Microsoft Claims Upcoming Snapdragon Laptops Will Outpace Entry-Level MacBook Air
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Microsoft claims upcoming Windows laptops with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X Elite chip will be faster than the M3 MacBook Air for tasks like CPU performance and app emulation.
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The Snapdragon X Elite uses Arm architecture like Apple's M-series chips. Qualcomm previously said it achieves 21% better multi-core CPU performance than the M3.
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However, Microsoft is comparing to the lower-end M3 rather than M3 Pro/Max. Apple also optimizes performance given its control of hardware and software.
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Still, it shows progress of Arm-based Windows laptops. Microsoft plans to announce Snapdragon X Elite laptops like the Surface Pro 10 on May 20.
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There are caveats like the Elite likely running hotter than the fanless M2 Air and not matching the industry-leading performance-per-watt of Apple silicon.