Qualcomm Introduces Snapdragon X2 Plus for Next-Gen Windows PCs
Qualcomm has officially announced the Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, designed to deliver notable enhancements in performance and battery life for Windows on Arm devices. Positioned below the recently revealed Snapdragon X2 Elite series, this new chipset aims to power a fresh wave of laptops and PCs, with the first models expected to debut at CES 2026.
Key Specifications and Features
The Snapdragon X2 Plus is built on a 3nm process and succeeds the Snapdragon X Plus from earlier in 2024. It features Qualcomm’s third-generation custom Kryo cores, capable of reaching peak speeds of up to 4GHz. The processor is available in two configurations: a 10-core variant and a 6-core variant. The 10-core model boasts 34MB of cache, while the 6-core version comes with 22MB.
Both versions include a GPU with a sliced architecture, but the 10-core variant is equipped with a more powerful GPU clocked at 1.7GHz compared to 900MHz on the 6-core model. Qualcomm claims that both variants deliver up to 35% better single-core performance than the previous Snapdragon X Plus. Additionally, the chip incorporates an 80 TOPs neural processing unit (NPU), which is up to 78% faster, enhancing AI capabilities.
Graphics performance also sees a boost, with the 10-core version offering 29% faster graphics and the 6-core model providing a 39% improvement. Impressively, the Snapdragon X2 Plus consumes 43% less power than its predecessor, promising longer battery life for portable devices.
Multimedia and Connectivity Enhancements
The new chipset supports high-end multimedia features, including 4K display output at 144Hz and the ability to drive up to three external 4K displays at the same refresh rate, or a single 5K display at 60Hz. It also supports AV1 video encoding and decoding, single or dual 36MP cameras, and 4K video capture at 30fps. For audio, aptX support is included to enhance wireless sound quality.
On the connectivity front, the Snapdragon X2 Plus offers Bluetooth 5.4, LPDDR5X RAM support, Wi-Fi 7, and an optional Snapdragon X75 5G modem, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The processor also features agentic and multimodal AI support, reflecting Qualcomm’s focus on smarter, more responsive computing experiences.
Context and What to Expect
The Snapdragon X2 Plus follows the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme announced at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit in October. While the Elite series targets high-end Arm-based Windows PCs, the X2 Plus aims to provide a more affordable yet powerful option for a broader range of devices. This strategy continues Qualcomm’s push to expand its presence in the Windows on Arm ecosystem, competing with traditional x86 processors by offering improved efficiency and integrated 5G connectivity.
With the first PCs featuring the Snapdragon X2 Plus slated to launch at CES 2026, tech enthusiasts can look forward to seeing how this new processor performs in real-world scenarios. Manufacturers are expected to reveal more details about availability and pricing as the event approaches.
Overall, the Snapdragon X2 Plus represents a significant step forward in balancing performance, graphics, AI capabilities, and power efficiency for Windows on Arm devices, signalling a promising future for this segment of the market.