Microsoft Reportedly Aims to Surpass Apple’s M3 Chip with Snapdragon X Elite

Highlights

• Microsoft plans to demonstrate its laptops’ superiority over Apple’s M3 chip.
• The Snapdragon X Elite processor is central to Microsoft’s performance claims.
• Benchmarking suggests a 21% performance boost over the M3 in multi-core CPU tasks.
• Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6 will feature the new Snapdragon chipset.

Microsoft, a well-known titan in the tech industry, is gearing up to take on Apple’s dominance in the laptop market with a bold claim: Its upcoming devices, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processor, will outperform Apple’s lauded M3 chipset.

Leaked Insights Reveal Confidence

According to internal documents obtained by The Verge, Microsoft is brimming with confidence in its new lineup of laptops.

The company believes that the Snapdragon X Elite processor will not only match but surpass the capabilities of Apple’s M3 chip, which powers the popular MacBook Air laptops.

Microsoft isn’t just making empty promises.

The company plans to back up its claims with a series of demonstrations, showcasing the superiority of its laptops in key areas such as CPU tasks, AI acceleration, and app emulation.

Notably, Microsoft believes its app-emulation capabilities will outshine even Apple’s highly regarded Rosetta 2 technology.

Snapdragon X Elite: The Powerhouse Chip

At the heart of Microsoft’s challenge lies the Snapdragon X Elite chipset, unveiled by Qualcomm in October last year.

Built on an Arm-based architecture similar to Apple’s chipsets, the Snapdragon X Elite boasts a 21% boost in multi-core CPU performance compared to the M3, as per benchmarks from Geekbench 6.

While Microsoft’s laptops may pack a punch in terms of raw processing power, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

The Snapdragon X Elite chips are being compared to Apple’s entry-level M3 chipset, while the M3 Pro and M3 Max variants offer even more premium performance.

Additionally, Microsoft’s laptops may require fans and run hotter than Apple’s fanless designs, which have been in place since 2020.

Finally, macOS’s optimized performance could give Apple an edge in overall efficiency.

Microsoft is expected to unveil its Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite chipset, on May 20th.

FAQs

What makes Microsoft confident in outperforming Apple’s M3 chipset?

Microsoft’s internal documents reveal a belief that their Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops will exceed the performance of Apple’s M3 chipset.

This confidence is based on planned demonstrations emphasizing CPU performance, AI acceleration, and superior app emulation capabilities.

How does the Snapdragon X Elite compare to Apple’s M3 chipset in benchmarks?

Benchmarks from Geekbench 6 indicate a 21% increase in multi-core CPU performance for the Snapdragon X Elite over the M3 chipset.

This comparison focuses on the entry-level M3, with the understanding that Apple’s M3 Pro and M3 Max variants may offer higher performance.

What are the potential advantages of Microsoft’s laptops over Apple’s?

Microsoft’s laptops, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, are expected to showcase advantages in processing speed, AI capabilities, and app emulation.

These factors contribute to Microsoft’s claim of providing a more versatile and powerful computing experience.

Are there any considerations to keep in mind about Microsoft’s new laptops?

While promising higher performance, Microsoft’s Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptops may include fans and run hotter compared to Apple’s fanless designs.

The optimization of macOS for Apple hardware could also lead to differences in efficiency and user experience.

Also Read: Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite Set to Transform PCs with Next Windows Update in Mid-2024

Also Read: Apple’s M3 Chip Geekbench Benchmark Insights Reveal True Performance Claims