Snapdragon X2 chips could deliver up to 22% performance boost over X Elite

In context: Qualcomm's first-generation Snapdragon X laptops saw a lukewarm reception, but the company seems determined to improve. Rumors indicate that the upcoming Snapdragon X2 chips could deliver up to 22 percent better performance, primarily driven by higher boost clocks. This leap could help Qualcomm redeem itself from a poor first try.

Reliable Chinese tipster Fixed Focus Digital claims that the Snapdragon X Elite 2 SoC's CPU cores will feature a minimum boost clock of 4.4GHz (via Jukanlosreve). The leaker didn't share the maximum frequency but hinted that it could climb higher under heavy workloads.

Thanks to higher clock speeds, the new chip is expected to deliver an 18 – 22 percent performance boost over the top-tier Snapdragon X Elite model (X1E-84-100), which maxes out at 4.3GHz. The performance uplift likely stems not just from frequency gains but also from improvements in process technology.

Second-generation Qualcomm Nuvia: big core clock starts at 4.4GHz,
performance improvement estimated at 18 – 22%. pic.twitter.com/XEc4sPDBm2

The first-generation Snapdragon X Elite uses TSMC's N4P node, but it remains unclear whether the Snapdragon X Elite 2 – or Snapdragon X2 Elite – will move to N3P or N2P. Both options promise notable gains in speed and efficiency, though adopting N2P could push the launch into next year.

Qualcomm launched its first wave of Snapdragon X Elite processors for Windows PCs in mid-2024, then began testing second-generation models later that year. Codenamed Project Glymur, the new chips completed testing in July and August 2024, fueling speculation of a 2025 release.

Laptops featuring the first-generation Snapdragon X processors struggled to deliver on the AI hype that Qualcomm and Microsoft promoted. Due to widespread dissatisfaction, many customers have requested refunds on these devices. Amazon recently labeled the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 – powered by the first-gen Snapdragon X – a "highly returned item."

Qualcomm hopes its second-gen processors improve its standing, enabling it to compete more effectively with Intel and AMD. Whether that comes to pass is still uncertain, but a 22 percent performance boost over a single generation is a solid start.