Microsoft Set to Unveil Windows on ARM Strategy with New Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus Chip

Highlights

• Microsoft announces ‘Windows on ARM’ event scheduled for May 20th.
• Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus to power upcoming Surface Pro 10 with OLED.
• Snapdragon X Plus features 10 cores aimed at mid-range devices.
• Device codenamed “OEMMN” spotted with Snapdragon X Plus on Geekbench.

Microsoft is organising a big event called ‘Windows on ARM’ on the 20th of May.

At this event, they are set to showcase what they think is their latest strategy for running Windows on ARM (mobile) processors.

The tech giant is also expected to show off new products powered by ARM chips made by the company Qualcomm.

Undoubtedly, the star of this show is going to be the much-talked-about Qualcomm’s brand-new top-of-the-line processor called the Snapdragon X Plus.

Reports have indicated that this chip is likely going to be used in Microsoft’s upcoming Surface Pro 10 tablet with an OLED display.

Snapdragon X Plus: What is it?

The Snapdragon X Plus is very similar to Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon X Elite chip, but with a slightly lower core count.

While the Elite has 12 cores, the X Plus only has 10 (6 high-performance and 4 power-efficient ones).

From these specs we can make an assumption that the X Plus is targeted at more mid-range devices, similar to how Intel uses Core i5 and i7 chips across different product tiers.

To further solidify the performance gains, the X Plus processor is expected to feature in the Microsoft Surface 10 Pro OLED, identified by the model name OEMMN.

Intel’s ARM race

Previously, on March 21, Microsoft launched a 2-in-1 device powered by Intel Core Ultra.

However, the ARM-based OLED version of this device is set to be propery unveiled at the May event.

To put a ribbon on the proceedings, a device codenamed “OEMMN” has appeared in Geekbench listings under the DirectML benchmark, clearly indicating it is equipped with the Snapdragon X Plus.

This listing reveals several details including the device’s OS, which is Windows 11 24H2, its model, balance power plan, and its CPU configuration with a Qualcomm Oryon CPU.

It’s rocking 16GB RAM and runs Windows 11 24H2 on the Snapdragon X Plus chip with its 10-core CPU setup and what seems to be an integrated AI/ML processor.

FAQs

What is the focus of Microsoft’s upcoming event on May 20th?

Microsoft’s ‘Windows on ARM’ event will highlight the company’s latest strategies for enhancing Windows OS on ARM processors and introduce devices utilizing Qualcomm chips.

Can you tell me more about the Snapdragon X Plus processor?

The Snapdragon X Plus, designed by Qualcomm, is a mid-range processor with 10 cores. It’s slightly less powerful than the flagship Snapdragon X Elite and is set to feature in Microsoft’s Surface Pro 10 OLED.

What makes the Snapdragon X Plus different from Qualcomm’s other processors?

Unlike the Snapdragon X Elite which has 12 cores, the Snapdragon X Plus has 10 cores, suggesting it’s aimed at mid-range rather than high-end devices.

What are the expected features of the Surface Pro 10 OLED?

The upcoming Surface Pro 10 OLED, powered by the Snapdragon X Plus, is expected to feature a 10-core CPU, 16GB RAM, and run Windows 11 24H2, enhancing its performance and display capabilities.

Has there been any recent Microsoft releases similar to the upcoming ARM-based devices?

Yes, earlier this year, Microsoft released a 2-in-1 device powered by the Intel Core Ultra.

The new ARM-based OLED devices will be officially showcased at the May event, further expanding Microsoft’s hardware lineup.

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