Why Samsung’s Galaxy Book Could Use Snapdragon X2 Elite Chips

Qualcomm has announced its next-generation PC processors. The new Snapdragon X2 Elite series was revealed at the Snapdragon Summit 2025. These chips are designed for high-performance laptops running Windows. They promise major leaps in speed and artificial intelligence capabilities.

The launch signals a significant challenge to established players in the PC processor market. According to Reuters, the push into AI-centric computing is reshaping the entire industry.

Breaking Down the Snapdragon X2 Elite Specifications

The series includes three distinct models. They are the 12-core and 18-core Snapdragon X2 Elite, and the top-tier 24-core Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. All chips are built on TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer production process.

They feature Qualcomm’s third-generation Oryon CPU cores. The chips can achieve dual-core boost clock speeds up to 5GHz. This new architecture delivers a 31% performance gain over last year’s models. It also reduces power consumption by up to 43%.

The integrated Adreno GPU supports high-resolution multi-display setups. It is capable of driving three external 5K monitors simultaneously. Qualcomm claims the graphics processor offers 2.3 times faster performance per watt.

The AI and Market Impact of Qualcomm’s New Processors

A key focus is on-device AI performance. The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) inside these chips can deliver 80 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second). This makes them some of the most powerful AI chips available for consumer laptops.

This raw power is aimed at enabling complex AI tasks directly on a device. Think advanced photo editing, real-time language translation, and generative AI applications without needing an internet connection. The broader impact will be felt by consumers and professionals seeking seamless AI integration.

Laptops equipped with these processors are expected to hit the market in spring 2026. Major manufacturers like Samsung are likely to use them in future devices like the Galaxy Book Edge series. This move strengthens the Arm architecture’s position in the Windows ecosystem.

The introduction of the Snapdragon X2 Elite series marks a pivotal moment for AI-ready computing. These powerful chips are set to redefine performance and efficiency standards for laptops in 2026 and beyond.

Info at your fingertips

What is the key difference between the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Elite Extreme?

The main difference is the core count and memory bandwidth. The Elite Extreme features a 24-core CPU and a wider 192-bit memory bus for maximum performance, while the standard Elite models have 12 or 18 cores.

When can consumers buy laptops with these new chips?

Devices powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite series are scheduled to launch in the spring of 2026. Manufacturers are currently designing new laptop models around these processors.

How does the AI performance compare to previous chips?

The NPU offers 80 TOPS of AI performance. This is a substantial increase, making it one of the fastest platforms for running AI applications directly on a laptop without cloud dependency.

Which laptop brands will use the Snapdragon X2 Elite?

Qualcomm stated that almost all major laptop brands will adopt the new chips. Samsung is expected to be a key partner, likely using the processor in its next Galaxy Book Edge laptops.

What are the benefits of the 3nm manufacturing process?

The 3nm process allows for more transistors in a smaller space. This leads to better performance and significantly improved power efficiency, which translates to longer battery life.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press