Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite made a splash in the mobile computing world. But how does it stack up against Intel’s offerings, particularly in the wake of newer chip generations? This article dives deep into a benchmark comparison between the Snapdragon X Elite and Intel’s Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) processors, examining key performance metrics and providing insights into the evolving landscape of mobile CPUs.
Initially, Intel’s Core Ultra processors, optimized for on-device AI with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), seemed poised to challenge Qualcomm’s dominance. Intel leveraged its extensive software partnerships and faster shipping times to gain an early foothold in the market. However, Qualcomm countered by showcasing the Snapdragon X Elite’s performance capabilities.
Benchmarking the Contenders: Snapdragon X Elite vs. Intel Core Ultra
To compare the two processors, several benchmarks were conducted on various devices, including a Snapdragon X Elite reference design and Core Ultra-powered laptops like the Acer Swift Go 14 and HP Spectre x360 14. The benchmarks included:
Geekbench 6.2: CPU Performance
In Geekbench 6.2, a widely used CPU benchmark, the Snapdragon X Elite outperformed the Core Ultra in both single-core and multi-core scores. This was surprising, as Intel’s Core Ultra was expected to close the gap with its hybrid architecture.
Cinebench 2024: Real-World CPU Usage
Cinebench 2024 simulates real-world CPU usage. The Snapdragon X Elite again excelled in multi-core performance, significantly surpassing the Core Ultra. While single-core performance was relatively even, Qualcomm’s 12 powerful cores delivered a substantial multi-core advantage over Intel’s hybrid design.
3DMark Wild Life Extreme: Cross-Platform Graphics
Wild Life Extreme, a cross-platform graphics benchmark, revealed the Snapdragon X Elite’s superior graphics performance. Both the 23W and 80W Snapdragon X Elite configurations achieved significantly higher frame rates than the Core Ultra systems.
GFXBench Aztec Ruins: Graphics Prowess
In the GFXBench Aztec Ruins test, focusing on graphics performance, the Snapdragon X Elite again dominated, achieving frame rates over 100 FPS higher than the Core Ultra. This highlighted a significant advantage in graphics capabilities for Qualcomm’s chip.
PCMark 10 Applications: Productivity Performance
PCMark 10 Applications assesses productivity performance using applications like Microsoft Office and Edge. In this benchmark, Intel’s Core Ultra showed its strength, slightly outperforming the Snapdragon X Elite. This underscores Intel’s longstanding focus on productivity-oriented tasks.
The Shifting Landscape: Beyond the Initial Comparison
Since the initial benchmarks, the processor landscape has changed significantly. Intel released Lunar Lake (Core Ultra Series 2), succeeding Meteor Lake, with major performance and efficiency improvements. Apple also introduced its M4 processors, further intensifying the competition.
Meteor Lake, while initially promising, became a short-lived transition, superseded by Lunar Lake’s advancements. The Snapdragon X Elite, however, remains a strong contender, powering devices like the Surface Laptop 7 and Dell XPS 13.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Competition
The comparison between Snapdragon X Elite and Intel processors highlights a dynamic and rapidly evolving market. While the Snapdragon X Elite initially showcased impressive performance advantages, subsequent releases from both Intel and Apple have redefined the competitive landscape. The choice between platforms now depends heavily on specific needs and priorities, considering factors like performance, efficiency, AI capabilities, and software ecosystem. The benchmark results provide a valuable snapshot in time, but the ongoing innovation in the mobile computing space ensures that the comparison remains a fluid and fascinating one.
