Qualcomm's new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus will drive laptop prices further down

As expected, Qualcomm delivered the new 8-core Snapdragon X Plus processor at the IFA 2024.

The chip slots in below the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite and 10-core Snapdragon X Plus models and has the same architecture, but is noticeably weaker in graphics, making it ideal for entry-level laptops.

The 8-core Snapdragon X Plus has 12MB less CPU cache (30MB in total) and less than half the GPU power for games and productivity apps. That means about 50% worse graphics performance (per Qualcomm's own benchmarks), a 20% dip below the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite in CPU tasks, and about the same productivity performance as the 10-core X Plus processors.

Importantly, the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core will help drive laptop prices even further down than its Qualcomm ARM siblings have done this year. Laptops with the new processor will become official in the coming days, but devices such as the Asus Vivobook S 15 will cost around $899 with the 8-core X Plus, while the 12-core X Elite-equipped units are nominally $1,300. Dell's Inspiron 14 will also retail for $899 thanks to the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core.

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