Snapdragon X2 Review: Is the Second-Gen Copilot+ PC Good Enough for Windows 11 Power Users?

AI-generated, human-reviewed.

The Snapdragon X2-based Copilot+ PCs deliver significantly improved performance, Windows 11 compatibility, and surprising gains in gaming, but GPU limitations and higher-than-expected prices may impact buying decisions. Here's everything you need to know before considering a move to this new generation of Windows 11 ARM laptops.

What’s New with the Snapdragon X2 Copilot+ PCs?

The second generation Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 platform powers the latest Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs, focusing on enhanced CPU and NPU (neural processing unit) performance. Paul Thurrott found that these machines now offer:

• Dramatically faster CPUs for everyday use, multitasking, and demanding applications
• Upgraded NPU (up to 80 or 85 TOPS—trillions of operations per second), supporting local AI features within Windows 11
• Subtly enhanced GPU performance, though still behind dedicated graphics solutions

The hardware must meet Copilot+ requirements: minimum 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and Windows 11 24H2 or newer. Paul Thurrott used multiple models, including a mainstream X2 Plus and a soon-to-arrive Elite Extreme, showing how manufacturers are targeting both mid and high-end segments.

Performance: Productivity, Compatibility, and Real-World Use

Daily productivity on Snapdragon X2 Copilot+ PCs is seamless. Office applications, web browsers, developer tools, and creative programs run smoothly, with minimal difference compared to Intel or AMD-based Windows 11 laptops.

Compatibility is vastly improved thanks to Microsoft’s updated emulator, which lets x64 (traditional Windows) apps run at full speed. Most users will automatically access ARM-native versions of major apps—especially browsers and creative tools—for the best performance.

AI features are now practical: The improved NPU supports more advanced on-device AI tasks, prepping these machines for continued Windows 11 innovations.

Gaming on Snapdragon X2: Major Steps Forward

Gaming on Windows ARM was once nearly impossible, but Paul Thurrott found real progress:

• Older games (e.g., Half Life 2) and moderately recent AAA titles (e.g., Jedi Fallen Order, Control, Doom Eternal) now run at respectable frame rates (sometimes over 60 fps depending on game and settings)
• Technologies like AutoSR (Automatic Super Resolution) let demanding games look better at lower native resolutions
• Game Pass and Xbox app compatibility now allow both downloads and cloud streaming, though the library isn’t universal

Limitations: The GPU improvements are incremental, meaning the most demanding modern games (like Call of Duty) may not perform well. Some titles still have bugs or fail to run. Gaming is now feasible, but not at the cutting-edge AAA level.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong productivity performance: Day-to-day app use is smooth and fast
• High NPU power: Ready for AI-heavy workloads and future Windows 11 features
• Great battery efficiency: Known advantage of ARM-based, Snapdragon-powered systems
• Improved app compatibility: x64 emulation is now fast and reliable
• Gaming is possible: Many popular titles run at decent settings and frame rates

Cons

• GPU is still the weakest link: High-end gaming and GPU-reliant tasks lag behind dedicated graphics laptops
• Uncertain Windows upgrade path: Devices ship with a special Windows 11 26H1 version; upgrade plans to future releases (possibly Windows 12) are still unclear
• Higher prices: Entry-level X2 laptops start around $800–$850, with premium models going above $1,200
• Component shortages may impact availability and affordability

Who Should Consider Snapdragon X2 Copilot+ PCs?

• Windows users seeking high battery life, reliable performance, and local AI features
• Business users and multitaskers: Strong for productivity, conferencing, and most creative apps
• Gamers focused on classic or older titles: Not for top-tier AAA gaming, but great for less demanding games
• Enthusiasts who want the latest Windows innovations: These PCs are Microsoft’s intended “reference” hardware for future AI features

If GPU horsepower or cutting-edge gaming is essential, dedicated gaming laptops still have an edge.

Key Takeaways

• Snapdragon X2 Copilot+ PCs now rival traditional Windows laptops in everyday tasks and app compatibility
• Gaming has dramatically improved, with many mainstream titles fully playable
• Price and upgrade path are the biggest question marks for shoppers in 2024–2025
• AI features are a central focus—future-proofing these PCs for the next generation of Windows

The Bottom Line

Snapdragon X2 Copilot+ PCs are finally delivering on the promise of ARM-based Windows laptops—excellent performance, efficiency, and expanding capabilities. If you want a future-proof system ready for Windows AI features and solid multitasking, these are a compelling option. However, gamers and users needing maximum graphical power may want to wait for further improvements or compare dedicated GPU models.

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