Qualcomm is poised to shake up the laptop market with the introduction of more affordable Snapdragon X-powered laptops, as companies gear up for the IFA trade show in Berlin next month. According to recent leaks, these new devices will offer powerful performance at a lower price point, making advanced computing more accessible to a broader audience.
New Snapdragon X Plus Processor to Power Budget-Friendly Laptops
The most significant development comes from a reliable leaker, Evan Blass, who revealed that Qualcomm will introduce an 8-core version of the Snapdragon X Plus processor at IFA. This new chip, a slightly scaled-down version of the regular 10-core X Plus, will power the upcoming CoPilot+ laptops, which are expected to start at around $800. This is a notable reduction from the current entry-level Snapdragon X laptop, the Microsoft Surface Laptop, which retails for $999.
Key Specifications and Features
The 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor is designed to balance performance and cost. It will feature a 3.4GHz single-core boost and a 3.2GHz multi-core boost, offering robust computing capabilities for everyday tasks and more demanding applications. While the core count and clock speeds are slightly reduced compared to the full X Plus chip, the new version will still deliver impressive performance.
In terms of graphics, the chip will include a trimmed-down Adreno GPU with 1.7 TFLOPS, compared to the 3.8 TFLOPS found in the full X Plus version. Additionally, the processor will support LPDDR5X RAM with a total cache of 30MB, a slight decrease from the 42MB on the higher-end models. Users can also connect up to three external monitors at UHD resolution and 60Hz, although this is a step down from the 4K 120Hz support available in more premium models.
Despite these reductions, the new Snapdragon X Plus chip will retain many of the advanced features found in its more expensive counterparts. These include the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU with 45 TOPS for AI processing, the Always-Sensing ISP for improved camera functionality, and support for Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity.
Expanding the Snapdragon X Series
The Snapdragon X series has been developed to compete directly with Apple’s ARM-based M-Series processors, which have set a high bar in terms of performance and energy efficiency. Qualcomm’s lineup includes four different processors, with three X Elite models and one X Plus model at the lower end. The X Plus, in particular, is seen as a crucial player in bringing high-performance computing to a more affordable segment of the market.
For desktop users, Qualcomm is also expected to introduce Snapdragon X Elite-based computers. The X Elite processors, which are currently focused on laptops, could deliver even better performance in desktop systems due to enhanced cooling capabilities.
A Competitive Edge in the Laptop Market
As Qualcomm continues to refine its Snapdragon X series, the introduction of more affordable models could significantly impact the laptop market. By offering powerful, energy-efficient processors at lower prices, Qualcomm is positioning itself to compete more aggressively against other ARM-based solutions, particularly those from Apple.
With these new developments, Qualcomm is not only expanding its reach in the laptop market but also making advanced computing technology more accessible. The upcoming Snapdragon X Plus-powered laptops are expected to be unveiled at IFA Berlin, with availability likely to follow soon after.
The introduction of cheaper Snapdragon X laptops is a strategic move by Qualcomm to broaden its market appeal. By offering a balance between performance and affordability, these new devices could attract a wider range of consumers looking for advanced computing capabilities without the premium price tag. As the market awaits the official unveiling at IFA Berlin, these developments are sure to generate significant interest and set the stage for a more competitive laptop landscape.
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VIA: Gsmarena