Apple M4 vs. Snapdragon X Elite (X1E-84-100): Who Takes the Performance Crown?
If you’ve been following recent laptop processor launches, you’ll know that major manufacturers are in a heated race to deliver the best, fastest, and most efficient processors. The competition is fierce, and it’s not just about raw power but also about balancing performance with battery life and user experience.
The Rise of Apple Silicon: A Game-Changer for the Industry
It all started in 2020 when Apple shifted from Intel processors to its own in-house silicon, the M1 series. The M1 was a game-changer, outperforming competitors in both power and efficiency, especially in terms of battery life. This innovation has redefined what users expect from laptops and spurred competitors, including Intel and Qualcomm, to up their game.
Qualcomm Enters the Arena with Snapdragon X Elite
Qualcomm, historically known for smartphone processors, is now bringing the fight to the laptop space with its Snapdragon X Elite series, an ARM-based chip designed specifically for laptops. While Apple maintains its lead, Qualcomm’s latest chips narrow the gap, promising high efficiency and impressive battery life.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Apple M4 compares to the Snapdragon X Elite, focusing on architecture, performance, graphics, and AI capabilities to help you choose the best processor for your needs.
Apple M4 vs. Snapdragon X Elite: Key Specifications and Architecture
| Category | Apple M4 | Snapdragon X Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | TSMC 3nm | TSMC 4nm |
| Core Configuration | 10 cores (4 performance + 6 efficiency) | 12 cores (8 performance + 4 efficiency) |
| Architecture | ARMv9.2-A, optimized for macOS/iOS | ARMv9, with Qualcomm’s custom Oryon cores |
| Memory Architecture | Up to 24GB LPDDR5X | Up to 64GB LPDDR5X |
| TDP | ~20W | 23W-80W |
| Max Frequency | 4.4 GHz | 4.3 GHz |
| Memory Bandwidth | 120 GB/s | 135 GB/s |
Manufacturing Process and Core Architecture
Apple’s M4, built on TSMC’s 3nm process, is a generation ahead of the Snapdragon X Elite, which is built on a 4nm process. The Apple M4 also leverages a hybrid core design with a mix of performance (P) and efficiency (E) cores tailored to macOS, enabling excellent single-core performance and energy efficiency.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite, with 12 cores, offers a more performance-oriented multi-core setup, favoring demanding multi-threaded tasks like video rendering. Although Snapdragon lacks the fine-tuned macOS optimizations of Apple, it’s still highly capable, particularly in multi-core scenarios.
Performance Comparison: Single-Core and Multi-Core Benchmarks
| Processor | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score |
|---|---|---|
| Apple M4 | 3,103 | 12,065 |
| Snapdragon X Elite | 2,714 | 14,078 |
The Apple M4 shines in single-core performance, making it ideal for everyday tasks like web browsing, app launches, and media playback. However, Snapdragon X Elite’s multi-core advantage comes into play for workloads that require more parallel processing, such as video editing and heavy multitasking.
Graphics and Gaming Performance
| Feature | Apple M4 | Snapdragon X Elite |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | 10-core integrated GPU | Adreno X1 integrated GPU |
| Ray Tracing | Hardware-accelerated | Hardware-accelerated |
| Unified Memory | Yes | Yes |
GPU Comparison: Integrated Graphics for Light Gaming and Media Work
Apple’s M4 features a robust 10-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, providing excellent performance for integrated graphics. This setup is well-suited for light to medium graphics tasks, though neither processor’s integrated GPU matches the power of a dedicated graphics card.
Snapdragon X Elite’s Adreno X1 GPU, while capable, doesn’t quite reach Apple’s level in GPU tasks. However, it supports more memory (up to 64GB) compared to Apple’s max of 24GB, potentially benefiting memory-intensive graphics applications.
For high-end gaming or advanced graphics work, a dedicated GPU is recommended, but for moderate graphics needs, the Apple M4 generally outperforms Snapdragon X Elite.
AI and Neural Processing Capabilities
| Feature | Apple M4 | Snapdragon X Elite |
|---|---|---|
| NPU Architecture | 16-core Neural Engine | Hexagon NPU |
| AI Performance (TOPS) | 38 TOPS | 45 TOPS |
| Precision Support | INT8, FP16 | INT4, INT8, FP16 |
Both processors are equipped with powerful NPUs (Neural Processing Units), handling local AI tasks and enhancing real-time performance. Apple’s 16-core Neural Engine offers 38 TOPS, with a strong focus on efficiency for tasks like photo editing and real-time processing. Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU edges out slightly in raw AI power with 45 TOPS, supporting INT4, INT8, and FP16 precision, which is helpful for diverse AI workloads.
Connectivity and Multimedia Support
In terms of connectivity, the Snapdragon X Elite leads with support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, along with 5G capabilities, making it a versatile option for modern wireless connectivity. The Apple M4 offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 but lacks 5G support.
Regarding video playback, Snapdragon supports up to 8K at 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps, while the Apple M4 handles up to 4K at 60 fps. These capabilities mean Snapdragon can handle higher-resolution displays and faster refresh rates.
Which Processor is Right for You?
If you’re committed to macOS, the Apple M4 is an easy choice. Its single-core efficiency, strong integrated GPU, and smooth user experience make it a fantastic option for most tasks. Apple’s consistent focus on power management also gives the M4 a battery life edge.
For Windows users seeking strong multi-core performance and connectivity, the Snapdragon X Elite is a solid contender. While Qualcomm’s chip may fall short of Apple’s single-core speed, its multi-core setup and support for higher memory bandwidth make it excellent for intensive multitasking and memory-heavy applications.
Both processors have strengths, so the best choice depends on your operating system preference and usage needs:
- Choose Apple M4 if you need a powerful macOS laptop with high efficiency and seamless GPU performance.
- Choose Snapdragon X Elite for a Windows laptop focused on multi-core tasks, memory-intensive applications, and superior connectivity options.
For gaming or intense graphics tasks, consider a device with a dedicated GPU. Both the Apple M4 and Snapdragon X Elite deliver impressive real-world performance, though Apple’s M4 maintains a slight edge in CPU and GPU integration.
