Apple recently unveiled the Apple M5 and launched a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip. And last month, Qualcomm also unveiled Snapdragon X2 Elite, its high-end chip for premium performance laptops. These are the two biggest silicon pieces right now and promise major leaps in performance and efficiency. So, let’s break down the comparison between them.
Apple M5
The Apple M5 is built on TSMC’s 3nm process, which allows for high efficiency and performance. It has a 10-core CPU: 4 high-performance cores and 6 efficiency cores. This setup balances raw power with energy savings and makes it ideal for both heavy tasks and long battery life.
The chip also features a 10-core GPU, optimized for graphics rendering, video editing, gaming, and machine learning tasks. Additionally, the M5 includes Apple’s Neural Engine, which enhances AI and ML workloads such as image processing, predictive typing, and other intelligent features across macOS and iPadOS.
Key Architecture Features:
- CPU: 10-core (4 high-performance + 6 efficiency cores)
- GPU: 10-core Apple GPU
- Neural Engine: Accelerates AI/ML tasks
- Process: 3nm TSMC N3P
- Focus: Single-core performance, macOS/iPadOS optimization, energy efficiency
Snapdragon X2 Elite
The Snapdragon X2 Elite is Qualcomm’s top-tier chip, also built on TSMC’s 3nm process. It has an 18-core CPU, including 12 high-performance “Prime” cores and 6 efficiency cores. This makes it extremely powerful for multi-threaded workloads like video rendering, data analytics, and heavy multitasking.
The GPU is designed for high-end graphics and gaming. Qualcomm also integrates a Hexagon NPU, capable of up to 80 TOPS, making it very strong in AI and ML workloads. This SoC is aimed at Windows-based laptops and devices that require advanced AI, gaming, and productivity performance.
Key Architecture Features:
- CPU: 18-core (12 Prime + 6 efficiency cores)
- GPU: High-end graphics for gaming and rendering
- NPU: Hexagon, 80 TOPS for AI/ML
- Process: 3nm TSMC N3
- Focus: Multi-core performance, AI workloads, high-end laptops
Here’s a single, detailed specs comparison table for Apple M5 vs Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme in your style:
| Feature | Apple M5 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Apple | Qualcomm |
| Release Date | October 15, 2025 | September 25, 2025 |
| Target Device | Laptop (MacBook Pro) | Laptop (Premium Windows laptops) |
| CPU Architecture | ARMv9 | ARMv9 |
| Total CPU Cores | 10 (4P + 6E) | 18 (12 Prime + 6 Perf) |
| Total Threads | 10 | 18 |
| P-Core Base Frequency | 4.61 GHz | 4.4 GHz |
| P-Core Turbo Frequency | N/A | 5 GHz |
| E-Core Frequency | N/A | N/A |
| L1 Cache | 320 KB per core | N/A |
| L2 Cache | 16 MB shared | N/A |
| Fabrication Process | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| Transistors | 28 billion | N/A |
| TDP | N/A | 96 W |
| Socket | Apple M-Socket | Custom |
| Peak Temperature | 100°C | N/A |
| Integrated GPU | Apple M5 10-core | Adreno X2-90 |
| GPU Base Clock | N/A | 500 MHz |
| GPU Boost Clock | 2240 MHz | 1850 MHz |
| Shading Units | 1280 | 1536 |
| TMUs | 80 | 96 |
| ROPs | 40 | 48 |
| Execution Units | 160 | 6 |
| GPU FLOPS | 5.7 TFLOPS | 5.7 TFLOPS |
| Neural Engine / NPU | 16-core Neural Engine | Hexagon NPU (80 TOPS) |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5X up to 32 GB, 153 GB/s | LPDDR5X up to 128 GB, 228 GB/s |
| ECC Support | No | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Optional 5G |
Benchmark scores comparison:
Geekbench Benchmark results for the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme reveal a single-core score of approximately 4,080 and a multi-core score of 23,491. Apple M5 beats Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme in single-core performance with a score of 4,263. This makes it extremely responsive for everyday tasks, gaming, and applications optimized for Apple’s ecosystem.
However, Snapdragon X2 Elite dominates multi-core performance. So, it is better for parallel processing tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and AI workloads.
Geekbench Benchmarks
Here are the Geekbench 6 scores for both chips:
| Benchmark Type | Apple M5 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Core | 4,263 | 4,080 |
| Multi-Core | 17,862 | 23,491 |
We also have Cinebench R23 benchmark numbers. This also shows Apple M5 leads in single-core while Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme in multi-core.
Cinebench R23 Benchmarks
| Benchmark Type | Apple M5 | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Core | 2,399 | 2,020 |
| Multi-Core | 15,577 | 24,082 |
Apple M5 is excellent for macOS and iPadOS users. It delivers smooth app performance, fast gaming, and efficient video editing. The Neural Engine enhances AI features in apps like Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and AI-driven utilities.
Snapdragon X2 Elite is perfect for Windows-based laptops or devices that need heavy multi-core performance and advanced AI capabilities. It is ideal for content creators, gamers, and AI developers.
Both the Apple M5 and Snapdragon X2 Elite are top-tier chips with their own strengths. Apple M5 is best for single-core tasks, macOS optimization, and energy efficiency. On the other hand, Snapdragon X2 Elite is better for multi-core tasks, AI/ML workloads, and Windows-based productivity. Choosing between them depends on your ecosystem preference and the kind of tasks you do. If you want energy-efficient laptops with exceptional single-core speed, Apple M5 is the choice. If you need extreme multi-core performance and AI processing, Snapdragon X2 Elite is unbeatable.
