Qualcomm recently released the official performance results for their Adreno X1-85 GPU, which is part of the new Snapdragon X series. This GPU promises 1080p gaming performance that can rival Intel's Meteor Lake. However, the absence of comparisons with modern AMD Radeon iGPUs raises some questions about the overall competitiveness of Qualcomm's new offering.
CPU
The Snapdragon X Elite is powered by the X1E-80-100 CPU, a high-performance chip designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease. Despite Qualcomm's enthusiasm, there are no shipping devices featuring this CPU yet, which makes it difficult to verify the real-world performance claims. The decision to release benchmark results without reference systems or independent verification casts a shadow over the credibility of the reported figures.
Graphics Processor (GPU)
The Adreno X1-85 GPU is the star of the Snapdragon X Elite, boasting six shader processors and 1,536 FP32 Arithmetic Logic Units (ALUs). It supports DirectX 11, DirectX 12.1, OpenCL 3.0, and Vulkan 1.3 APIs, providing a versatile platform for gaming and graphic-intensive applications. Qualcomm claims the GPU can process 96 texels per cycle with a theoretical maximum of 4.6 TFLOPs and 72 gigapixels per second.
While these specifications are impressive on paper, Qualcomm's selective benchmarking raises concerns. The comparison with Intel's Arc 8-core iGPU inside the Core Ultra 7 155H is intriguing but lacks detail. Without comparisons to AMD Radeon iGPUs and more comprehensive data, it's challenging to gauge the true performance of the Adreno X1-85.
Display
Devices equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite are expected to support high-resolution displays, capable of delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. The GPU's ability to handle 1080p gaming suggests that these devices will be well-suited for media consumption and gaming. However, the actual display quality will depend on the implementation by OEMs, which remains to be seen as no devices have been shipped yet.
Connectivity
The Snapdragon X Elite promises robust connectivity features, including support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E and 5G standards. This ensures fast and reliable internet connections, essential for modern applications and gaming. However, the real-world performance of these connectivity features will depend on the hardware and network conditions.
RAM
The new Snapdragon X series is expected to support up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM, providing ample memory for multitasking and high-performance applications. The efficiency and speed of this RAM will be crucial for the overall performance of the devices, especially in gaming and heavy-duty tasks.
Storage
Storage options for Snapdragon X Elite devices are likely to include fast UFS 3.1 or UFS 4.0 solutions. This will enable quick data access and app loading times, enhancing the user experience. The actual storage capacity will vary depending on the device configuration chosen by OEMs.
Camera
Qualcomm's Snapdragon series is known for its advanced camera capabilities, and the X Elite is expected to continue this trend. The integration of AI-driven features and high-resolution sensors will likely result in excellent photo and video quality. However, the specific camera performance will vary based on the implementation in individual devices.
Dimension
The physical dimensions of devices powered by the Snapdragon X Elite will vary based on OEM designs. Typically, these devices will aim for a balance between portability and performance, likely resulting in sleek and lightweight builds. The exact dimensions will be clearer once the devices start shipping.
Operating System (OS)
Snapdragon X Elite devices will run on the latest versions of Android or Windows, depending on the device type. This flexibility allows Qualcomm to cater to a broad audience, from mobile gamers to productivity-focused professionals. The OS will play a significant role in optimizing the performance and usability of these devices.
Price
Pricing for Snapdragon X Elite devices is yet to be announced. Given the high-performance hardware, these devices are expected to fall into the premium segment. The final price will depend on various factors, including the specific configurations and features offered by OEMs.
Other Features
Additional features of Snapdragon X Elite devices may include advanced cooling systems, high-refresh-rate displays, and enhanced audio capabilities. These features aim to provide a superior user experience, especially for gaming and media consumption.
Pros
- High-performance GPU capable of 1080p gaming
- Support for the latest connectivity standards
- Advanced camera features with AI integration
- Versatile OS support (Android and Windows)
Cons
- Lack of independent benchmark verification
- Absence of comparisons with modern AMD Radeon iGPUs
- Unclear real-world performance due to no shipping devices yet
- Potentially high price point
Conclusion
The Snapdragon X Elite and its Adreno X1-85 GPU promise significant advancements in mobile and portable computing performance, particularly in 1080p gaming. However, Qualcomm's selective benchmarking and the lack of comparative data with AMD Radeon iGPUs leave some questions unanswered. The true potential of these devices will only be revealed once they are available in the market and subject to independent testing.
As of now, the Snapdragon X Elite looks promising but is surrounded by uncertainties. Consumers and tech enthusiasts will need to wait for the first devices to ship and for comprehensive reviews to provide a clearer picture of its capabilities and value.
