Qualcomm has announced its latest premium processors for Windows Copilot+ PCs — the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and Snapdragon X2 Elite. Built on a 3nm process, these chips are designed to deliver higher efficiency, advanced AI performance, and improved connectivity. They are also optimized for thin and light laptop designs.
The X2 Elite Extreme targets ultra-premium PCs and professional workloads. This includes AI-driven content creation, media editing, data analytics, and scientific research. It features the 3rd-generation Qualcomm Oryon CPU with Prime and Performance cores, hardware matrix acceleration, and an ultra-low latency cache. These features provide smooth multitasking, faster browsing, and excellent performance in high-end content creation.
The Adreno GPU has been upgraded to offer better visuals, higher frame rates, and improved power efficiency. AI performance comes from the 80 TOPS Qualcomm Hexagon NPU, which can run large language models and on-device AI agents. Security is strengthened through Qualcomm SPU, Microsoft Pluton, and Snapdragon Guardian Technology, which provide device protection and secure remote management.
The Snapdragon X2 Elite is designed for premium performance in thin and light laptops. It supports multitasking, productivity, and entertainment while offering sustained performance even on battery.
The 80 TOPS Hexagon NPU powers AI workflows for Copilot+ applications. Connectivity is provided by the Qualcomm X75 5G Modem-RF System and FastConnect 7800, which supports Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6/6E, and Bluetooth 5.4 LE audio. Imaging capabilities are handled by the Qualcomm Spectra ISP, supporting high-resolution cameras, HDR, and 10-bit color for clear video calls and media capture.
| Feature | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Snapdragon X2 Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Target Devices | Ultra-premium PCs, professional workloads | Premium thin & light laptops, productivity & entertainment |
| CPU | 3rd Gen Qualcomm Oryon, 18 cores (12 Prime + 6 Performance), Max 5.0 GHz (Prime) | 3rd Gen Qualcomm Oryon, 12 cores (6 Prime + 6 Performance), Max 4.7 GHz (Prime) |
| Cache | 53 MB total | 34–53 MB total |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno, Max 1.85 GHz | Qualcomm Adreno, Max 1.70 GHz |
| Graphics APIs | DirectX 12.2 Ultimate, Vulkan 1.4, OpenCL 3.0 | DirectX 12.2 Ultimate, Vulkan 1.4, OpenCL 3.0 |
| External Display Support | Up to 3x 4K 144 Hz or 5K 60 Hz | Up to 3x 4K 144 Hz or 5K 60 Hz |
| AI / NPU | Hexagon NPU 80 TOPS, dual Micro NPUs | Hexagon NPU 80 TOPS, dual Micro NPUs |
| Memory | LPDDR5x, 128+ GB, 228 GB/s | LPDDR5x, 128+ GB, 152 GB/s |
| Storage | NVMe PCIe 5.0, UFS 4.0 | NVMe PCIe 5.0, UFS 4.0 |
| Camera & Imaging | Spectra ISP, dual 18-bit, up to 36 MP, 4K video | Spectra ISP, dual 18-bit, up to 36 MP, 4K video |
| 5G & Connectivity | Qualcomm X75 Modem-RF, Wi-Fi 7/6/6E, Bluetooth 5.4 | Qualcomm X75 Modem-RF, Wi-Fi 7/6/6E, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| USB / PCIe Lanes | USB4 40 Gbps, 3x USB-C, PCIe lanes: 12 | USB4 40 Gbps, 3x USB-C, PCIe lanes: 8–4 |
| Security | Qualcomm SPU, Microsoft Pluton, Snapdragon Guardian | Qualcomm SPU, Microsoft Pluton, Snapdragon Guardian |
| Audio | Qualcomm Aqstic, aptX | Qualcomm Aqstic, aptX |
| Max Frequency (Multi-core) | 4.4 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Release Timeline | First half of 2026 | First half of 2026 |
Availability
Laptops and PCs powered by Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and X2 Elite are expected to arrive in the first half of 2026. These processors aim to set a new benchmark in AI performance, graphics, and connectivity for premium and ultra-premium Windows laptops.
