What to know
- Qualcomm plans to launch a budget-friendly Snapdragon X chip for Windows laptops priced around $600.
- The new chip keeps advanced AI processing abilities found in expensive models.
- The company expects to power over 100 laptop models with Snapdragon X chips by 2026.
Qualcomm has revealed its plans on Investor Day to bring Snapdragon X processors to cheaper Windows laptops, with prices starting at around $600. This new chip joins the existing lineup, which includes the high-end X Elite for $1,000 laptops and the mid-range X Plus for $800 devices.
The upcoming entry-level chip will pack the same AI processing power as its expensive siblings, ensuring that even affordable laptops can run Windows 11's AI features smoothly. This means budget laptops will support Microsoft's Copilot+ PC features without compromise.
Looking ahead, Qualcomm sees a bright future in the PC market. The company predicts that by 2029, nearly half of all PCs will use processors like their Snapdragon X series instead of traditional x86 chips. This shift could bring Qualcomm $4 billion in revenue from PC chips alone.
Qualcomm claims their current Snapdragon X Elite chip already beats the newest Intel and AMD processors in both speed and power efficiency. This is noteworthy since Intel uses advanced manufacturing technology for their chips. The success of this new affordable chip could help Qualcomm gain more trust in the Windows laptop market.
Qualcomm hasn't officially announced when you'll see the new entry-level Snapdragon X chip in laptops. While the company has revealed its plans for this budget-friendly processor, they're keeping the exact launch timeline under wraps.
