Qualcomm is intensifying its assault on the traditional x86 laptop market, unveiling new benchmark data that positions its upcoming Snapdragon X2 Plus processors as formidable challengers to AMD and Intel. As the tech world converges on CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the chipmaker is making a bold case that its Arm-based architecture can deliver not just superior battery life, but also raw performance and AI capabilities that outpace current mobile rivals. This announcement signals a pivotal moment in the quest for a viable Windows-on-Arm ecosystem, promising a three-way battle for the heart of your next laptop.
Qualcomm's Performance Claims Set a High Bar
Qualcomm has shared detailed benchmark results with media outlets, presenting a compelling narrative of performance leadership. The company claims its 10-core Snapdragon X2 Plus (model X2P-64-100) can deliver up to 3.1 times higher multi-core CPU performance than competing AMD and Intel processors when operating at the same power level. In single-threaded workloads, which dominate many everyday tasks, Qualcomm reports an even more dramatic 3.5 times better efficiency, with peak Geekbench 6.5 scores coming in 28 percent higher than those of AMD's Ryzen AI 7 350 and Intel's Core Ultra 7 chips. These figures, if borne out in independent testing, suggest a significant leap in the power-performance curve that has long been a challenge for mobile computing.
Snapdragon X2 Plus Key Specifications & Claims
- Models: 10-core (X2P-64-100) and 6-core (X2P-42-100)
- Max Boost Frequency: 4.0 GHz
- Claimed Performance vs. Rivals (10-core model):
- Up to 3.1x higher multi-core CPU performance at same power.
- Up to 3.5x better single-core efficiency.
- 28% higher peak Geekbench 6.5 single-core score vs. AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 & Intel Core Ultra 7.
- Claimed Improvement vs. Snapdragon X Elite (10-core model):
- CPU: Up to 35% higher single-core, 17% higher multi-core.
- GPU: 29% better performance.
- NPU: 78% increase in performance.
- AI Benchmark Claims (10-core model):
- Geekbench AI: ~6x the score of Intel Core Ultra 7 265U.
- Procyon Computer Vision: ~6.4x the score of Intel reference system.
- Features: Supports 3x 4K displays, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4.
A Generational Leap Over Its Own Predecessors
The new X2 Plus isn't just aimed at competitors; it also represents a substantial upgrade over Qualcomm's own first-generation Snapdragon X Elite chips. According to the company, the 10-core X2 Plus offers up to a 35 percent improvement in single-core CPU performance and a 17 percent boost in multi-core performance compared to the X Elite. Perhaps more striking are the gains in specialized silicon: a 29 percent improvement in GPU performance and a massive 78 percent increase in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) performance. These improvements highlight Qualcomm's focus on accelerating not just general computing but also graphics and the AI workloads that are becoming central to the modern PC experience.
AI Performance Takes Center Stage
Artificial intelligence is a cornerstone of Qualcomm's strategy, and the X2 Plus's NPU is positioned as a key differentiator. In the Geekbench AI benchmark, Qualcomm reports the X2 Plus NPU scored 83,624 points—a figure it characterizes as roughly six times the performance of Intel's Core Ultra 7 265U in the same test. The lead was even more pronounced in UL's Procyon Computer Vision benchmark, where the X2 Plus is said to have scored nearly 6.4 times higher than the Intel reference system. Notably, Qualcomm indicated that the Ryzen AI 7 350 configuration did not produce a valid result in this Procyon test, leaving a gap in the direct AMD comparison for this specific AI workload.
Specifications and Market Positioning
The Snapdragon X2 Plus family is designed for the mid-range to premium notebook segment, complementing the higher-end X2 Elite series. It comes in two primary configurations: a 10-core variant (X2P-64-100) and a 6-core variant (X2P-42-100). Both feature a maximum boost frequency of 4.0 GHz and are built on the Oryon CPU core architecture. The higher-end 10-core model boasts a 34MB cache and integrated Adreno graphics running at 1.7 GHz, supporting up to three external 4K monitors. Qualcomm claims devices using this chip will demand 43 percent less power for the same performance as the first-generation Snapdragon X Plus, a critical metric for all-day battery life.
The Evolving Windows-on-Arm Ecosystem
A significant hurdle for Arm-based Windows PCs has historically been software compatibility. Qualcomm acknowledges this ongoing challenge but points to recent improvements. The launch of the Snapdragon Control Panel and updates to Microsoft's Prism x86 emulator—including support for AVX and AVX2 extensions—have broadened the range of compatible applications and games. While the experience is reportedly "far better" than at the initial Copilot+ PC launch in 2024, compatibility remains a consideration for users with specialized software needs, even as the raw hardware performance claims grow more audacious.
Test Systems Used for Comparisons Qualcomm's benchmark comparisons were run on the following systems:
- Qualcomm 10-core X2 Plus (X2P-64-100): Test platform (specific laptop model not named in provided data).
- AMD Ryzen AI 7 350: Asus ZenBook 14 (UM3406KA).
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265U: Dell XPS 13 (9350).
- Intel Core Ultra 7 256V: Dell Pro 16 Plus (PN615250). All tests were conducted on Windows 11 laptops.
A Three-Way Battle for 2026
With these announcements at CES 2026, Qualcomm is forcefully declaring that the laptop CPU market is no longer a duopoly. The stage is set for an intriguing three-way competition between Intel's Core Ultra, AMD's Ryzen AI, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 platforms. While the flagship 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme will target peak performance, the X2 Plus aims to win over the mainstream with a compelling blend of efficiency, capable performance, and strong AI acceleration. As these chips begin to appear in laptops throughout the year, independent reviews and real-world usage will be the ultimate test of whether Qualcomm's benchmark claims translate into a superior user experience that can finally shift the long-established x86 paradigm.