New Windows 11 PCs with Snapdragon Processors: A Detailed Look

In this article, we’ll delve into the new Windows 11 PCs powered by Snapdragon processors, recently announced. We’ll take a close look at each model, analyze their specs, and explore the pricing and configuration options.

Surface Pro 11th Edition

The Surface Pro 11th Edition is the entry point for this new wave of devices. We’ll start by exploring its key features and configuration options.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 13-inch PixelSense Flow display, 2880 x 1920 resolution, 276 PPI, 3:2 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate. (OLED or LCD option available)
• Processor: Snapdragon X+ or Snapdragon X Elite (with multiple models within each series)
• Memory: 16GB RAM (with 32GB option available on higher-end models)
• Storage: SSD options ranging from 512GB to 1TB
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, with 5G coming in 2024

Pricing

• Snapdragon X+ (LCD display): Starts at $1,199
• Snapdragon X Elite (Platinum Variant): Starts at $1,499 (16GB RAM, 512GB storage)
• Snapdragon X Elite (Platinum Variant): $2,100 (32GB RAM, 1TB storage)

Key Observations

• The landing page lacks detailed specs, requiring users to navigate to other pages for more information.
• The Snapdragon X+ and X Elite models offer different performance levels, with the X Elite being the higher-end option.
• The pricing is competitive, with base models starting under $1,200. However, the 5G option is expected to be significantly pricier.
• Upgradability is a concern, as it’s not clear if users can easily upgrade RAM or storage.

Surface Laptop 7th Edition

Moving on, we’ll analyze the Surface Laptop 7th Edition, a more traditional laptop design compared to the Surface Pro.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 13.8-inch or 15-inch PixelSense Flow display, with different resolutions and PPI based on the screen size.
• Processor: Snapdragon X+ or Snapdragon X Elite (with multiple models within each series)
• Memory: 16GB RAM (with 32GB and 64GB option available on higher-end models)
• Storage: SSD options ranging from 512GB to 1TB.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (5G option not yet confirmed)

Pricing

• Snapdragon X+ (13-inch, LCD display): Starts at $1,199
• Snapdragon X Elite (13-inch, Platinum Variant): Starts at $1,499 (16GB RAM, 512GB storage)
• Snapdragon X Elite (13-inch, Black Variant): $2,400 (64GB RAM, 1TB storage)

Key Observations

• The landing page again lacks essential technical information, forcing users to research elsewhere.
• The 13-inch model is positioned as a potential Macbook Air competitor.
• The X Elite offers more RAM and storage options, including 64GB RAM, which is not available on the Surface Pro.
• The pricing is in line with other high-end Windows 11 laptops.

Dell XPS 13

Dell’s XPS 13, known for its premium build and performance, now features a Snapdragon processor option.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 13.4-inch, 1920×1200 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, non-touch.
• Processor: Snapdragon X Elite (X1E 80-100, 12 cores up to 3.4 GHz, dual-core boost up to 4 GHz)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, 3x USB-C ports, 1x USB-A port
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home or Pro (optional upgrade)

Pricing

• Windows 11 Home: $1,299
• Windows 11 Pro: $1,399

Key Observations

• The XPS 13 landing page is significantly more detailed, providing clear information about the Snapdragon processor and its capabilities.
• The X Elite model includes an integrated NPU for AI-related tasks.
• The XPS 13 is priced competitively with other premium laptops, offering a compelling alternative to Intel-powered machines.
• The XPS 13 is the only device so far featuring Wi-Fi 7 technology and a dedicated tech spec page with a comprehensive breakdown of the ports and features.

Dell Inspiron

Dell’s Inspiron lineup, known for its more budget-friendly approach, also gets a Snapdragon processor version.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 14-inch, QHD resolution.
• Processor: Snapdragon X+ (10 cores up to 3.4 GHz)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, 1x USB-A port, 2x USB-C ports, microSD card slot, m.2 slot for SSD (potentially user-upgradable).
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Pricing

• Snapdragon X+: Pricing not yet revealed.

Key Observations

• The Inspiron landing page is detailed, providing clear information about the Snapdragon processor and its features.
• The Inspiron model is the only machine so far featuring a microSD card slot and a user-upgradable M.2 slot for SSD storage, which is a significant advantage for users looking for a more customizable experience.
• The pricing for the Inspiron model is yet to be announced, but it’s expected to be more affordable than the XPS 13.

HP Elitebook Ultra 14 G1q

HP’s Elitebook Ultra 14 G1q is designed for business users, offering a combination of productivity and mobility.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 14-inch, 2.2K resolution.
• Processor: Snapdragon X Elite (X878 100, 10 cores)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 1x USB-C port (4 Gbps), 1x USB-C port (10 Gbps), 1x USB-A port
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

Pricing

• Snapdragon X Elite: Pricing not yet revealed.

Key Observations

• The HP Elitebook Ultra 14 G1q landing page lacks detailed configuration information.
• The device features Windows 11 Pro, targeting business users.
• The Elitebook model is the only device so far explicitly mentioning the Hexagon NPU.
• The pricing for the Elitebook model is not yet announced.

ASUS VivoBook S15

ASUS’s VivoBook S15 is a stylish and versatile laptop aimed at a wider audience.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 15.6-inch, Full HD resolution.
• Processor: Snapdragon X Elite (X78-1 100, 10 cores)
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (Type-A), 1x USB4 Gen 3 (Type-C), 1x HDMI port, 1x microSD card reader
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Pricing

• Snapdragon X Elite: $1,299

Key Observations

• The ASUS VivoBook S15 landing page is detailed, providing essential information about the Snapdragon processor.
• The VivoBook S15 includes a comprehensive array of ports, such as HDMI and a microSD card reader, offering more versatility.
• The VivoBook S15 is priced competitively, offering a compelling value proposition for users looking for a well-rounded laptop.
• The VivoBook S15 landing page highlights the Qualcomm AI engine, simplifying the explanation of AI features.

Acer Swift 14 AI

Acer’s Swift 14 AI is a sleek and lightweight laptop designed for mobile productivity.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 14.5-inch, 2.5K resolution.
• Processor: Snapdragon X+ or Snapdragon X Elite (models not yet specified)
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB DDR5
• Storage: Up to 1TB NVMe SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Pricing

• Snapdragon X+ and X Elite: Pricing not yet revealed.

Key Observations

• The Acer Swift 14 AI landing page focuses on highlighting the AI features and battery life.
• The device is positioned as a laptop with extended battery life, a key benefit for mobile users.
• The Swift 14 AI landing page emphasizes the ARM architecture.
• The pricing for the Swift 14 AI isn’t yet available.

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 7x is a premium 2-in-1 laptop offering flexibility and portability.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 14.5-inch, 3K resolution, OLED.
• Processor: Snapdragon X Elite (X1E 78 100, 10 cores)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, 3x USB-C ports
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Pricing

• Snapdragon X Elite: Pricing not yet revealed.

Key Observations

• The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x landing page lacks detailed configuration information.
• The device emphasizes its AI features and includes 3 months of Xbox Game Pass.
• The Yoga Slim 7x is expected to be a premium 2-in-1 laptop with a high price point.
• The Yoga Slim 7x landing page mentions 64-bit architecture, confirming Windows 11 compatibility.

Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy Book 2 Pro, known for its integration into the Samsung ecosystem, is also entering the Snapdragon-powered world.

Specs & Configuration

• Display: 16-inch
• Processor: Snapdragon X Elite (models not yet specified)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5
• Storage: 1TB eUFS
• Connectivity: Not specified.
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home

Pricing

• Snapdragon X Elite: $1,349 (base model)
• Snapdragon X Elite (higher-end model): $1,749

Key Observations

• The Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro landing page emphasizes trade-in options.
• The device features eUFS storage, a technology typically used in smartphones, raising concerns about upgradability.
• The Galaxy Book 2 Pro is expected to integrate seamlessly with Samsung devices.
• The Galaxy Book 2 Pro comes in Sapphire Blue color and emphasizes AI features.

Conclusion

The arrival of Snapdragon processors on Windows 11 PCs marks a significant shift in the PC landscape. While the initial release is focused on high-end devices, we can expect more affordable options to emerge in the future. The key features to look for in these new devices will be extended battery life, seamless Windows 11 integration, and solid performance for native and emulated applications. These new devices offer a compelling alternative to traditional Intel-based machines, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on Windows.