Snapdragon X2 Plus Steps Into the Spotlight as Qualcomm’s Smart Windows Play

At Qualcomm’s CES 2026 showcase, the company introduced the Snapdragon X2 Plus family. You see it positioned just below the flagship Elite models, and that choice feels deliberate. Qualcomm targets thin and light Windows laptops that value efficiency, silence, and long battery life over raw power.
The company still holds a small share of the laptop market, and you probably know that software compatibility has not fully disappeared as a concern. With X2 Plus, Qualcomm clearly wants to move that conversation forward and prove that ARM-based Windows machines can feel balanced and practical.

Two Chips, One Clear Philosophy

The Snapdragon X2 Plus lineup includes two system-on-chips. One offers six Prime cores, while the more advanced version delivers ten cores in a 6 Prime plus 4 Performance setup. Prime cores boost up to 4.04 GHz, which gives everyday tasks a noticeable snap.
Both chips rely on the third generation Oryon CPU architecture and include a Hexagon NPU rated at 80 TOPS. This focus on local AI means smarter features without constant cloud access. Graphics come from the Adreno X2-45 GPU with modern API support that keeps Windows applications and engines running smoothly.

Why Qualcomm Challenges Intel Directly

Qualcomm openly compares the ten-core X2 Plus to Intel Core Ultra 7 265U. You should treat these numbers carefully, but the claim is bold. Qualcomm promises higher performance at similar power levels, plus strong gains in graphics and AI tasks.
With support for up to 128 GB of fast LPDDR5x memory, Wi-Fi 7, optional 5G, and triple 4K displays, these chips look ready for real devices. Laptops powered by X2 Plus should arrive in the first half of 2026, and that is when you will see whether Qualcomm’s confidence pays off.