Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme benchmarks hint at big CPU gains, mixed GPU results against Apple’s M4
Qualcomm’s latest in-house benchmarks for the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme (X2E-96-100) paint an exciting picture for next-gen Windows laptops. The new 18‑core CPU and a higher single‑core boost clock of up to 5.0 GHz deliver a serious step up over the previous generation, which topped out at 4.3 GHz. Early numbers suggest the chip can trade blows with, and in some tests surpass, Apple’s newest silicon on CPU tasks—though the GPU story remains more complicated.
According to Qualcomm’s data, the X2 Elite Extreme outpaces Apple’s M4 Max in Geekbench, both single-core and multi-core, and also posts a convincing lead over AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 Strix Halo. Shift to Cinebench 2024 and the picture tightens: Apple’s M4 Pro and M4 Max pull ahead in both single and multi-core runs, indicating a closer fight depending on the workload.
Generation-on-generation gains look especially strong. Versus the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100, the new X2E-96-100 delivers up to a 50% uplift in multi-core performance, helped by the expanded core count and higher clocks. If these figures hold up in independent testing, Qualcomm’s latest could be a formidable option for creators and power users who lean on heavy multi-threaded workloads.
The integrated graphics, however, remain a work in progress. The Adreno X2-90 GPU shows a big leap over last gen—more than doubling performance in 3DMark Steel Nomad compared to the X1E-84-100—and it can outpace the base Apple M4. But Apple’s M4 Pro and M4 Max maintain a strong GPU lead. Qualcomm’s GPU drivers are still maturing, and the architecture’s compute unit count limits its ability to challenge higher-tier integrated or discrete solutions, making it less than ideal for serious gaming.
Important context: these are Qualcomm’s internal results, so real-world performance may vary, but they offer a useful preview of what to expect. Systems powered by Snapdragon X2 Elite are slated to arrive next year, and broader testing will show how these early wins translate across apps, thermals, and battery life.
Key takeaways:
– 18-core CPU with up to 5.0 GHz boost brings major single- and multi-core gains
– Beats Apple M4 Max in Geekbench; Apple’s M4 Pro/Max reclaim ground in Cinebench 2024
– Up to 50% multi-core uplift versus the prior Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100
– Adreno X2-90 more than doubles previous-gen GPU performance but still trails M4 Pro/Max
– Strong for productivity and multi-threaded workloads; GPU remains the weak link for gaming
