Qualcomm has officially unveiled a much-anticipated development at the IFA 2024 event in Berlin, Germany: a new processor designed specifically for budget-friendly ARM-based Windows laptops.
While ARM-based Windows laptops have been available for some time, many of these models have been priced out of reach for the average consumer, leaving the affordable segment largely neglected.
This is about to change with the introduction of the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus Elite processor, which is set to power more accessible, lower-cost laptops, making ARM-based Windows devices more attainable for a broader range of users.
The processor used in the most affordable Windows 11 ARM laptops has already been presented.
IFA 2024 was set to be a significant event for Windows on ARM, and it delivered on that promise. Yesterday, HP unveiled its new premium model, the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 2-in-1. While this device comes with a hefty price tag, it also boasts top-of-the-line features catering to high-end users.
Today, Qualcomm took the stage to introduce its new chip designed for more budget-friendly laptops, the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus. This processor is an interesting addition, as it’s a variant of the previously released Snapdragon X Plus, which featured 10 cores.
Previously, Qualcomm had launched its Snapdragon X series processors for Windows on ARM, including the 10-core X Plus and the 12-core X Elite. The new 8-core X Plus targets a lower price point while still maintaining the 45 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) performance of its high-end counterparts.
Laptops featuring this new processor are expected to start at around 800 euros, though final pricing will vary depending on the additional hardware specifications. Now that the chip is officially launched, major manufacturers are expected to begin integrating it into their upcoming devices.
Features of the new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus
Given that most laptops with ARM processors start at around 999 euros, the introduction of a more affordable and streamlined variant is a smart move for users who want to explore this new generation of computers without breaking the bank.
To hit the 800 euro price point, Qualcomm had to make some compromises in the new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus. Compared to its 10-core sibling, this version features a less powerful GPU and a CPU with a lower clock speed.
Specifically, there are two variants: one with a 1.7 TFLOPS GPU and another slightly more powerful version with a 2.1 TFLOPS GPU, which will be available starting in 2025. For comparison, the 10-core Snapdragon X Plus boasts a 3.8 TFLOPS GPU.
Despite these reductions in power, Qualcomm asserts that this processor still offers solid performance, surpassing alternatives like Intel’s Core Ultra 5 125U and AMD’s Ryzen 8460W, particularly in single- and multi-core benchmarks. This makes it a viable option for users looking for capable, budget-friendly ARM-based laptops.
