Qualcomm targets $300 Windows laptop market with new Snapdragon C chip
The Snapdragon C platform, unveiled at Computex, utilises older Kryo cores to enable affordable devices from Lenovo, Acer, and HP, though it falls short of Microsoft’s Copilot Plus PC standards.
Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon C, a new ARM-based system-on-chip designed specifically for entry-level Windows laptops. Unveiled at Computex, the processor targets a retail price point of $300 and above, aiming to address the performance and efficiency limitations that have historically plagued budget Intel-based devices. The move signals a strategic shift in the Windows ecosystem, where manufacturers are increasingly looking to ARM architecture to deliver better power management and thermal performance in affordable machines.
The Snapdragon C utilises older Kryo CPU cores, previously found in smartphones and Chromebooks, rather than the newer Oryon architecture that powers Qualcomm’s high-end silicon. This architectural choice is central to the platform’s affordability strategy. Qualcomm states the chip is optimised for responsive performance, cool and quiet designs, and all-day battery life, catering to typical workloads such as web browsing, video streaming, and productivity tasks. It is not intended for heavy computational loads like 3D rendering or 8K video editing.
A notable feature of the Snapdragon C is the inclusion of an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for local AI capabilities. This addresses a gap in the current entry-level market, where such hardware is largely absent. However, while the chip includes an NPU, it does not meet Microsoft’s stringent requirements for “Copilot Plus PC” status, limiting its compatibility with the tech giant’s most advanced AI features.
The announcement follows a shift in consumer expectations driven by Apple’s recent release of the $599 MacBook Neo, which has raised the bar for budget computing. Historically, Arm-based PCs in the Windows space have entered the market at significantly higher price points, typically $1,000, $700, and $600. Qualcomm’s entry into the sub-$400 segment represents a significant departure from this trend, offering Windows manufacturers a viable path to compete with Apple’s value proposition.
Laptops featuring the Snapdragon C are expected to be released later this year by major manufacturers including Lenovo, Acer, and HP. While the broader PC sector continues to face supply constraints and rising costs, often referred to as “RAMageddon”, Qualcomm’s platform offers a potential solution for delivering consistent performance in the budget tier. The final retail prices and specific launch timelines for devices from each manufacturer have not yet been confirmed.
