Qualcomm announces Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme for high-performance Windows PCs

Qualcomm

Qualcomm has introduced two new processors for Windows laptops: the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and Snapdragon X2 Elite. These chips are designed to make high-end laptops faster, smarter, and more efficient, especially for people who use their machines for heavy tasks like video editing, data analysis, or running multiple apps at once.

The X2 Elite Extreme is aimed at ultra-premium laptops. At its core is Qualcomm’s latest Oryon CPU, which the company says is significantly faster than similar chips from other makers. It also comes with a new Adreno GPU, which handles graphics-heavy work like 3D rendering or editing videos while using less energy. In simple terms, it means your laptop can do more without draining the battery as quickly.

One of the standout features is the AI processing power. The Extreme version has a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of performing 80 trillion operations per second, one of the fastest for laptops. This allows your laptop to handle AI tasks—like helping with editing, personalizing apps, or running smart assistants—without slowing down.

The Snapdragon X2 Elite, while a step below the Extreme, is still very capable. It can multitask up to 31% faster and uses up to 43% less power than the previous generation. That means even without a charger nearby, users can work on demanding tasks for longer periods.

These processors are built with thin and light laptops in mind, so you don’t have to choose between portability and performance. Qualcomm says they are meant for professionals, creators, and anyone who relies on their laptop for serious work.

Kedar Kondap, senior vice president and general manager of compute and gaming at Qualcomm, said the new chips aim to give users better speed, smarter AI capabilities, and longer battery life, making laptops more capable for modern workloads.

Laptops with Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme are expected to hit the market in the first half of 2026.

In short, these chips promise faster processing, smarter AI, better graphics, and longer battery life, all packed into laptops that are easy to carry. For anyone who runs demanding software or likes working on the go, these new processors could make a noticeable difference.