Qualcomm Snapdragon C Challenges Intel in Budget Windows Laptops

Qualcomm has unveiled details for its new Snapdragon C architecture, designed specifically for affordable entry-level Windows laptops.

Snapdragon C Features and Capabilities

The new chip balances performance and power efficiency by utilizing a combination of advanced components:

• 8-core Kryo CPU with peak frequencies up to 3.0 GHz (single-threaded) and up to 2.0 GHz (multi-threaded).
• Integrated Adreno graphics with clock speeds up to 900 MHz.
• Built-in Hexagon NPU for AI acceleration (performance details not specified).
• 2 MB of shared cache.

Memory and Connectivity Support

Snapdragon C offers extensive configuration options for OEM manufacturers:

• RAM: LPDDR5, LPDDR5X, or LPDDR4X (up to 16 GB).
• Storage: PCIe 3.0 NVMe, UFS 2.2, or UFS 3.1.
• Connectivity: FastConnect 6700 chip with support for Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 6.0.

Performance vs. Intel N250

In benchmark tests, Qualcomm compared its new solution against Intel N250 chips using systems with 8 GB of RAM. The Snapdragon C architecture leads with the following metrics:

• Geekbench: up to 44% gain in single-core and 24% in multi-core.
• Cinebench: up to 50% advantage (single-threaded) and 67% (multi-threaded).
• Speedometer 3.1: up to 39% performance increase.

Power efficiency was a key focus: the Snapdragon C proved up to 2.1 times more efficient than its competitor in mixed workloads. Power savings during Netflix playback in Microsoft Edge reach up to 106%, while Microsoft Teams usage scenarios show 74% (video) and 99% (audio) improvements.

Availability and Partners

Devices featuring these chips are targeted at the $300 price segment, offering a modern alternative to traditional solutions for daily tasks.

Laptops based on the Snapdragon C platform have already been announced by companies including Acer, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo. At this time, Qualcomm has not provided specific release dates for the market or pricing structures for its partners.