When Qualcomm released the X series of processors, its most recent series of ARM processors for Windows laptops, our entire Digit team got excited as we believed we had finally found something that is close to Apple Silicon.
But when we received our first Snapdragon laptop to review, we received a laptop which is powered by X Plus rather than the flagship X Elite, and we had so many questions.
Also read: Computex 2024: Hands-on with Snapdragon X Elite AI PC laptops from Acer, Lenovo, Samsung, Microsoft
While we started digging, we came up with the 3 key differences which you must know if you are planning to buy an ARM-powered Windows laptop.
But before that, let’s take a look at the overview of some basic differences between Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite:
| Feature | Snapdragon X Plus | Snapdragon X Elite |
| Core Count | 8 or 10 cores (varies by model) | 12 cores |
| Clock Speed | Up to 3.4 GHz | Up to 3.8 GHz (boost up to 4.3 GHz) |
| Cache | 30MB (8-core) or 42MB (10-core) | 42MB (all models) |
| Memory Bandwidth | 135 GB/s | 136 GB/s |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Up to three 4K displays (60Hz) | Dual 5K or three 4K displays |
| Process Node | 4nm | 4nm |
Now, let’s take a look at the 3 key differences between Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus.
1. Core count and clock speed
The Snapdragon X Plus comes in two configurations: an 8-core variant with clock speeds up to 3.4 GHz and a 10-core variant with the same maximum clock speed. These cores are based on Qualcomm’s Oryon architecture, designed for efficiency and moderate performance.
In contrast, the Snapdragon X Elite features 12 high-performance cores capable of reaching up to 3.8 GHz, with a boost clock of 4.3 GHz for single- and dual-core tasks. This makes the X Elite significantly more powerful for multitasking and demanding workloads like video editing or AI-driven applications.
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2. Cache differences
Cache size plays a crucial role in performance, especially for memory-intensive tasks. The Snapdragon X Elite has a consistent 42MB system-level cache, which includes 36MB L2 cache and 6MB L3 cache, across all its models. This ensures smooth performance during complex workloads. The Snapdragon X Plus, however, varies by model:
- The 10-core variants (X1P-64-100, X1P-66-100) also feature a 42MB cache, similar to the X Elite.
- The 8-core variants (X1P-42-100, X1P-46-100) have a reduced cache of 30MB, with no L3 cache included.
This difference in cache architecture means that while the higher-end X Plus models perform closer to the X Elite, the lower-end models may struggle with tasks requiring frequent data access.
3. Memory bandwidth and multi-monitor support
Both processors support LPDDR5x memory with a bandwidth of up to 135 GB/s (X Plus) and slightly higher at 136 GB/s (X Elite). This ensures fast data transfer rates for multitasking and AI workloads.
When it comes to display support, the Snapdragon X Plus can handle up to three external 4K displays at 60Hz or an internal display at 120Hz with HDR10 support. The Snapdragon X Elite goes further by supporting configurations like dual 5K displays at 60Hz, making it ideal for professionals who need high-resolution multi-monitor setups for content creation or productivity.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus and X Elite processors cater to different user needs. The X Plus offers flexibility with its varied configurations, making it suitable for mainstream devices. Meanwhile, the X Elite delivers top-tier performance with consistent specifications across all models, targeting professionals and power users who demand high performance in multitasking and creative workflows.
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Sagar Sharma
A software engineer who happens to love testing computers and sometimes they crash. While reviving his crashed system, you can find him reading literature, manga, or watering plants. View Full Profile
