Microsoft’s 12-Year Odyssey Comes to an End: Windows on Arm Finally Hits Its Stride
For over a decade, Microsoft has been trying to make Windows on Arm happen. And for a long time, it seemed like an impossible task. The company’s attempt to make Windows run on Arm architecture, a processor architecture used in many smartphones, was met with criticism, disappointment, and even ridicule.
But, it seems like Microsoft’s persistence has finally paid off. With the release of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips, Windows on Arm has become a viable platform. And, as of late, we’ve seen a flood of Windows laptops powered by Arm processors.
But, is this newfound success a result of Microsoft’s Herculean efforts, or has Qualcomm’s technology finally caught up? And what does this mean for Intel and AMD, the traditional players in the x86 processor market?
To answer these questions, we’ve tested seven Copilot Plus PCs, featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips, and compared them to similar laptops running on Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen processors, and Apple Silicon.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite: The Game-Changer
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are the key to Windows on Arm’s newfound success. These processors are more powerful, efficient, and have a homogeneous architecture, which means that every core can handle both performance-critical and power-efficient tasks. This allows for better performance and battery life, making them a compelling option for mobile workers and those who need to balance work and play.
The Snapdragon X Elite’s Homogeneous Architecture: A Game-Changer
Traditional processors, like Intel and AMD, use a hybrid architecture, where some cores are designed for performance and others for power efficiency. This can lead to inconsistent performance and battery life. Qualcomm’s decision to use a homogeneous architecture means that every core can handle both tasks, leading to better overall performance and battery life.
Why Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite is a Threat to Intel and AMD
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips offer several advantages over Intel and AMD’s offerings. For one, they are more powerful, efficient, and have a homogeneous architecture, making them better suited for mobile workers. Second, they are more affordable, with prices starting at $999, compared to $1,099 for the base 13-inch MacBook Air M3.
The Writing is on the Wall: Intel and AMD Must Adapt
It’s clear that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips have set the bar for Windows on Arm. Intel and AMD must adapt to this new reality. With the release of Intel Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI chips, the competition is heating up.
Intel’s Lunar Lake chip, for instance, promises better battery life, a more efficient design, and a more integrated processor architecture. AMD’s Ryzen AI chip, on the other hand, offers improved graphics performance and a more powerful iGPU.
The Future of Windows on Arm
As the dust settles, it’s clear that Windows on Arm has finally hit its stride. But, what does this mean for the future of the platform? Will Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips continue to dominate the market, or will Intel and AMD’s offerings catch up?
We’ll have to wait and see how things unfold. But, for now, it’s clear that Windows on Arm has finally become a viable platform, and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are the catalyst for this change.