Qualcomm transforms the AI ​​PC market in 2024 with Snapdragon X Elite. Can we do it again?

If you have an Android smartphone, there’s a good chance it’s running on a Snapdragon processor. However, that’s not the only place you’ll find it. This year, San Diego-based Snapdragon chipmaker Qualcomm took its CPUs to a whole new level: AI-powered laptops.

On May 20, 2024, Microsoft announced the first laptop in its new Copilot+ PC line. All of these are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-series chips. The success of Copilot+ PC was critical because it was Qualcomm’s first significant entry into the laptop market.

Qualcomm had big plans for laptop processors, especially its flagship Snapdragon X Elite chip.

A Qualcomm spokesperson told Laptop Mag: “This announcement was a pivotal moment for Qualcomm as it announced a new era of AI-enabled PCs. Copilot+ PC devices powered by Snapdragon , exceeded expectations in delivering high performance per watt and long hours.”Battery life is a top requirement for consumers. ”

How Snapdragon X chips supercharged AI PCs this year

At first glance, you might wonder why Microsoft would risk working with a chipmaker relatively new to the laptop market to launch an entirely new series of laptops. But Qualcomm rose to the challenge. In fact, Snapdragon-powered laptops have had some clear advantages since their inception.

First, Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC lineup was the largest collection of AI PCs ever launched when it was announced in June. The Snapdragon X chips at the heart of these laptops are designed specifically with AI in mind, delivering improved overall AI performance compared to older Windows 11 laptops.

“One of the most innovative user experiences enabled by Snapdragon X Elite processors is the ability to process generated AI workloads on the device,” a Qualcomm representative tells Laptop Mag. “For example, when a device is not connected, our competitors’ performance drops by 30-45%, whereas Snapdragon’s performance does not.”

The balance between processing power and battery efficiency also gives Snapdragon-powered laptops excellent battery life scores. Although there are a few outliers, most Copilot+ PC Laptop Mags tested this year lasted more than 13 hours in our battery life tests.

For example, the Dell XPS 13 lasted an impressive 19 hours. Even more impressive, it broke the battery life record for the Qualcomm-powered Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, beating the battery life of other laptops we’ve reviewed by 21 hours and 3 minutes.

These battery life results simply prove that Qualcomm’s claims about the power efficiency of Snapdragon chips are genuine. Even if you aren’t all that interested in the AI ​​features of a Snapdragon-powered laptop, this level of battery life alone is enough to seal the deal for prospective laptop buyers. This is enough to potentially attract people who might not otherwise have thought to try an AI PC.

Also, if you are an AI enthusiast or want to run AI apps on your laptop, Snapdragon could be the platform for you. “Unlike any other processor, Snapdragon a spokesperson told Laptop Mag.

This first-generation Snapdragon-powered laptop sets the bar high with top performance and nearly 24-hour battery life to run almost any consumer AI app. Can the next generation be even more advanced?

Will Qualcomm be able to stay ahead of its rivals in 2025?

Given the overall success of this year’s Copilot+ PC lineup, many are curious to see what Qualcomm has to offer next. On the other hand, Qualcomm will probably aim to continue the innovation achieved in 2024. But Qualcomm also needs to connect with more users. Many users are still unsure of what exactly an “AI PC” is or why they need one. One.

A Qualcomm spokesperson tried to clear up the issue, telling Laptop Mag, “‘AI PC’ refers to the integration of generative AI tools that act as real-time assistants to increase productivity, creativity, and efficiency. “Devices with Copilot+ capabilities go beyond traditional capabilities.” Computing enables smarter, more personalized experiences that can keep up with AI. ”

“Regardless of how each user embraces and uses AI on a daily basis, the AI ​​PC represents a future of computing where AI becomes an intuitive and integral part of everyday workflows.” We believe that,” he added.

The message is clear. AI PCs aren’t just for AI enthusiasts and developers. No matter what you use your laptop for, AI can help, and soon all new Windows 11 laptops will be AI PCs.

Qualcomm is aiming high as the AI ​​PC market grows, and this is a necessary outlook if it wants to stay ahead of Intel and AMD. This kind of competition is also good for users because it helps change the direction of innovation.

A Qualcomm spokesperson gave a few hints about what’s to come in 2025 and beyond, telling Laptop Mag, “high performance, deeper integration with edge computing, and continued innovation in battery efficiency and connectivity. You can expect future AI tools to improve your productivity with advanced search capabilities, enhanced photo resolution, smarter conferencing capabilities, and cutting-edge graphic design capabilities.”

While these new features and tools sound great, Intel and AMD are working on their own AI innovations. We’ll have to wait and see if Qualcomm has what it takes to dominate the AI ​​PC market, or if it’s just this year’s new kid on the block.

Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or an average AI tinkerer (or just looking for the extra features offered through Apple Intelligence on Windows Copilot+ PCs and Macs), you’ll need a powerful tool to keep up with the latest trends. You need a high-performance laptop. We respond at a speed that suits your needs.

At Laptop Mag, we review laptops throughout the year to ensure we have the most up-to-date, expert-backed recommendations on which notebook is right for you. When it comes to the best AI PC category, top picks include the excellent Asus Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) ​​for Windows users and the impressive Apple Macbook Air M3 for those running macOS.

So if you’re in the market for a new laptop and are considering investing in an AI PC (or a good laptop in general), check out our current top picks below.