Qualcomm has unveiled its lower-tier Snapdragon X2 Plus processors at CES 2026, targeting a wider range of laptop buyers. These chips, expected in devices by the end of March, represent Qualcomm’s push to offer competitive performance at more accessible price points. The move comes as laptops become increasingly expensive, making affordability a key battleground for manufacturers.
New Process, Familiar Benefits
The Snapdragon X2 Plus processors are built on a 3-nanometer (nm) process, an improvement over the 4nm process used in previous Snapdragon X series generations. This smaller process allows for greater chip density and faster clock speeds, though it also introduces challenges with heat management. For context, Apple’s M3 and AMD’s Ryzen AI Max also utilize 3nm technology, while Intel is already moving towards a more advanced 2nm process with its Panther Lake generation.
Enhanced AI Capabilities
Like their higher-end counterparts, the X2 Plus chips feature an 80 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for artificial intelligence tasks, up from 45 TOPS in previous models. The new NPU supports the FP8 data type, which can accelerate AI workloads. Qualcomm currently holds the lead in NPU performance on paper, though comparisons with competitors like Apple’s estimated 133 TOPS M5 chip require consideration of how total platform TOPS differ from component-level TOPS.
Balancing Performance and Price
The Snapdragon X2 Plus chips are designed to provide a balance between performance and cost. By stepping down from the more powerful Snapdragon X2 Elite, Qualcomm aims to make high-efficiency computing more available in a broader range of laptops. The company claims improvements in battery life, graphics, and overall performance, making the X2 Plus a viable option for mainstream consumers seeking a modern PC experience.
The release of the Snapdragon X2 Plus chips signals Qualcomm’s commitment to challenging established PC chipmakers by offering competitive performance at more accessible price points, and the company is betting that wider availability will drive adoption in a market where cost is increasingly important.
