Snapdragon X Elite Challenges Apple M3: A New Era for Windows Laptops?
Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X Elite chip is making waves in the tech world, promising to bring Apple Silicon-level performance to Windows laptops. But how does it really stack up against Apple's M3? Let's dive into the benchmarks and real-world performance to find out.
Performance Benchmarks
Geekbench 6
- Single-core: Snapdragon X Elite (2,753) vs Apple M3 (3,021)
- Multi-core: Snapdragon X Elite (14,151) vs Apple M3 (11,566)
The Snapdragon X Elite shows impressive multi-core performance, outpacing the M3 by a significant margin. However, Apple maintains an edge in single-core tasks.
CineBench
- Single-core: Snapdragon X Elite (1,738) vs Apple M3 (1,892)
- Multi-core: Snapdragon X Elite (13,487) vs Apple M3 (10,394)
Again, we see the Snapdragon X Elite excelling in multi-core performance, suggesting better capabilities for tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
3D Mark WildLife Extreme
- Snapdragon X Elite: 6,260
- Apple M3: 8,284
Apple's M3 takes the lead in GPU performance, indicating superior graphics capabilities for gaming and other GPU-intensive tasks.
Real-World Performance
Gaming
Apple M3 consistently achieves higher average frames per second across tested games, offering a smoother gaming experience compared to the Snapdragon X Elite.
Battery Life
The Snapdragon X Elite shows promising battery efficiency, with test results coming close to the renowned battery life of Apple Silicon devices. In one test, an Asus Vivobook S15 with the Snapdragon X Elite lasted 10 hours and 26 minutes under light load, compared to 11 hours and 18 minutes for the MacBook Air M3.
The Bigger Picture
While the Snapdragon X Elite doesn't definitively outperform the Apple M3 across the board, it represents a significant leap forward for Windows laptops. Its strong multi-core performance and excellent battery life make it a compelling option for users who need sustained performance for demanding tasks.
However, it's worth noting that both Intel and AMD are preparing to launch their next-generation chips, which could further intensify competition in the high-performance laptop market.
Conclusion
The Snapdragon X Elite marks the beginning of a new era for Windows laptops, finally offering performance that can compete with Apple Silicon. While it may not be a clear winner in every category, its strong showing in multi-core performance and battery life make it a worthy contender in the high-performance laptop space.
As the AI PC era dawns, with features like Microsoft's Copilot becoming increasingly important, the Snapdragon X Elite's AI capabilities could give it an edge in certain use cases. However, with Intel and AMD poised to release their next-gen chips, the competition is far from over.
For Windows users seeking Apple Silicon-like performance and efficiency, the Snapdragon X Elite offers a promising new option. As always, the best choice will depend on individual needs and use cases.