lake and are labeled under the “for Business” category, though consumer purchases are still allowed.
    – New Snapdragon X2-based Surface laptops/2-in-1s are planned for later this year, with a staggered release due to limited Snapdragon X2 supply.
    – Consumer versions may gain an optional OLED display on Surface Laptop 8 and could be a 13.8-inch model, with separate timelines from business releases.

    Microsoft updates Surface lineup with Panther Lake chips and hints of Snapdragon models

    Microsoft has just updated its Surface Laptop and Surface Pro series with Intel Panther Lake processors. Available as the Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Pro 12, both have been consigned to Microsoft’s ‘for Business’ category. Consumers can still purchase ‘for Business’ devices freely, though. The tone here feels like a company briefing, and it keeps the tech specifics clear, yet the readership may wonder about future consumer options. There is a sense of cautious expansion rather than a full consumer rollout, which keeps expectations balanced while informing on current availability and categorization.

    New chips, new plans, and a hint of Snapdragon

    Microsoft is not finished with new Surface Laptop or Surface Pro announcements this year, either. Instead, it has quietly confirmed that new Snapdragon-based models are on the horizon. Buried at the end of its press release, the company confirms that these models will rely upon Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 silicon to distinguish them from the existing Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 (curr. $1,099 on Amazon). The wording implies a strategic shift toward mobile compute with distinctive silicon, while still maintaining the familiar Surface design language and ecosystem integration, albeit in a more business-focused frame for now.

    Unclear timing and supply concerns for Snapdragon X2

    Unfortunately, the company has not confirmed when these Snapdragon X2-based laptops and 2-in-1s will be available. For the time being, it has only committed to delivering them ‘later this year’. Reportedly, this staggered release is due in part to limited Snapdragon X2 supplies, with Windows Central adding that ‘Microsoft isn’t ready to ship the consumer models yet’. The article keeps a cautious vibe, emphasizing supply chain realities that could affect when consumers see these devices in stores or online portals, and hints that the consumer release may be more constrained than the business side.

    Rumors of a consumer rollout window and OLED options

    Previously, these consumer models were rumoured to be launching between July and September 2026. Moreover, Microsoft is expected to distinguish business and consumer verisons of Surface Laptop 8 with an optional OLED display in the latter’s favour. The consumer-grade Surface Laptop 8 may only be available as a 13.8-inch laptop, though. The potential OLED option signals an emphasis on display quality and premium credentials for non-business buyers, while the separate consumer line could preserve pricing and feature differentiation from business devices.


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  • HP Unveils 14-Inch Laptop with OLED, Snapdragon X2, 64GB RAM

    HP Unveils 14-Inch Laptop with OLED, Snapdragon X2, 64GB RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. HP has integrated Snapdragon X2 Plus and Snapdragon X2 Elite chips into the EliteBook 6 G2q.
    2. The EliteBook 6 G2q offers RAM configurations of 32 GB or 64 GB and storage options up to 2 TB PCIe Gen 5.
    3. The laptop features six display choices, with one option reaching up to 800 nits brightness and others supporting OLED and 120 Hz VRR.
    4. HP claims the EliteBook 6 G2q may provide up to 28 hours of battery life, pending independent reviews.
    5. HP will not replace the EliteBook G1q until July 2026, and pricing for the new models is yet to be announced.

    HP has integrated the Snapdragon X2 platform into its EliteBook lineup. More specifically, the Snapdragon X2 Plus and Snapdragon X2 Elite chips are featured in the EliteBook 6 G2q. Additionally, HP has broadened the EliteBook 6 series to include new variants powered by AMD and Intel.

    Specifications and Features

    When it comes to the EliteBook 6 G2q, HP provides configurations with either 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8533 or 64 GB of LPDDR5X-9600 RAM, based on the processor chosen. The new 14-inch laptop can also be customized with storage options of up to 1 TB of PCIe Gen 4 and 2 TB of PCIe Gen 5. For connectivity, Qualcomm’s Fast Connect C7700 modem supports Bluetooth 6 and Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, it comes equipped with an X72 5G modem and an NXP NPC400 NFC controller.

    Display Options and Battery Life

    HP says that the EliteBook 6 G2q will have six display choices, ranging from 1200p to 1600p. Regrettably, only one of these options surpasses 400 nits in SDR mode, peaking at 800 nits brightness. However, some displays will be OLED, while others will support a 120 Hz VRR refresh rate.

    According to HP, the EliteBook 6 G2q could offer up to 28 hours of battery life on a single charge. It’s wise to approach this battery claim with a dose of skepticism until we see independent reviews. HP has also stated that it will not officially replace the HP EliteBook G1q (currently priced at $910 on Amazon) until July 2026. Pricing for the various SKUs has yet to be confirmed by the company.

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  • Native Xbox App Launches on Snapdragon Laptops with Windows on ARM

    Native Xbox App Launches on Snapdragon Laptops with Windows on ARM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new Xbox app allows users on ARM-based Windows 11 devices to download and play Xbox PC games easily, with Xbox Cloud Gaming as an alternative for unsupported games.

    2. The updated Prism emulator enables x86 and x64 applications to run on ARM systems, supporting AVX and AVX2 instructions, and includes Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat for popular games.

    3. Windows Performance Fit is a new tool to help gamers predict game performance on their hardware, but high-end gaming is not expected on Snapdragon X laptops.

    4. The Xbox app launch includes the Game Save Sync Indicator for cloud save status and plans for Xbox Cloud Gaming on smart TVs by 2026.

    5. Recent updates expand Xbox Play Anywhere, the Handheld Compatibility Program, and add nine new titles to Cloud Gaming and the Retro Classics library, along with more games in the Game Pass catalogue.

    With the recent unveiling of the new Xbox app, users on ARM-based Windows 11 devices can now easily download and play games from the Xbox PC collection. If a game doesn’t support direct play or requires an emulation engine, Xbox Cloud Gaming offers a viable alternative. Microsoft has stated its commitment to collaborating with game studios and partners to increase compatibility.

    Technical Enhancements

    The backbone of this development is the revamped Prism emulator, which allows x86 and x64 applications to operate on ARM systems. A significant improvement for contemporary PC games is the inclusion of AVX and AVX2 instruction support. Additionally, Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat has been made available for Windows on ARM, enabling popular games such as Fortnite and Gears of War: Reloaded to be enjoyed on ARM-based computers.

    Gaming Performance Insights

    Windows Performance Fit is a new tool designed to assist gamers in predicting how well a game might perform on their specific hardware, although Microsoft hasn’t shared detailed performance figures. Especially on Snapdragon X laptops, gaming performance largely hinges on GPU specifications, yet users shouldn’t anticipate high-end gaming from these machines. Nevertheless, the increasing gaming support on ARM devices is setting the stage for future laptops that will be driven by the more advanced Snapdragon X2 chips.

    New Features and Updates

    With the launch of the Xbox app on ARM, Microsoft also rolled out the Game Save Sync Indicator, a feature that displays the current status of cloud saves on both desktops and portable devices. Furthermore, Xbox Cloud Gaming is expected to be available on select Hisense and V homeOS-based smart TVs by 2026. The January update broadens Xbox Play Anywhere, the Handheld Compatibility Program, and Cloud Gaming with nine additional titles, alongside expanding the Retro Classics library. In addition, more games will be added to the Game Pass catalogue this month.

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