Qualcomm, the leading chipmaker for smartphones and tablets, has announced its new Snapdragon X platform for PCs, which is set to challenge Apple’s custom silicon chips. The Snapdragon X series is expected to launch in 2024, and will feature Qualcomm’s own Oryon CPU cores, based on the technology acquired from Nuvia, a company founded by former Apple chip designers.
What is Snapdragon X and why is it important?
Snapdragon X is the name of Qualcomm’s new line of chips designed specifically for Windows PCs. Unlike the previous Snapdragon Compute Platform tiers, which used modified versions of Arm’s Cortex cores, Snapdragon X will use Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU cores, which are claimed to offer “next-level performance” and “an inflection point for the PC industry”.
Qualcomm says that its Oryon CPU cores will deliver improved power efficiency, on-device AI processing, and 5G connectivity, making them ideal for lightweight laptops and hybrid devices. Snapdragon X will also support Windows 11 features such as DirectStorage, Auto HDR, and Android app compatibility.
Snapdragon X is important because it represents Qualcomm’s attempt to compete with Apple’s own custom silicon chips, which have been praised for their performance and battery life in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and iPad Pro. Apple’s M-series chips are based on its own Arm architecture license, which allows it to design its own CPU cores from the ground up. Qualcomm hopes to achieve a similar level of optimization and integration with its Snapdragon X platform.
How does Snapdragon X compare to Apple Silicon?
Qualcomm has not revealed the exact specifications or benchmarks of its Snapdragon X platform yet, but it has hinted that it will be able to rival or surpass Apple’s M-series chips in terms of performance and efficiency. Qualcomm’s president Cristiano Amon said that the company is “very confident” that its Oryon CPU cores will be “the best in the industry” and that Snapdragon X will be “the most advanced PC platform ever created”.
Qualcomm also claims that its Snapdragon X platform will have some advantages over Apple Silicon, such as 5G connectivity, which is not available on any Mac or iPad device yet. Qualcomm says that 5G will enable new use cases and experiences for PC users, such as cloud gaming, video streaming, and remote work. Qualcomm also says that its Snapdragon X platform will support a wider range of form factors and price points than Apple Silicon, which is currently limited to premium devices.
However, Qualcomm will also face some challenges in competing with Apple Silicon, such as software compatibility and developer support. While Apple has a loyal user base and a strong ecosystem of apps optimized for its M-series chips, Qualcomm will have to rely on Microsoft and third-party developers to ensure that Windows 11 and other applications run smoothly and efficiently on its Snapdragon X platform. Qualcomm will also have to convince PC makers and consumers that its Snapdragon X platform is worth the premium price tag that it will likely command.
When will Snapdragon X be available and what devices will use it?
Qualcomm has not announced a specific release date for its Snapdragon X platform yet, but it has said that it will launch in 2024. Qualcomm is expected to reveal more details about its Snapdragon X platform at its annual Snapdragon Summit event in December 2021.
Qualcomm has also not confirmed which PC makers or models will use its Snapdragon X platform yet, but it has said that it is working with several partners to bring Snapdragon X devices to the market. Some of the possible candidates include Lenovo, HP, Dell, Samsung, Asus, Acer, and Microsoft, which have previously used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Compute Platform chips in their laptops and tablets.
Qualcomm says that its Snapdragon X platform will support a variety of form factors and designs, such as clamshell laptops, convertibles, detachables, foldables, and dual-screen devices. Qualcomm also says that its Snapdragon X platform will enable new categories of devices that are not possible with traditional PC architectures.
