American chip-making giant Qualcomm is set to introduce its Snapdragon X platform in India this month. The announcement was made through a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Snapdragon India handle, confirming that the launch event is scheduled for February 24. Originally unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas, the new Snapdragon X chip aims to power more affordable AI-driven PCs.
What’s New in the Qualcomm Snapdragon X?
The Snapdragon X chip is built on Arm architecture and features an 8-core Oryon CPU, operating at up to 3.0 GHz multi-core frequency. For comparison, its flagship counterpart, the Snapdragon X Elite, boasts a 12-core CPU with speeds reaching 3.8 GHz. Meanwhile, the Snapdragon X Plus chips also come with 8-core CPUs, but with higher operating frequencies than the Snapdragon X chip.
A standout feature of the Snapdragon X chip is its neural processing unit (NPU), which is identical to that found in the Snapdragon X series. The NPU delivers 45 TOPS (trillion operations per second), making it highly capable of handling on-device AI processing. This power is essential to support Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC platform, enabling exclusive AI-powered features.
Key Features of the Snapdragon X Chip
- Enhanced AI Processing: The Snapdragon X NPU ensures smooth AI functionalities with 45 TOPS capability.
- Improved Performance: The 8-core Oryon CPU runs at 3.0 GHz, providing efficiency for everyday computing needs.
- Extended Battery Life: Optimized power consumption ensures long-lasting battery performance.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 7 for seamless wireless connections.
- Multi-Monitor Support: Capable of powering up to three external UHD (4K) monitors at 60Hz refresh rate.
Affordable AI PCs for Everyone
Qualcomm’s launch event poster carries the tagline “AI PCs for everyone”, hinting that Snapdragon X-powered PCs will be positioned as more budget-friendly alternatives compared to devices featuring Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus chips. This move aligns with Qualcomm’s mission to democratize AI PCs and make them widely accessible to Indian consumers.
Expected Laptop Manufacturers
Leading electronics manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are expected to introduce Snapdragon X-powered laptops in the Indian market. These new devices will cater to a broad audience, including students, professionals, and AI enthusiasts, looking for affordable yet powerful computing solutions.
With the launch of the Snapdragon X platform, Qualcomm is set to revolutionize the AI PC segment in India. By offering affordable, AI-enhanced computing solutions, the company is taking a step toward making AI-powered devices mainstream. The much-anticipated February 24 launch event is expected to provide more details on availability, pricing, and upcoming laptop models featuring the Snapdragon X chip. Stay tuned for further updates!
