Snapdragon X2 Elite vs Snapdragon X Elite: Here’s what’s new

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit 2025 unveiled the highly anticipated Snapdragon X2 Elite CPUs, ringing in the next-gen era of Windows PCs and the “world’s fastest NPU for laptops,” featuring a leap in AI processing power.

Set for release in the first half of 2026, the latest series of Qualcomm’s Arm-based processors already looks to deliver a massive jump in CPU performance, over double the GPU power, multi-day battery life, and, of course, a significant boost in all things AI.

That’s all compared to the original Snapdragon X Elite CPUs that kicked off the company’s venture in PCs, which is quite the statement to make, considering these CPUs can still be found in the best laptops on the market today. What’s more, even compared to its competition in Intel, AMD and Apple (and now even Nvidia), X2 Elite processors have a lot to show off.

There are a few Snapdragon X2 Elite features to look forward to, but how do these next-gen CPUs compare to their first-gen Snapdragon X Elite counterparts? We still need to do our own benchmark testing, but in the meantime, let’s dive in.

Snapdragon X2 Elite vs Snapdragon X Elite: CPU Performance

So far, Qualcomm has announced three new Snapdragon X2 Elite processors, which include the Elite Extreme model (which is just a way of saying this chip delivers peak performance compared to the rest). Just from the specs on paper, there is a clear uplift in power that can be seen from even the strongest Snapdragon X Elite CPU.

Here’s a look at the specs in the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme (X2E-96-100) and Snapdragon X2 Elite (X2E-88-100) compared to the Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-84-100).

From the number of CPU cores and max boost frequency to processor cache, there’s a clear major jump in specs, even without the “Extreme” moniker. As noted by Qualcomm, this translates to a 39% increase in single-core peak performance and a whopping 50% uplift in multi-core peak performance.

While we’ll have to wait and see how these improved specs perform in the next-gen Oryon CPU (based on a 3nm process), we can still gauge how much stronger it will be compared to a Windows laptop running a Snapdragon X Elite processor.

Taking a look at the Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100) in the Dell XPS 13 (2024), which achieved some of the highest scores when first benchmarking Snapdragon X Elite laptops, the gains here should be jaw-dropping.

With the X Elite scoring 2,797 single-core and 14,635 multi-core in Geekbench, the expected improvements Qualcomm claims should see the Snapdragon X2 Elite (at least the Extreme model) see scores skyrocket to 3,887 single-core and 21,952 multi-core. That’s nearly on par with the MacBook Pro with M4 Pro (3,910 and 22,822, respectively).

While the Snapdragon X Elite offered impressive performance at the time, even surpassing the likes of an M3 MacBook Air, the Snapdragon X2 Elite CPUs aim to deliver a next-gen leap in CPU power.

Snapdragon X2 Elite vs Snapdragon X Elite: GPU Performance

I’ve written about how the Snapdragon X2 Elite shows that Qualcomm is getting serious about PC gaming, and from the numbers the company boasts, this should prove to be true compared to the Snapdragon X Elite chips.

The upgraded Adreno GPU in the X2 Elite series brings a boost in frequency rates, which aims to bring up to 2.3x graphics power when playing the latest demanding PC games.

Interestingly, the Snapdragon X2 Elite processors also come with support for 5K resolution at 60Hz across three displays. The X Elite can only support dual 5K displays at 60Hz, or three screens with 4K resolution at 60Hz.

This makes the X2 Elite’s support for 4K (3840 x 2160) at 144Hz all the more impressive, and that’s a high bar for high-end gaming. Now, the question is whether the Snapdragon X2 Elite can deliver the boosted gaming performance. Here’s a look at the numbers Qualcomm claims the next-gen chips will offer in the latest games:

• GTA V: 1.6x
• Street Fighter 6: 1.8x
• Far Cry 6: 1.9x
• Dirt 5: 2.0x
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 2.0x
• Cyberpunk 2077: 2.1x
• Read Dead Redemption 2: 2.1x
• Black Myth Wukong: 2.1x
• Hitman World of Assassin: 2.2x

As I’ve previously noted, we tested Cyberpunk 2077 and GTA V when gaming on a Snapdragon X Elite laptop, with frame rates at 30 FPS and 57 FPS at around low-to-medium settings, respectively. From what Qualcomm states, we will see these games shoot up to 60 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at possibly higher settings, and close to 100 FPS in GTA V.

That’s exciting stuff, but we won’t know until we get some real-life testing done on upcoming laptops sporting Snapdragon X2 Elite processors.

Snapdragon X2 Elite vs Snapdragon X Elite: AI Performance

The Hexagon NPU continues to be one of Qualcomm’s biggest selling points, with the first wave of Snapdragon X Elite processors topping (no pun intended) at 45 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second). This component alleviates pressure from the CPU and GPU when put to work, leaving more space for the Oryon and Adreno units to work at maximum potential.

So, with the Snapdragon X2 Elite’s 80 TOPS, this should kick on-device AI processing (no need for the cloud) to an even higher gear. That makes it (currently) the most powerful NPU in laptops, nearly doubling what the Snapdragon X Elite processors can handle.

In fact, Qualcomm states we can see a 78% increase in peak NPU performance compared to the previous generation, and according to the Procyon AI Computer Vision benchmarks the company showed during the keynote, we can expect up to 5.7x faster AI processing than some of the strongest silicon on the market today.

Time will tell how much stronger the X2 Elite chips are over the first-gen X Elite processors, but considering the level-up in TOPS and the comparisons made with 2025’s lineup of silicon, we’re sure to see a worthwhile jump in AI performance.

Snapdragon X2 Elite vs Snapdragon X Elite: Features

As it turns out, there aren’t too many differences between the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X Elite processors when it comes to features, as these share Wi-Fi 7 and 5G connectivity (with the X2 series coming with Bluetooth 5.4). But there are still a few features worth noting.

As claimed, the Snapdragon X2 Elite will come with “multi-day” battery life. That’s a bold claim, but one that has some legs to stand on. The Dell XPS 13 with a Snapdragon X Elite is one of the best laptops for battery life at nearly 20 hours, which is only an hour away from the M4 Pro MacBook Pro at just under 21 hours.

With a multi-day battery, we’re hoping to see the chip’s power efficiency boost the longevity of Windows laptops by a significant margin — likely over the claimed 27 hours of battery life in the Dell Premium 16. Of course, it depends on the laptops that manufacturers develop, too.

Another interesting feature coming with X2 Elite chips is Snapdragon Guardian. This PC management tool allows users to locate, lock and wipe data from their device via a Snapdragon Guardian app. So, no matter where you are in the world, you just need a cellular connection to find your misplaced laptop, lock it from a remote location or wipe it clean before threat actors get to it if it’s stolen.

Even when these devices are “offline, powered down or unbootable,” the built-in cellular modems, 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity allow them to be managed at any point.

There are sure to be more features that will utilize the next-gen power of Snapdragon X2 Elite processors from third-party developers, but that isn’t to say the original Snapdragon X Elite CPUs won’t get the same treatment (they’re in the same family, after all).

For more on Qualcomm’s latest offerings, check out all you need to know about its next-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chip for smartphones.

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