Qualcomm says its new Snapdragon chips are 'the fastest and most efficient' for Windows PCs

Qualcomm has unveiled its new Snapdragon X Series chips for Windows 11 laptops, touting them as the "fastest and most efficient" processors for PCs. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip is designed for "ultra-premium" laptops, targeting professionals who handle complex workloads like data analytics, media editing, and scientific research. Qualcomm claims this chip can run up to 75% faster than competitors and features the company's fastest NPU for AI-powered experiences. The Snapdragon X2 Elite chips, available in 18-core and 12-core variants, are also positioned as high-performance processors, boasting up to 31% faster performance and 43% lower power consumption compared to the previous generation. These chips are aimed at users who don't require the most intensive workloads but still desire AI-enabled capabilities. The first laptops powered by the new Snapdragon X2 Elite processors are expected to hit the market in the first half of 2026, further expanding Qualcomm's presence in the Windows PC ecosystem.