Early benchmark tests show Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite processor outperforming Apple's M5 chip in several key performance categories. The results come from pre-production hardware running early firmware, with retail laptops expected to launch in the coming months.
Hardware Canucks conducted tests on prototype Asus Zenbook A14 units equipped with the X2E-88-100 chip, one step below Qualcomm's top-tier X2 Elite Extreme model.
The benchmarks revealed multi-core performance advantages over Apple's latest silicon, marking a potential shift in the Windows laptop competitive market.
In Cinebench 2024 testing, the Snapdragon X2 Elite scored approximately 50 points higher than its predecessor while approaching a 500-point improvement over earlier generations. The chip demonstrated 39 percent better single-core performance compared to the first-generation Snapdragon X Elite, according to Qualcomm's specifications.
Apple's M5 maintained a clear single-core performance lead. Gaming performance showed improvements over the first Snapdragon X Elite generation but still exhibited stutters and gaps compared to Intel's newest processors.
The first Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops were announced at CES 2026, with releases scheduled for February and March. Asus, Microsoft, and other manufacturers plan to launch systems featuring the new ARM-based processors in the first half of 2026.
Qualcomm's second-generation chip represents a advancement over the 2024 Snapdragon X Elite, which initially brought ARM-based performance to Windows laptops. The company has added enterprise-focused features including remote security controls aimed at corporate laptop deployments.
Microsoft plans to release Windows 11 version 26H1 exclusively for Snapdragon X2 devices this spring.
The company reports that 90 percent of users already employ apps natively compiled for ARM architecture, though gaming support and GPU-heavy workloads require further optimization.
Battery life results remain unavailable from testing, with reviewers noting this as a critical factor for final retail evaluations. The Snapdragon X2 Elite tested at 31 watts compared to the M5's 26-watt power draw in benchmark configurations.
The performance gains will be evaluated against real-world application compatibility when final hardware ships. The Snapdragon X2 Elite's 31-watt power draw provides a key data point for efficiency comparisons, as retail laptops are expected to launch in the coming months.
