At CES in Las Vegas, Qualcomm unveiled its entry into the mini desktop PC market with the launch of its new Snapdragon processor. This move positions Qualcomm to directly compete with Apple’s Mac Mini, offering an alternative powered by Windows 11 and ARM architecture.
ARM architecture, which is widely used in mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, is known for its energy efficiency and compact design. Qualcomm has leveraged this technology to create processors that deliver excellent performance for everyday tasks, enabling the production of smaller, more portable computers without compromising on power.
Snapdragon 
According to Qualcomm, the Snapdragon is the smallest member of a family that also includes the Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite.
This particular variant stands out due to its compact size, while the higher-end models like the X Plus and X Elite offer more advanced features. Another significant difference lies in the graphics capabilities. While the Snapdragon variant offers solid performance for everyday tasks, the X Plus and X Elite models are equipped with more powerful graphics for demanding applications and tasks.
The Snapdragon X is more than capable of delivering outstanding performance for everyday use. It can effortlessly handle artificial intelligence tasks with its 45 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) and supports up to three 4K displays at 60Hz. Additionally, its memory can handle up to eight LPDDR5X-8448 channels with a bandwidth of 135 GB/s, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance.
When it comes to performance and battery efficiency, Qualcomm proudly compares the Snapdragon X to the Intel Core 120U. According to the graphics provided by Qualcomm, the Snapdragon X outperforms its competitor by 163% in single-core tasks and by 157% in multi-core tasks, all while consuming the same amount of energy.
Regarding the battery, Qualcomm claims that with its processor, we will achieve 106% longer duration watching Netflix, 90% in Teams video calls, 35% in local video playback, or 59% while browsing.
A processor designed for Mini-PCs and laptops of 600 euros
At CES, Lenovo unveiled two mini PCs powered by the Snapdragon processor: the ThinkCentre neo 50q and the IdeaCentre Mini x. The ThinkCentre neo 50q is designed for small and medium-sized businesses, while the IdeaCentre Mini x targets creatives and home users. Both models are notable for their compact form factor, energy efficiency, and advanced connectivity features, including support for Wi-Fi 7.
This move by Qualcomm directly challenges Apple’s dominance in the mini PC market, particularly its Mac mini equipped with the M-series processors. The introduction of the Snapdragon X processor provides a new option for Windows 11 users seeking powerful yet compact and energy-efficient devices.
Additionally, Qualcomm has shared plans to further expand the Snapdragon lineup, signaling its commitment to competing in the growing mini PC space.
