If you are using Android phone, chances are it runs on a Snapdragon processor. However, this is not the only place where you will find it. This year, Qualcomm, the San Diego-based Snapdragon chip maker, took its processors to a whole new level: AI– laptops with power supply.
On May 20, 2024, Microsoft presented the first laptops in its segment. new line of PCs Copilot+all of them are equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X series chips. This was Qualcomm’s first significant entry into the laptop market, so the success of the Copilot+ computers was critical.
Qualcomm had big plans for laptop processors, especially flagship ones. Snapdragon X Elite chip.
As a Qualcomm representative said: Notebook magazine“The launch marked a turning point for Qualcomm as we ushered in a new era of AI-enabled PCs. Copilot+ PC devices powered by Snapdragon X Elite exceed expectations, delivering the high performance per watt and long battery life that consumers demand.”
How Snapdragon X chips have improved AI computing this year
At first glance, you might wonder why Microsoft took the risk of releasing an entirely new series of laptops while working with a chipmaker that is relatively new to the laptop market. However, Qualcomm coped with this task. In fact, Snapdragon-powered laptops have had some clear advantages since their launch.
Firstly, Microsoft Copilot+ PC line was the largest collection of artificially intelligent computers ever released when it debuted in June. The Snapdragon X chips that power these laptops were designed specifically with AI in mind, resulting in better overall AI performance compared to older models. Windows 11 laptops.
“One of the most revolutionary user experiences enabled by Snapdragon X Elite processors is their ability to handle generative AI workloads on-device,” says a Qualcomm spokesperson. Notebook magazine. “For example, when devices are disconnected from the network, our competitors’ performance drops by 30-45%, but Snapdragon does not see a drop.”
This balance of processing power and battery efficiency has also resulted in impressive battery life for Snapdragon-powered laptops. Despite some variations, most Copilot+ computers Notebook magazine tested this year, lasted 13 hours or more in our battery life test.
For example, Dell XPS 13 lasted a staggering 19 hours! What’s even more impressive is that the Qualcomm-based processor Lenovo ThinkPad T14s 6th generation broke our battery life recordoutperforming every other laptop we’ve reviewed to date, with a battery life of 21 hours and 3 minutes.
These battery life results provide strong evidence that Qualcomm’s claims about the energy efficiency of its Snapdragon chips are real. Even if you’re not terribly interested in the AI features on Snapdragon-powered laptops, that level of battery life alone could seal the deal for potential laptop buyers. This is enough to potentially win over people who might not otherwise consider trying an AI computer.
And if you are If you are an AI enthusiast or want to run AI applications on your laptop, Snapdragon can also be the best platform for that. “Unlike other processors, Snapdragon X Elite features an integrated AI engine capable of over 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), allowing them to seamlessly solve complex AI problems,” a Qualcomm spokesperson said. Notebook magazine,
With top-notch performance to run virtually any custom AI application, and battery life bordering on 24 hours, this first generation of Snapdragon-powered laptops has set the bar high. Can the next generation go even further?
Will Qualcomm be able to outpace its competitors in 2025?
Given the overall success of the Copilot+ PC line this year, many are intrigued to see what Qualcomm will offer next. On the one hand, the company will likely seek to continue the innovation achieved in 2024. However, Qualcomm will also need to tap into a wider range of users, many of whom still don’t understand what an “AI PC” is or why they need it. one.
A Qualcomm representative attempted to clarify the issue by saying that Notebook magazine“AI computer” refers to the integration of generative AI tools that act as real-time assistants to enhance productivity, creativity, and efficiency. Devices with Copilot+ capabilities go beyond traditional computing to deliver smarter, more personalized experiences that can keep up with the times. AI”.
They also added, “Regardless of how each user perceives and uses AI in their daily work, we believe that AI-enabled PCs herald the future of computing, where AI will become an intuitive and essential part of everyday workflows.”
The message is clear: AI computers are not just for AI enthusiasts and developers. No matter what you use your laptop for, AI can help, and soon every new Windows 11 laptop will be an AI computer.
Qualcomm is aiming high as the AI PC market grows, and it’s a must-have if it wants to stay ahead Intel And AMD. This competition is also good for users because it will help get innovation off the ground.
A Qualcomm spokesperson gave us a few hints about what they’re planning in 2025 and beyond, saying: Notebook magazine“You can expect faster performance, deeper integration with edge computing, and continued innovation in battery efficiency and connectivity. Future AI tools will improve productivity with enhanced search capabilities, improved photo resolution, smarter conferencing features, and advanced graphic design capabilities.” “
These new features and tools sound great, but Intel and AMD are working on their own AI innovations. We’ll just have to wait and see if Qualcomm has what it takes to rule the AI-powered PC market or if it’s just the rookie of the year.
If you’re an AI enthusiast to an average AI tinkerer (or just looking for some of the extra features offered on a Windows PC, Copilot+ or Apple Intelligence on Mac computers), then you need a powerful and productive laptop that can meet your needs.
IN Notebook magazineWe review laptops all year round to ensure we give you up-to-date, expert-backed advice on which laptop is right for you. When it comes to best computer with artificial intelligence category, our top pick is excellent Asus Zenbuk S 14 (UX5406) for Windows users and impressive Apple MacBook Air M3 for those using macOS.
So, if you’re shopping for a new laptop and want to invest in an AI-powered computer (or just a great laptop in general), check out our current top picks below.
We love the MacBook Air 13 M3. The Air is a laptop we can recommend for almost any purpose. Its price starts at just $1,099 (MSRP) and the educational price drops to $999 (MSRP). It’s affordable, especially by Apple standards, and has an excellent keyboard, fantastic performance, and outstanding endurance (more than 15 hours of battery life), making it a great laptop for just about anyone, especially those who want to master all the latest Apple Intelligence features.
The Asus Zenbook S 14 (UX5406) has quickly become our favorite AI laptop of the year, offering all the features of a great buy, including exceptional performance and battery life. This laptop is one of the first to feature Intel Core Ultra 200 V series processor, and for just $1,499 MSRP, you get a fantastic balance of power, a stunning 14-inch OLED display, seamless multitasking, increased NPU performance for AI tasks, and all the extra Copilot+ features available in Windows 11.