Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme outpaces Apple M4, Intel, and AMD in benchmarks

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme has put Windows on ARM squarely in the performance conversation. In controlled press tests on Qualcomm’s reference laptops, the chip posted class-leading CPU results and strong gains in graphics and AI that finally challenge Apple’s M-series Macs and outpace many current x86 designs. The headline numbers are paired with a packaging shift that integrates memory for more bandwidth and steadier sustained performance in thin laptops.

While the X2 Elite Extreme edges Apple’s base M4 in single-threaded tasks and tops it in multi-core, Macworld’s analysis points out that M4 Max remains a touch faster in some multi-core tests and Apple’s M5 refresh is imminent. That timing could compress Qualcomm’s advantage by the time retail laptops ship, even if the raw uplift over first-gen Snapdragon X and many Intel/AMD parts is undeniable.

Here are the benchmarks via Macworld and Windows Central:

CPU benchmarks (Geekbench 6.5)

GPU benchmarks (3DMark Solar Bay)

AI benchmarks (UL Procyon Computer Vision)

These numbers highlight how Qualcomm’s integrated Adreno GPU, once a weak point for ARM laptops, is now edging Apple’s top-tier M4 Max in graphics tests. Combined with the Hexagon NPU’s 80 TOPS throughput, Qualcomm has built a balanced platform for creators, AI-heavy workflows, and even gaming, where Windows ARM64 support continues to expand.

Beyond raw scores, Qualcomm’s Extreme tier uses a memory-in-package approach that colocates RAM on the same substrate as CPU, GPU, and NPU. The configuration demoed included 48 GB of embedded memory and up to 228 GB/s bandwidth, reducing latency and helping sustain performance under long loads. Qualcomm also emphasizes that battery and plugged-in performance should match, a pain point for many thin x86 notebooks that downshift away from the wall.

It’s also fair to reset expectations against Apple’s stack. Macworld’s comparison using PCWorld’s charts shows M4 Max still about 8.5% ahead in Cinebench 2024 multi-core, and Apple historically delivers a 15–20% year-over-year CPU gain on new silicon. If M5 lands on schedule, Qualcomm’s lead over base M4 could narrow or reverse in some workflows by the time X2 Elite Extreme laptops arrive. Even so, the uplift versus Intel and AMD in these early tests is substantial, especially in single-core and NPU throughput where day-to-day responsiveness and on-device AI are moving fastest.

If OEMs preserve this performance with competent cooling and sensible configs, Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme laptops could finally deliver Mac-class responsiveness and battery life in a Windows form factor.