Qualcomm has launched its newest Snapdragon X chipset in India, which brings AI-enhanced features to more budget-friendly laptops. This processor, part of the Snapdragon X series, is designed to power Copilot+ PCs that are priced below $600 (approximately Rs. 52,000).
Initially unveiled at CES 2025, this chipset complements its more advanced counterparts—the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus models—offering AI capabilities of up to 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
This launch signifies Qualcomm’s commitment to making AI-driven computing accessible in the budget laptop segment, thereby broadening the reach of advanced technological features.
Enhanced AI performance and hardware specifications
The Snapdragon X chipset, designated as the X1-26-100 model, is constructed on a 4nm architecture and incorporates eight Oryon CPU cores that can operate at speeds of up to 3GHz. For graphics-intensive applications, it is equipped with a Qualcomm Adreno GPU, which can achieve 1.7 tera floating-point operations per second (TFLOPS). This configuration supports up to three external 4K displays at 60Hz, making it ideal for multitasking and media playback.
A notable feature of this chipset is its dedicated Hexagon neural processing unit (NPU), which facilitates AI performance of up to 45 TOPS. This capability ensures seamless AI-driven functionalities, including Copilot+ features on Windows 11. Additionally, the chipset supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM with a bandwidth of 135GB/s and utilizes UFS 4.0 storage for expedited data retrieval.
Rapid connectivity and audio improvements
Connectivity is a significant aspect, with provisions for both 5G and Wi-Fi 7, guaranteeing high-speed internet connectivity. Qualcomm asserts that the chipset can achieve download speeds of up to 10Gbps. The addition of High-Band Simultaneous (HBS) Multi-Link support further optimizes wireless connectivity, minimizing latency during online activities.
Qualcomm has incorporated its Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite for audio, facilitating high-fidelity, lossless audio streaming. This advancement significantly enhances the experience for users of wireless headphones, making it particularly attractive to both music lovers and industry professionals.
In terms of battery life and AI camera capabilities, Qualcomm emphasizes the chipset’s efficiency, which is designed to support multi-day battery performance. This feature is essential for both professionals and students who require reliable, long-lasting functionality while on the move.
Regarding camera technology, the chipset adheres to the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI) standard and boasts AI-driven functionalities such as auto-framing, background blur, and facial recognition. These improvements are tailored to meet the demands of video conferencing, ensuring that visuals are clear and well-composed during online meetings.
The initial laptops equipped with the Snapdragon X chipset will include the Asus Zenbook A14 and Vivobook 16 Copilot+ PCs, with prices starting at Rs. 65,990. Qualcomm has also indicated that additional manufacturers will soon launch laptops featuring this processor, thereby broadening the choices available for AI-enhanced computing in the budget-friendly market.
