Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite - Specs Revealed
10/22/2023
Snapdragon X Elite: Qualcomm’s Answer to Apple’s M-Series
Qualcomm, the leading manufacturer of mobile processors, has recently announced its new flagship chipset for PCs: the Snapdragon X Elite. This is the company’s first PC SoC to feature its custom Oryon cores, which are designed to rival Apple’s M-series chips in terms of performance and efficiency. The Snapdragon X Elite promises to deliver up to 2x faster CPU and GPU performance than x86 processors, while consuming only one-third of the power. It also boasts generative AI models with over 13 billion parameters on-device, which can enhance productivity, creativity, and entertainment.
What are the specs of the Snapdragon X Elite?
The Snapdragon X Elite is based on a 4nm architecture, which allows for higher performance and lower power consumption. The CPU consists of 12 high-performance Oryon cores, clocked at up to 3.8 GHz, with a dual-core boost of up to 4.3 GHz. The CPU also has 42 MB of total cache and supports LPDDR5x memory with up to 136 GB/s bandwidth. According to Qualcomm, the CPU can deliver 50% better multi-thread performance than ARM-based competitors.
The GPU is an unnamed Adreno model, which can achieve up to 4.6 TFLOPs of computing power. The GPU supports DirectX 12 and can drive up to three 4K or two 5K external displays. The GPU also supports HDR10 for enhanced color and contrast.
The NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is a Hexagon model that can deliver up to 45 TOPS of computing performance. The NPU can handle various AI tasks, such as voice recognition, natural language processing, image processing, and more.
The ISP, or Image Signal Processor, is a Spectra model that can support up to four cameras with up to 64 MP resolution each. The ISP can also perform advanced image processing, such as noise reduction, HDR, face detection, and more.
The SoC also features a 5G modem that can support both sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands, as well as Wi-Fi 7 for fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The SoC also supports Thunderbolt 4 for high-speed data transfer and peripheral connectivity.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Qualcomm Oryon CPU 64-bit Architecture 12 cores, up to 3.8 GHz Single and Dual-Core Boost, up to 4.3 GHz |
| GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU Up to 4.6 TFLOPs API Support: DX12 |
| Memory | Memory Type: LPDDR5x Transfer rate: 8533 MT/s Capacity: Up to 64 GB Bandwidth: 136 GB/s Bit Width: 16-bit Number of Channels: 8 |
| Storage | SD: SD v3.0 SSD/NVMe Interface: NVMe SSD over PCIe Gen 4 UFS: UFS 4.0 |
| Display | Display Processing Unit (DPU) Name: Qualcomm Adreno DPU Max. On-Device Display Resolution: eDP v1.4b, up to UHD120 HDR10 Max. External Display Resolution: DP v1.4 – 3 displays, up to UHD60 HDR10, 2 displays 5K60 |
| VPU | Video Processing Unit (VPU) Name: Qualcomm Adreno VPU Encode: 4K60 10-bit encode – H.264, HEVC (H.265), AV1 Decode: 4K120 10-bit decode – H.264, HEVC (H.265), VP9, AV1 Concurrency: 4K60 decode – H.264, HEVC (H.265), VP9, AV1 / 2x 4K30 encode – H.264, HEVC (H.265), AV1 |
| Camera | Image Signal Processor Name: Qualcomm Spectra ISP Dual 18-bit ISPs Always-sensing ISP Dual Camera: 2x 36 MP Single Camera: Up to 64 MP Video Capture: 4K HDR |
| Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth System: Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 System Generations: Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 6 Standards: 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a Spectral Bands: 6 GHz, 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz Spatial Streams: Up to 4 Peak QAM: 4K QAM Features: Passpoint, 8×8 Sounding, TDLS, Wi-Fi QoS Management, Wi-Fi Optimized Connectivity, Wi-Fi Location, OFDMA (UL/DL), Miracast, Target Wake Time, Voice-Enterprise, MU-MIMO (UL/DL), Multi-Link Operation (MLO), High-band Simultaneous (HBS) Bluetooth Specification Version: Bluetooth 5.4 Bluetooth Connection Technology: Bluetooth LE M.2. Interface: WiFi M.2. card over PCIe Gen 3 |
| USB | USB Specification Version: USB 4.0 Interface Type: 3x USB-C 3x USB4, 2x USB3.2 Gen2, 1x eUSB2 |
Qualcomm Oryon CPU
Qualcomm Oryon is the name of the custom CPU core that will power the next generation of Snapdragon platforms for various devices, such as PCs, smartphones, digital cockpits, and more. Oryon is based on the Arm architecture, but it is designed by Qualcomm to offer a quantum leap in performance and power efficiency. Oryon will also enable new user experiences with generative AI, thanks to the integration of a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU).
Qualcomm Oryon is expected to debut in 2024, starting with the PC segment. Qualcomm has announced a new naming convention for its PC platforms: the Snapdragon X Series. The Snapdragon X Series will feature different tiers of capabilities, from mainstream to premium, and will sport a new logo and badge design. The Snapdragon X Series will compete with Intel and AMD in the PC market, as well as Apple’s M1 and M2 chips that use Arm-based custom cores.
Qualcomm Oryon is not only a CPU, but also a system-on-chip (SoC) that integrates other components, such as a GPU, a modem, a DSP, and a PMIC. Qualcomm claims that Oryon will deliver superior performance per watt, connectivity, and battery life than its rivals. Oryon will also support Windows on Arm, Android, and other operating systems that run on Arm-based devices.
Qualcomm Oryon is the result of Qualcomm’s acquisition of Nuvia, a startup founded by former Apple engineers who worked on the A-series chips for iPhones and iPads. Nuvia was developing its own custom Arm cores for servers and data centers, but Qualcomm decided to use its technology for its Snapdragon platforms instead. Qualcomm paid $1.4 billion for Nuvia in 2021.
Qualcomm Oryon is one of the most anticipated products from Qualcomm in 2024. It represents a major shift in Qualcomm’s computing roadmap and ambitions. It also shows how Arm is becoming more dominant in the computing industry, as more companies are adopting or developing their own custom Arm cores for various applications. Qualcomm Oryon could be a game-changer for Qualcomm and its customers. We will learn more about it at the Snapdragon Summit later this month.
How does the Snapdragon X Elite compare to Apple’s M-series?
Apple’s M-series chips are widely regarded as the best mobile processors in the market, thanks to their impressive performance and efficiency. The latest M1X chip, which powers the new MacBook Pro models, has a CPU with eight high-performance cores and two efficiency cores, clocked at up to 3.2 GHz. The CPU also has a large unified cache of 32 MB and supports LPDDR5 memory with up to 200 GB/s bandwidth. The GPU has 32 cores and can deliver up to 10.4 TFLOPs of computing power. The GPU also supports Metal and can drive up to two 6K external displays. The NPU has 16 cores and can deliver up to 54 TOPS of computing performance.
Based on these specs, it seems that the Snapdragon X Elite has a slight edge over the M1X in terms of CPU core count and frequency, but falls behind in terms of cache size and memory bandwidth. The GPU of the Snapdragon X Elite is also slightly weaker than the GPU of the M1X in terms of computing power and display support. The NPU of the Snapdragon X Elite is comparable to the NPU of the M1X in terms of computing performance.
However, specs are not everything when it comes to real-world performance. There are many other factors that affect how well a processor performs in different scenarios, such as software optimization, thermal management, battery life, and more. Therefore, it is not possible to declare a clear winner between the Snapdragon X Elite and the M1X without testing them in actual devices and applications.
When will the Snapdragon X Elite be available?
Qualcomm plans to unveil the Snapdragon X Elite at the Snapdragon Summit 2023, which will take place in December this year. The company expects to launch the first devices powered by the Snapdragon X Elite in mid-2024. Some of the potential partners that may adopt the Snapdragon X Elite include Samsung, Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Microsoft.
The Snapdragon X Elite is Qualcomm’s most ambitious attempt to challenge Apple’s dominance in the PC market with its own custom ARM-based chips. The Snapdragon X Elite promises to offer a combination of high performance, low power consumption, advanced AI capabilities, and seamless connectivity for PC users. However, it remains to be seen how well the Snapdragon X Elite will perform in real-world conditions and how it will compete with Apple’s M-series chips.
Snapdragon powered Gaming Handhelds
If you are a gaming enthusiast, you might be wondering what are the best gaming devices of 2023. Whether you prefer handheld, mobile, or VR gaming, there is a device for you. In this blog post, we will review five of the most popular and powerful gaming devices of this year: the Razer Edge WiFi Gaming Tablet, the Pimax Portal Handheld Game Console, the AYN Odin Pro, the ASUS ROG Phone 6 Cell Phone, and the Meta Quest 3. Let’s take a look at each of them and see what they have to offer.
Razer Edge WiFi Gaming Tablet
The Razer Edge is a gaming tablet that runs on Android and features a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2,880 by 1,080 pixels and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. It is powered by the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 platform, which is designed for high-performance gaming and has an active cooling fan. The Razer Edge also comes with a detachable controller that has microswitch buttons, analog triggers, programmable macros, and haptic feedback. The Razer Edge can play millions of Android games, as well as stream games from Xbox Game Pass and GeForce NOW. It also supports Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and has a battery life of up to 10 hours.
The Razer Edge is ideal for gamers who want a portable and versatile device that can handle any game. It has a sleek design, a stunning display, and a powerful processor. It also has a rich accessory ecosystem, such as the Portal XL dock that turns it into a big-screen PC gaming system, and the Portal Dock that enables 6DOF tracking for VR gaming. The Razer Edge is available in three variants: the Portal (8+128 GB) for $369, the Portal (8+256 GB) for $399, and the Portal QLED (8+256 GB) for $549.
Pimax Portal Handheld Game Console
The Pimax Portal is a handheld game console that also doubles as a VR headset. It has a 4K LCD screen with a resolution of 3,840 by 2,160 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It also uses the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform, which is optimized for VR and AR applications. The Pimax Portal has two cameras on the front that enable external tracking for VR and compatible Android games. It also has two magnetic controllers that can be attached to the device or used wirelessly. The Pimax Portal can play Android games in 4K resolution, as well as VR games from SteamVR and Oculus platforms. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and has a battery life of up to 8 hours.
The Pimax Portal is perfect for gamers who want to experience both handheld and VR gaming in one device. It has an impressive screen, a fast processor, and an innovative tracking system. It also has a unique accessory called the View Headset, which transforms the device into a VR headset with an additional battery pack. The Pimax Portal is available in four variants: the Portal Retro (8+128 GB) for $299, the Portal (8+128 GB) for $369, the Portal (8+256 GB) for $399, and the Portal QLED (8+256 GB) for $549.
AYN Odin Pro
The AYN Odin Pro is a handheld game console that runs on Android and Windows dual-boot mode. It has a 6-inch IPS touch screen with a resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. It is powered by the Snapdragon SD845 CPU and the Adreno 630 GPU, with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The AYN Odin Pro also has two analog sticks, four shoulder buttons, six face buttons, and two speakers. The AYN Odin Pro can play Android games in full HD resolution, as well as Windows games from Steam and other platforms. It also supports Wi-Fi 5 connectivity and has a battery life of up to 6 hours.
The AYN Odin Pro is ideal for gamers who want to enjoy both Android and Windows games on a handheld device. It has a compact design, a sharp display, and a powerful processor. It also has customizable key mapping and direct touch features that enhance the gaming experience. The AYN Odin Pro is available for $399 on Indiegogo.
ASUS ROG Phone 6 Cell Phone
The ASUS ROG Phone 6 is a gaming smartphone that runs on Android 13. It has a 6.78-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2,448 by 1,080 pixels and a refresh rate of 165 Hz. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 platform, which is the most advanced mobile platform for gaming and has a clock speed of up to 3.2 GHz. The ASUS ROG Phone 6 also has a GameCool 6 thermal system that ensures sustained performance and a 6000 mAh battery that supports fast charging. The ASUS ROG Phone 6 can play any Android game with high graphics and frame rates, as well as stream games from cloud gaming services.
Snapdragon powered VR Headsets
Meta Quest 3 VR Headset
Virtual reality (VR) is one of the most exciting and immersive technologies of our time. It allows us to experience different worlds, play games, watch movies, socialize, and more. However, not all VR headsets are created equal. Some are bulky, expensive, or have limited content. That’s why Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook, has created the Meta Quest 3: the ultimate VR headset that combines high performance, comfort, and affordability.