At CES 2026, the annual tech showcase in Las Vegas, USA, Qualcomm has shifted its focus from the premium segment to the heart of the laptop market. Following the high-performance Snapdragon X2 Elite chips, the company has unveiled the Snapdragon X2 Plus series, a new lineup designed to bring significant performance-per-watt improvements and advanced AI capabilities to everyday, mid-range Windows laptops. This move signals a strategic push to make ARM-based Windows PCs a mainstream choice rather than a niche alternative.
A Strategic Push into Mainstream Computing
Qualcomm's announcement of the Snapdragon X2 Plus at CES 2026 represents a calculated expansion of its Windows on ARM portfolio. Last year's headlines were dominated by the flagship X2 Elite and Elite Extreme processors, aimed at competing with the highest-end laptop chips from Intel and AMD. With the X2 Plus, Qualcomm is targeting a far larger audience: students, professionals, and general consumers who prioritize battery life, portability, and value. By offering two core configurations—a 10-core and a more affordable 6-core model—Qualcomm is providing OEMs with the flexibility to design a wide range of devices, from powerful thin-and-lights to ultra-portable budget notebooks, all slated for release in the first half of 2026.
Availability & Context
- Launch Event: CES 2026 in Las Vegas, USA.
- Market Availability: First laptops expected in the first half of 2026.
- Example OEM Device: HP has showcased the OmniBook 5 using the new chips.
- Strategic Position: Positioned as a mainstream alternative to Intel/AMD, following the premium-focused Snapdragon X2 Elite launch in 2025.
Specifications and Architectural Improvements
The foundation of the Snapdragon X2 Plus is Qualcomm's 3rd Generation Oryon CPU architecture. This new design is responsible for the chip's headline claims of a 35% increase in single-core performance while using up to 43% less power compared to its predecessor. The two specific models, identified as the X2P-64-100 and X2P-42-100, cater to different performance tiers. The 10-core variant combines six high-performance "Prime" cores clocked at 4.0 GHz with four efficiency-focused cores at 3.4 GHz, backed by 34MB of total cache. The 6-core model, designed for maximum efficiency, features all Prime cores at 4.0 GHz with 22MB of cache. Both chips integrate the Adreno X2-45 GPU and support fast LPDDR5x memory, with comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and 5G.
Snapdragon X2 Plus Model Specifications
| Feature | X2P-64-100 (10-core) | X2P-42-100 (6-core) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores | 6x Prime @ 4.0 GHz, 4x Performance @ 3.4 GHz | 6x Prime @ 4.0 GHz |
| Total Cache | 34 MB | 22 MB |
| GPU | Adreno X2-45 @ 1.7 GHz | Adreno X2-45 @ 0.9 GHz |
| NPU (AI Performance) | Hexagon NPU @ 80 TOPS | Hexagon NPU @ 80 TOPS |
| Memory Support | LPDDR5x up to 9523 MT/s | LPDDR5x up to 9523 MT/s |
| Key Claim | 35% faster single-core, 43% less power vs. previous gen | 35% faster single-core, 43% less power vs. previous gen |
The AI Performance Leap
Perhaps the most striking feature of the X2 Plus series is its dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Qualcomm has equipped both Plus models with a Hexagon NPU capable of 80 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second). This represents a substantial leap from the 45 TOPS in the first-generation X2 chips and, notably, matches the AI performance of the current flagship X2 Elite series. This parity is significant; it ensures that mid-range laptops will be able to run the same "agentic" AI applications expected to define software in the coming years. These are not simple chatbots, but AI assistants that can actively manage workflows, perform complex creative tasks like advanced photo editing, and handle real-time translation and security monitoring directly on the device.
Performance & Efficiency Claims
- CPU Performance: Up to 35% faster single-core performance compared to the previous generation Snapdragon X series.
- Power Efficiency: Uses up to 43% less power than its predecessors, targeting multi-day battery life for light tasks.
- AI Performance: 80 TOPS NPU performance, matching the flagship X2 Elite series and enabling advanced on-device "agentic" AI.
- Graphics: Adreno X2-45 GPU offers nearly 30% better performance in the 10-core variant compared to the prior generation.
Real-World Implications for Battery Life and Performance
The promised 43% improvement in power efficiency is not just a spec sheet number—it has direct implications for the user experience. Qualcomm suggests that laptops powered by the X2 Plus could deliver battery life lasting "multiple days" for lighter tasks, a claim that, if realized, would be a game-changer for mobility. Early benchmarking, as reported from pre-CES sessions, indicates the 10-core X2 Plus holds its own in multi-core workloads against current competitors like Intel's Core Ultra 7 series. While reference designs often show ideal performance, the data suggests that the performance gap for general computing tasks is closing rapidly. The integrated Adreno X2-45 GPU also sees a near 30% performance bump in the 10-core version, making it suitable for casual gaming, video streaming, and light creative work.
Ecosystem Readiness and Market Outlook
The success of the Snapdragon X2 Plus hinges on more than just silicon. The broader Windows on ARM ecosystem has been maturing, with app compatibility and emulation performance steadily improving. Major OEMs like HP are already onboard, having showcased new designs such as the OmniBook 5 utilizing these chips. As these devices hit the market in early 2026, they will be the true test of Qualcomm's vision. If the combination of exceptional battery life, competent performance, and capable on-device AI meets consumer expectations, the X2 Plus could indeed be the catalyst that transforms ARM-based Windows laptops from a compelling alternative into a standard recommendation for the mass market.