Qualcomm is known as one of the leaders in smartphone and other mobile device chip makers, but it also wants to conquer the PC market. The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips are designed for PC platforms, and they promise twice the performance of some of the most popular AMD and Intel 13th generation chips. Qualcomm also claims that Snapdragon X Elite chips are very efficient and can ensure several days of battery life.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite: what they are and how they work
Snapdragon X Elite is a new chip platform that uses Qualcomm Oryon CPU core, which is made using 4 nm technology and is compatible with Arm architecture. Qualcomm Oryon CPU is the first Qualcomm self-made CPU that is designed for PC platforms, and it is based on Nuvia company’s technology, which Qualcomm acquired in 2021. Oryon CPU is integrated with Qualcomm Adreno GPU, Qualcomm Hexagon DSP, Qualcomm Spectra ISP and Qualcomm Kryo AI engine, which form the Snapdragon X Elite platform.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite: what are their advantages
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips have several advantages that can make them competitive in the PC market. Some of them are:
- High performance and efficiency. Qualcomm claims that Snapdragon X Elite chips can achieve up to 50 teraflops of computing power and up to 15 TOPS of AI power, using only 35 W of energy. This means that Snapdragon X Elite chips can easily compete with AMD and Intel 13th generation chips, which use more energy and heat more.
- Long battery life and mobility. Qualcomm also claims that Snapdragon X Elite chips can ensure up to 36 hours of battery life and up to 30 days of standby time. This means that Snapdragon X Elite chips can be ideal for laptops and other mobile platforms, which require long battery life and low weight.
- Interaction with Arm architecture and Android operating system. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips align with the Arm architecture, a widely adopted system in both the mobile device and server markets. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips can also run with Android operating system, which is the most popular smartphone and tablet operating system. This means that Snapdragon X Elite chips can give users the opportunity to use the same operating system and applications on both their mobile devices and their PC.
What are their disadvantages
However, Snapdragon X Elite chips also have their drawbacks, which may limit their popularity and usage. Some of them are:
- Compatibility and support issues. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips are a new and unusual platform in the PC market, and they may face compatibility and support issues with existing PC software and hardware. For example, some Windows applications may not work or work worse with Snapdragon X Elite chips, than with AMD or Intel chips. Also, some PC manufacturers may not participate in Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite program, and they may not want to create PC with Snapdragon X Elite chips.
- Price and competition issues. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips are more expensive than some AMD and Intel chips, and they may be inaccessible to some users and markets. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips also face strong competition from AMD and Intel, who constantly improve their chips and offer more choice and features. For example, AMD and Intel have already introduced their 14th generation chips, which are even more powerful and efficient than their 13th generation chips.
Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite: what is their future and prospects
Snapdragon X Elite chips are a bold and ambitious step by Qualcomm, which wants to establish itself in the PC market and change the PC usage and experience. Qualcomm designed Snapdragon X Elite chips for users seeking a fast, efficient, and mobile PC capable of running the Android operating system and applications. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips can also be useful for those teachers and students who want to use PC as a learning tool, using Obrio platform and other learning applications.
However, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips also have to overcome many challenges and obstacles to become a popular and successful platform. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips must prove their performance and efficiency, address compatibility and support issues, reduce their cost, and compete with AMD and Intel, who are strong and reliable players in the PC market. Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chips also need to attract more PC manufacturers and consumers interested in trying out a new and different PC platform.
