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Snapdragon X Elite Vs. M3: A Close Competition?
M3 offers better gaming performance while X Elite is good choice for multi-core operations
6 min. read
Updated onJuly 31, 2024
updated onJuly 31, 2024
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With all the hype created by Qualcomm’s new upcoming processor, Snapdragon X Elite, with Geekbench listings, everyone has a lot of expectations from the hardware component. Another popular player in the arena proving its supremacy is M3. Here, we have compared Snapdragon X Elite vs. M3 to help you understand which is the superior choice.
Snapdragon X Elite vs. M3: Which is best?
Snapdragon X Elite vs. M3: Specifications
CPU performance
The CPU that comes with Qualcomm’s new hardware component looks fairly better than its predecessors. With 12 performance cores, it is superior to Apple M3, which has 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. However, when it comes to base frequency, Apple M3 is the clear winner.
Qualcomm has released the Snapdragon Elite X, which comes in three variants with slight differences in terms of multithread frequency, TFLOPS, and Dual-core boost. The variants areX1E-84-100, which has23405 multithread and 3876 single thread,X1E-80-100, which has22653 multithread and 3350 single thread, andX1E-78-100, which has23595 multithread and 3195 single thread.
The Apple M3 has no variant and comes with an ARMv8 instruction set, which is lower than Snapdragon Elite.
Graphics performance
The Graphics performance looks promising with the Qualcomm Adreno 750 integrated GPU. For Apple M3, the GPU comes with Dynamic caching, which enables the use of local memory in hardware in real-time.
On the D Mark WildLife Extreme benchmark, which focuses on short-term performance, the Snapdragon X Elite got 6,260 points, while the Apple M3 scored 8,284 points. This indicates that Apple M3-powered computers have better GPU performance than Snapdragon X Elite.
NPU performance
Regarding NPU performance, Snapdragon X Elite can deliver up to 45 TOPS while M3 delivers only upto 18 TOPS. So, for AI-enriched features, X Elite is the go-to.
Gaming performance
Matt Talks Tech, when testing both processors while gaming, Apple M3 maintained higher average frames per second (FPS) in all tested games. This means you will have a better gaming experience on a device powered by M3 than a Windows computer with Snapdragon X Elite.
Battery Life
Qualcomm claims to give twice the battery life on a laptop powered by Snapdragon X Elite than Intel Core Ultra 7 155H.
Also, whenDave2D, a popular YouTuber, used the Asus Vivobook S15 powered by Snapdragon newest processor with a 70 Wh battery pack and tested it under light load, they found out that the device lasted to 10 hours and 26 minutes, which is close to the MacBook Air M3 (11 hours and 18 minutes).
Overall performance
Regarding power and efficiency, Snapdragon Elite X delivers a well-balanced performance. With a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) of 45 TOPS, it can be considered an AI powerhouse.
Apple M3 is the first chip built on an industry-leading 3-nanometer process, and it features technology that allows 25 billion transistors to be fitted into a smaller space.
GeekBench v6 results
Here are the GeekBench v6 results when common operations used in real-world apps were performed:
Single- Core & Multi-Core performance
The Conclusion: Snapdragon X Elite vs. M3
Qualcomm has 50% more cores, including 12 performance cores, compared to 4 performance and 4 efficiency cores in Apple M3. However, it is only 21% faster.
Also, it is still behind in single-core performance from Apple M3 but has proven to be better in multi-performance, which makes the Qualcomm processor a strong contender for tasks that benefit from parallel processing.
Apple M3 comes with a powerful GPU that delivers superior graphics performance and is better for gaming as well. When it comes to battery efficiency, Snapdragon X Elite appears to be promising, as it can be used for longer operational times compared to its predecessors.
So, if you want a processor with better multi-core capabilities, Snapdragon X Elite should be your go-to. However, if you are looking for a processor efficient in single-core tasks and a better gaming experience, Apple M3 is the best option.
Wehave also compared Qualcomm against other brands, so for moreinformation, check out our guides onSnapdragon X Elite vs. Z1 ExtremeandSnapdragon X Elite vs. M4.
If you are wondering about the hardware differences, don’t miss out on our guide onSnapdragon X Elite versionsto know more about each CPU.
To learn howSnapdragon X Elite and Plus compare, we have a guide that covers both series in detail.
What do you think about these new chips by Qualcomm, are they ready to beat Apple M3? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
More about the topics:CPU,snapdragon
Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.
Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
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Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
She is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. Srishti is specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
