Qualcomm has launched four SKUs for the Snapdragon X lineup, with three belonging to the Elite tier and one to the Plus tier. The leading Snapdragon X Elite processor (X1E-84-100) provides a dual-core boost up to 4.2GHz, while the SD X Plus offers clock speeds up to 3.4GHz. All processors in the SD X series feature the same Hexagon NPU, delivering 45 TOPS. Let’s Compare The Snapdragon X Plus vs Snapdragon X Elite
Qualcomm has revealed the complete range of Snapdragon X series processors. The lineup consists of four distinct chipsets, comprising three from the Elite tier and one from the Plus tier. In this piece, we delve into the nomenclature of Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors. Additionally, we elucidate disparities between the versions, benchmark performances, and other details. With that said, let’s dive in.
Snapdragon X Series Naming Scheme
The Snapdragon X Series comprises four processors across two SoC platforms: Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus. Snapdragon X Elite offers three SKUs, while Snapdragon X Plus has one SKU:
Snapdragon X Elite:
- Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-84-100)
- Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100)
- Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78-100)
Snapdragon X Plus:
- Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64-100)
Now, let’s decipher the naming convention. The product number X1E-84-100 follows this pattern: ‘X’ signifies it’s from the Snapdragon X series; ‘1’ indicates the generation (Qualcomm’s first Oryon-based PC chipset); ‘E’ denotes Elite, and ‘P’ denotes Plus; ‘84‘ represents the unique SKU for each processor; finally, ‘100’ indicates the variant, consistent across all processors.
Each SKU primarily differs in CPU clock speed. While there’s bound to be variance in power consumption among these processors, Qualcomm hasn’t officially provided TDP (Thermal Design Power) figures.
Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus Processors Explained
Now that we’ve grasped the naming convention, let’s delve into the distinct SKUs and discern their discrepancies. However, before we proceed, it’s essential to note the commonalities across all chipsets. Each of the four processors, spanning the Elite and Plus tiers, features the same Hexagon NPU, providing performance of up to 45 TOPS.
Furthermore, all four processors boast support for LPDDR5x memory and PCIe 4.0/UFS 4.0 storage. Additionally, the memory bandwidth remains consistent at 135 GBps across all chipsets. Unlike Apple, Qualcomm has maintained uniform memory/storage speeds across different-tier chipsets, which is commendable. Lastly, Elite tier chipsets feature 12 CPU cores, while the Plus tier chipset has 10 CPU cores.
Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-84-100)
Now, let’s explore the distinctions. Snapdragon X Elite comprises three processors, all equipped with 12 Oryon CPU cores. The flagship processor, X1E-84-100, boasts 12 CPU cores and a total of 42MB of system-level cache. It can turbocharge dual cores up to 4.2GHz, with a maximum multithreaded frequency of 3.8GHz.
This marks the highest CPU frequency available on any consumer ARM64 processor, surpassing even Apple’s 4.05GHz clock speed on the M3 lineup. Regarding its Adreno GPU, it can deliver performance of up to 4.6 TFLOPs, while the NPU can achieve up to 45 TOPS.
Thus far, there haven’t been any leaks indicating laptops utilizing this particular processor, aside from Qualcomm’s reference device. It’s plausible that this top-tier chipset comes with a higher TDP, leading OEMs to opt for other SKUs to manage thermals. Alternatively, it’s possible that laptop manufacturers will unveil premium Windows laptops featuring this flagship processor post-mid-2024. Stay tuned for official announcements.
Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100)
Moving on to the second-most potent chipset in the Snapdragon X Elite lineup, the X1E-80-100 processor maintains the same 12 CPU cores and 42MB of cache as its predecessor. However, there’s a slight reduction in frequency. It can turbocharge dual cores up to 4.0GHz, with a maximum multithreaded frequency capped at 3.4GHz. Compared to the X1E-84-100, there’s a decrease of 400MHz to 200MHz in top clock speeds.
The Adreno GPU exhibits slightly lower performance, capable of delivering up to 3.8 TFLOPs (in contrast to 4.6 TFLOPs on the top variant). Nevertheless, the NPU retains its prowess, capable of handling up to 45 TOPS.
Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78-100)
Turning our attention to the third-most potent and final processor in the Snapdragon X Elite lineup, the X1E-78-100 processor boasts 12 CPU cores and is equipped with 42MB of cache. Unlike its predecessors, it doesn’t offer dual-core boost, and the maximum multithreaded frequency is set at 3.4GHz. While the maximum frequency matches that of the second variant, turbo boost capability is absent.
Despite these differences, both the Adreno GPU and the NPU maintain their performance, delivering 3.8 TFLOPs and 45 TOPS, respectively.
Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64-100)
Concluding our exploration, we arrive at the Snapdragon X Plus chipset, which comprises a solitary SKU. The X1P-64-100 processor is characterized by 10 CPU cores, differing from the 12 cores found in the Elite tier chipsets. Despite this variance, it shares similarities with its closest Elite tier counterpart, the X1E-78-100. Like the latter, it lacks dual-core boost and features a maximum multithreaded frequency of 3.4GHz. The primary distinction lies in the CPU core count between the Plus variant and its nearest Elite counterpart.
Its Adreno GPU boasts performance of up to 3.8 TFLOPs, while the NPU can handle operations of up to 45 TOPS. In terms of leaks, this specific processor has been spotted in Microsoft’s upcoming Surface Pro 10 laptop.
Read Also: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Full Comparison
Snapdragon X Series Processor Differences
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the differences between various Snapdragon X series SKUs:
| Snapdragon X Series | Variant | CPU Cores | Total Cache | Max Frequency | Dual Core Boost | Adreno GPU (TFLOPs) | Hexagon NPU (TOPS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon X Elite | X1E-84-100 | 12 | 42 MB | 3.8 GHz | 4.2 GHz | 4.6 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Elite | X1E-80-100 | 12 | 42 MB | 3.4 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 3.8 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Elite | X1E-78-100 | 12 | 42 MB | 3.4 GHz | NA | 3.8 | 45 |
| Snapdragon X Plus | X1P-64-100 | 10 | 42 MB | 3.4 GHz | NA | 3.8 | 45 |
Snapdragon X Elite vs Snapdragon X Plus: Benchmark Scores
Below is the table of official benchmark scores shared by Qualcomm for both Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chipsets. It’s assumed that the Snapdragon X Elite scores are from the top variant, X1E-84-100. These scores cover benchmarks such as Geekbench, Cinebench, PCMark, 3DMark, and more.
| App/Service | Snapdragon X Elite (12-core) | Snapdragon X Plus (10-core) |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-core | 2850-2900 | 2400-2425 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-core | 15.1k-15.4k | 12.8k-13.1k |
| Cinebench 2024 Single-core | 126-128 | 107-109 |
| Cinebench 2024 Multi-core | 1140-1200 | 825-845 |
| Speedometer 2.1 (Chrome Beta) | 460-500 | 410-430 |
| JetStream 2.1 (Chrome Beta) | 330-340 | 280-290 |
| UL Procyon (AI Inference) | 1750-1800 | 1750-1800 |
| PCMark 10 | 13.5k-14.1k | 12.5k – 12.8k |
| UL Procyon (Office Productivity) | 6500-6900 | 5700-5900 |
| Blender (CPU) | 430-470 | 340-360 |
| 3DMark Wild Life Extreme | 41.9-44 FPS | 37.1-38.5 FPS |
In the below image, we have plotted the benchmark scores between Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus.
Here’s a comparison using Geekbench between different versions of Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and Apple’s M3 and M2 chips. We’ve also included some leaked Geekbench scores from different laptop brands.
| Device/Service | Single-core | Multi-core |
|---|---|---|
| Qualcomm CRD Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-84-100) | 2936 | 15440 |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100) | 2785 | 13925 |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-80-100) | 2745 | 13970 |
| Lenovo Snapdragon-edition Laptop Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-78-100) | 2429 | 14079 |
| Qualcomm Official Score Snapdragon X Plus (X1P-64-100) | 2425 | 13100 |
| Apple M3 Base (8-core) | 2997 | 11617 |
| Apple M3 Pro (12-core) | 3040 | 15307 |
| Apple M2 Pro (12-core) | 2661 | 14634 |
This revolves around Snapdragon X series processors, encompassing both Elite and Plus-tier chipsets. From the benchmark scores, it appears that Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU core lags slightly behind Apple’s high-performance core in the M3. Even with a frequency boost to 4.2 GHz, it falls short of the Apple M3 in the single-core test, where Apple’s cores are clocked up to 4.05 GHz.
Indeed, in the multi-core test, Snapdragon X Plus does outperform the Apple M3, albeit by a narrow margin. They seem quite evenly matched overall. Personally, I’m intrigued by the Snapdragon X Plus, especially considering its affordability and superior performance compared to the base Apple M3 in multi-threaded tasks, thanks to its higher 10 CPU cores.
What are your thoughts on the Snapdragon X series lineup for Windows PCs? Let us know in the comments below.
