The market is seeing a rise in Copilot+ laptops powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-Plus and X-Elite processors, which allow for AI operations without cloud reliance. At CES 2025, Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X series, targeting mid-range devices and mini-PCs. The Snapdragon X Elite excels in high-performance tasks, while the X Plus focuses on energy efficiency. New AI capabilities enable local processing of applications, enhancing user experience without cloud dependence.
The market is witnessing an influx of Copilot+ laptops, predominantly powered by Snapdragon X-Plus and X-Elite processors. We’ve previously highlighted the benefits of these systems, particularly their ability to operate with AI without needing cloud connectivity.
Qualcomm has provided the X-series chips, previously distinguished as ‘X Elite’ and ‘X Plus’, primarily for laptop manufacturers. At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the tech giant unveiled a new series of processors positioned in the mid-range category, simply named Snapdragon X. This new addition promises to bring exciting features to consumers.
Despite the potentially confusing naming conventions, this latest generation of processors offers significant advantages. Notably, for the first time, Qualcomm and its partners are introducing mini-PCs equipped with Snapdragon CPUs.
Understanding Snapdragon X Elite and Plus
The Snapdragon X Elite is designed for users seeking peak performance, making it ideal for professional applications, creative endeavors, or demanding computational tasks. These processors are engineered for speed, providing the highest computing power within the X series, and are typically found in high-end laptops.
Conversely, the Snapdragon X Plus is tailored for devices prioritizing energy efficiency, focusing on extended battery life and compact design. This processor offers adequate performance while being more power-efficient than its counterparts, generating less heat. This makes it an excellent choice for sleek, lightweight laptops or devices intended to operate silently without a fan.
While the Snapdragon X Elite is aimed at high-performance scenarios, the Snapdragon X Plus excels in less intensive tasks where battery longevity is paramount. The following table outlines the primary distinctions between the Snapdragon X CPUs.
Introducing Snapdragon X at CES 2025: A New Mid-Range Option for Mini-PCs
Joining the Elite and Plus is the newly launched Snapdragon X. As indicated in the table above, aside from the NPU (Neural Processing Unit), which mirrors the capabilities of the Elite and Plus series at 45 TOPS, this new chipset is positioned lower on the performance scale within the Snapdragon family. Qualcomm envisions this new Snapdragon X chipset, produced with a 4-nanometer process, as suitable for mid-range laptops priced around $600.
For the first time, Qualcomm chips will also power new mini-PCs designed for desktop use. It’s noteworthy that the graphics unit (Adreno GPU) can support up to three UHD displays at 60 Hertz. Lenovo has already revealed such budget-friendly mini-PCs at CES, and we had the opportunity to explore them.
Whether it’s a mini-PC, tablet, or mid-range laptop, devices powered by Snapdragon X chips can leverage numerous AI functionalities locally, securely, and independently. During CES, we witnessed a demonstration showcasing the capabilities of the new CPU generation using the Moises app.
This innovative app allows users to manipulate individual audio tracks in songs or movies separately. For example, in a film, users can isolate the dialogue, eliminating sound effects. Previously, such features required cloud access, but demonstrations showed these tasks being performed entirely locally, thanks to Qualcomm’s integrated NPU.
Windows 11 on Snapdragon now natively supports over 50 AI applications that utilize the NPU. These include popular VPNs, well-known security applications, cloud storage solutions, and more, alongside the Moises app. Qualcomm reports that the development of native applications has tripled in 2024. Stay tuned for more updates from CES.
Note: Part of the team attended CES as guests of Qualcomm, with travel and accommodation expenses covered. This did not influence our reporting. For details on how we manage such invitations, please visit our transparency pages.