At the Snapdragon Summit 2025, Qualcomm has announced two new PC chips: Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and Snapdragon X2 Elite. The headline claims are bold: up to 80 TOPS of on-device AI, the world’s fastest NPU for laptops, big CPU jumps, and improved efficiency for thin-and-light Copilot+ PCs. Devices with the new platforms are slated for the first half of 2026.
What’s actually new in the X2 family
The X2 range builds on Qualcomm’s custom Oryon CPU and a refreshed Adreno GPU, with a focus on AI workloads and battery life.
- 80 TOPS Hexagon NPU, billed as the fastest laptop NPU
- Up to 75% faster CPU at the same power for X2 Elite Extreme
- New Adreno GPU with 2.3x perf-per-watt vs previous gen
- 3 nm process and up to 18 CPU cores on Extreme
- Copilot+ concurrency for on-device AI tasks
Qualcomm positions X2 Elite Extreme for heavy creators and data pros, while X2 Elite targets premium multitaskers. Qualcomm is claiming up to 75% faster CPU performance at ISO power for Extreme and up to 31% faster performance at ISO power for X2 Elite, alongside lower power draw than the last generation. The 80 TOPS NPU is designed for concurrent Copilot+ features.
Oryon CPU: up to 5.0 GHz on ARM
Qualcomm says the third-gen Oryon CPU pushes responsiveness for creation apps and browsing.
- Up to 18 cores on X2 Elite Extreme
- First ARM-compatible CPU to hit 5.0 GHz (two prime core, Extreme)
- Hardware matrix acceleration and large low-latency cache
- Built on a 3 nm process
This is the performance backbone for X2 laptops. The 5.0 GHz headline is limited to the Extreme’s two prime cores, and the wider cluster mixes prime and performance cores for efficiency under sustained loads.
80 TOPS NPU: pushing on-device AI
The Hexagon NPU gets a large bump and is framed as laptop-leading.
More on Tbreak
- 80 TOPS (INT8) on the NPU
- 78% more TOPS than the previous generation
- Runs creation tools and modern LLMs on device
- Meant for concurrent Copilot+ experiences
Qualcomm calls it the world’s fastest NPU for laptops, aimed at AI agents, real-time media tools and background assistants without killing battery life.
GPU, connectivity and cameras
The X2 platforms pick up a new Adreno GPU and modern connectivity options.
- Adreno GPU with higher quality and frame rates at better perf-per-watt
- Up to Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF (ready for 5G Advanced)
- FastConnect 7800 for Wi-Fi 7 with HBS and Bluetooth 5.4 LE
- Spectra ISP for higher-bandwidth cameras, HDR and 10-bit colour
For the UAE, Wi-Fi 7 support aligns with the region’s move to multi-gigabit home internet and new routers, which should benefit these laptops when local networks catch up.
Management and security: Snapdragon Guardian Technology
There’s a new out-of-band management layer aimed at IT and power users.
- Manage, find, lock and wipe a PC remotely
- Uses a blend of hardware, software and cloud
- Leverages Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity
This is pitched at businesses that need fleet control and recovery tools, and at consumers who care about device tracking and remote lock. Expect OEM-specific features to dictate exactly how it shows up in retail units.
Availability and what it means for UAE buyers
The first X2 laptops are expected in the first half of 2026. That timing suggests we’ll see them from key OEMs in the UAE retail channel after global launches, with Wi-Fi 7 and Copilot+ branding in tow. If you’re shopping now, current Copilot+ PCs will hold you over, but X2 Elite Extreme looks geared for higher-end creator notebooks that can finally stay fan-quiet under AI workloads.
Quick specs snapshot
- X2 Elite Extreme: up to 18 cores, prime to 5.0 GHz, 80 TOPS NPU, new Adreno GPU
- X2 Elite: premium performance, better efficiency vs last gen, 80 TOPS NPU
- Platform features: up to X75 5G, FastConnect 7800 (Wi-Fi 7), Spectra ISP, Snapdragon Guardian Technology
What’s the difference between X2 Elite Extreme and X2 Elite?
Extreme targets ultra-premium machines and heavy workloads, with up to 75% faster CPU at ISO power and the same 80 TOPS NPU; X2 Elite is tuned for premium multitasking with better efficiency and up to 31% faster performance at ISO power than the last gen
Does X2 support Wi-Fi 7 and 5G?
Yes. OEMs can configure up to the FastConnect 7800 for Wi-Fi 7 and the Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF system, ready for 5G Advanced.
When can I buy an X2 laptop in the UAE?
Qualcomm says devices powered by Snapdragon X2 Elite are expected in 1H 2026. UAE launch timing will depend on each brand’s local rollout.
