Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: Benchmark Results Reveal Impressive CPU Gains
Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme SoC, marking a significant step forward for Windows on Arm devices. Promising up to 75% higher CPU performance and a 2.3x boost in performance per watt, the new processor has generated considerable interest in the tech community. Now, independent benchmarks are providing a clearer picture of how the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme stacks up against the competition.
Independent Benchmarks Validate Qualcomm’s Performance Claims
Recent testing by ComputerBase, a respected German hardware review outlet, has shed light on the real-world capabilities of the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. In both Cinebench 2024 and Geekbench 6.3 multicore benchmarks, Qualcomm’s latest SoC outperformed Apple’s flagship M4 Pro chip, achieving scores of 1,964 and 23,693 points, respectively. These results confirm Qualcomm’s claims of significant CPU performance improvements.
Single-core performance, however, presents a more nuanced picture. The Apple M4 Pro led by 7% in the Cinebench 2024 single-core test, while the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme edged ahead by 7% in Geekbench 6.5 single-core results. This suggests that while Qualcomm’s new chip is highly competitive, performance can vary depending on the specific workload and benchmark used.
AI and NPU Performance: Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme Sets a New Standard
One of the standout features of the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is its Neural Processing Unit (NPU). With an 80 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) NPU, the chip delivered exceptional results, outperforming the Intel Core Ultra 9 288V in the ASUS Zenbook S 14 by 128%. This positions Qualcomm’s latest SoC as a leader in AI and machine learning tasks on Windows devices.
GPU Performance: Apple Still Holds the Lead
While the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme excels in CPU and NPU benchmarks, its integrated GPU performance lags behind Apple’s M4 Pro. In 3DMark Steel Nomad Light Unlimited and 3DMark Solar Bay Unlimited tests, the Snapdragon scored 5,687 and 22,946 points, respectively. Although this places it 37-40% ahead of the Apple M4 10-Core iGPU, it remains 37-46% behind the M4 Pro in these GPU benchmarks.
These results highlight a key area where Qualcomm still trails Apple, particularly for users interested in graphics-intensive applications and gaming. It’s also important to note that many Windows applications and games on Arm devices still rely on translation layers, which can impact real-world performance.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Windows on Arm
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme demonstrates Qualcomm’s growing expertise in high-performance Arm-based processors for Windows devices. With industry-leading CPU and NPU performance, the new SoC is a compelling option for productivity and AI workloads. While GPU performance still lags behind Apple’s top-tier silicon, the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme represents a significant leap forward for Windows on Arm hardware, setting the stage for more competitive devices in the near future.
