Windows 10 is obsolete: discovering the logical reasons to opt for a Snapdragon X PC in the transition to Windows 11
A New Era for Your Old Windows 10 PC: Snapdragon X Laptops
The clock is ticking for Windows 10 users. Microsft plans to end the support lifecycle for the operating system on October 14, 2025. Although you can continue using your Windows 10 PC after this date, it will no longer receive security updates, and you'll be on your own when it comes to tech support - unless you're willing to shell out extra cash.
Embracing the future, here's why swapping your Windows 10 PC for a laptop powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips is a smart move.
3 Reasons to Ditch Windows 10 for a Snapdragon X Laptop
The term "Qualcomm's Snapdragon" might be new to some, but it has been making waves in the laptop world since 2023. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X SoC (System-on-Chip) debuted in 2024, and since then, laptops sporting these chips have been popping up from major manufacturers like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface.
1. Affordable Powerhouse
When it comes to value, Snapdragon X laptops are hard to beat. Their prices vary, but no matter the price point, you'll find reliable, powerful laptops at a significantly lower cost compared to their Intel and AMD counterparts. Better yet, these budget-friendly options don't skimp on the features, often sporting high-end add-ons like OLED displays, improved speakers, and higher-res cameras.
2. Outstanding Performance and Efficiency
Qualcomm has taken the laptop world by storm with the Snapdragon X series, which includes the Elite and Plus models. These chips are based on the ARM64 architecture, similar to Apple's M chips, ensuring efficiency and smooth performance. Despite being smaller in size, these chips pack a punch, delivering better performance than is required for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and office apps.
Battery life is another area where Snapdragon X laptops shine. The computers stay responsive whether you're plugged in or running on battery power. Plus, Snapdragon X laptops consistently boast some of the best, longest-lasting battery life on the market.
3. Copilot+ Compatibility
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips also feature a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU), granting you instant access to the latest AI tools in Windows 11. These features not only boost productivity but also make life on Windows easier. If you're gearing up for the transition to Windows 11, why not have the full experience?
2 Reasons to Think Twice Before Swapping Windows 10 for a Snapdragon X Laptop
While Snapdragon X laptops offer numerous advantages, they're not the perfect choice for everyone. Here are two main drawbacks to keep in mind:
1. Software Limitations
Although Windows 11 on Snapdragon is almost identical to the standard Windows 11, there can still be compatibility issues due to its ARM64 architecture. However, most everyday apps are compiled natively, so the average user won't notice a difference.
2. Gaming Performance
If you're a hardcore PC gamer, Snapdragon X laptops may not be the best choice. While some games run smoothly with the integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU, dedicated Intel or AMD graphics cards will deliver better performance in gaming scenarios.
No Retreat, No Surrender: What's Next if You Can't or Don't Want to Swap Your Windows 10 PC
When the security and feature updates end for Windows 10, your computer will become increasingly less secure, and you may encounter issues with apps that no longer support the older OS. To prevent these problems, consider checking your PC's compatibility with Windows 11 or opt for the paid $30 extension for an extra year of support. If those options don't fit your needs, consider upgrading to a new Windows 11 PC, like one equipped with a Snapdragon X chip for the best combination of affordability, performance, and battery life.
For more laptop options, explore the following categories:
- Favorite Windows Laptops
- Intel Core i9 Laptops
- Laptops with Number Pads
- 5G Laptops with LTE Support
- Laptops with Bright Screens
- Copilot+ PC Laptops
- Laptops for Video Meetings
- Gaming Laptops
- Microsoft has announced that it will end the support lifecycle for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which the operating system will no longer receive security updates.
- Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips have been employed in laptops since 2023, making waves in the laptop world, with manufacturers like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Surface releasing laptops powered by these chips.
- The Snapdragon X series of chips, including the Elite and Plus models, are based on the ARM64 architecture, ensuring efficiency and smooth performance.
- Snapdragon X laptops typically cost less than their Intel and AMD counterparts while still offering high-end features like OLED displays, improved speakers, and higher-res cameras.
- Battery life is a notable strength of Snapdragon X laptops, with long-lasting battery life and consistent performance whether plugged in or running on battery power.
- The Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips allows access to the latest AI tools in Windows 11, boosting productivity and easing life on Windows.
- However, there can be compatibility issues with certain apps due to the ARM64 architecture of Snapdragon X laptops, and their gaming performance may be inferior to that of laptops with dedicated Intel or AMD graphics cards.
- For those unwilling or unable to exchange their Windows 10 PC, exploring Windows 11 compatibility or purchasing the $30 extension for an additional year of support could help mitigate potential issues.
- For alternative laptop options, consider exploring categories like favorite Windows laptops, laptops with number pads, 5G laptops with LTE support, laptops with bright screens, gaming laptops, and copilot+ PC laptops.
