Arm race: Apple’s M3 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite
In some corners of the laptop computer market, the PC versus Mac conflict is firing up once more. Apple reignited the flames by together with broad comparisons to PC laptops in its advertising for the M1 and subsequent chips—after which delivered unbelievable speeds in comparison with its Intel predecessors. However a downright inferno erupted when Qualcomm launched its Snapdragon X Elite processor, taking direct intention Apple with claims of quicker efficiency then the M3 MacBook Air.
Qualcomm introduced the Snapdragon X Elite final fall and it lastly began transport within the new Microsoft Floor Professional this month. Our colleagues at PCWorld give it a full evaluation with benchmarks and it’s value a learn. Nonetheless, their evaluation is PC-focused and solely mentions the Mac in passing, so we determined to try their outcomes with a extra a Mac-centric lens.
M3 vs. Snapdragon X Elite: Specs
Qualcomm takes direct pictures at Apple’s M3 in its advertising, so to get the comparability began, listed here are the fundamental specs for the Snapdragon Elite X and the M3.
| M3 | Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 |
|
|---|---|---|
| CPU cores | 8 (4 efficiency cores, 4 effectivity cores) |
12 (dual-core enhance) |
| Frequencies | 3.7GHz efficiency 2.4GHz effectivity |
4.0GHz enhance 3.4GHz base |
| Reminiscence (as examined) | 16GB | 16GB |
| Graphics | 10-core GPU | Qualcomm Adreno GPU |
At a look, the specs don’t look “equal” within the sense that the variety of CPU cores and the frequencies don’t match. The fact is that Home windows and Macs have at all times been troublesome to check with straight specs, and within the larger image, it’s inconsequential as a result of most prospects don’t take a look at it that approach.
M3 vs. Snapdragon X Elite: CPU efficiency
Whereas PCWorld ran a battery of various benchmarks, we’ll take a look at two suites specifically. The primary is Geekbench 6, which is a well-liked general-purpose benchmark to gauge the chip’s efficiency. The opposite benchmark outcomes are from Cinebench 2024, a benchmark that performs 3D rendering that calls for extra of the chips.
Apple affords quicker variations of the M3 within the M3 Professional and M3 Max, that are included within the check outcomes for reference. Qualcomm additionally affords variations of its Snapdragon X Elite, but it surely doesn’t particularly goal the M3 Professional and M3 Max in its advertising. Apart from, the M3 Professional/Max is used within the dearer MacBook Professional, which Microsoft would most likely say isn’t corresponding to the Floor Professional.
Geekbench 6.3
Outcomes are expressed as Geekbench scores. Increased scores/longer bars are quicker. *M3 outcomes proven right here have been examined with Steel; the Snapdragon X Elite was examined with OpenCL.
Qualcomm’s claims that its Snapdragon X Elite is as quick because the M3 holds up. The benchmarks present that the X Elite is nineteen p.c quicker than the M3 in multi-core efficiency, which is a distinction that must be noticeable when doing sure high-end duties. Nonetheless, the M3 is quicker in single-core testing by 12 p.c, which impacts on a regular basis duties however most likely gained’t have an excessive amount of of a distinction on efficiency.
Cinebench 2024
Outcomes are expressed as Cinebench scores. Increased scores/longer bars are quicker.
The MacBook Air and Floor Professional most likely aren’t the kinds of computer systems that might be picked by somebody who performs the sort of work accomplished in Cinebench, however the benchmark is an efficient indicator of efficiency. Right here, the Snapdragon X Elite is 26 p.c quicker in multi-core efficiency, a big enhance. The M3 once more is healthier with its single-core efficiency, beating the X Elite by a considerable 32 p.c. Nonetheless, anybody doing this sort of work could be utilizing software program that’s making the most of multi-core processing.
M3 vs. Snapdragon X Elite: GPU efficiency
For those who, as a die-hard Mac fan, are beginning to really feel slightly disillusioned by the truth that Qualcomm’s advertising claims are constant, there’s one place to take a look at to show that frown the other way up: GPU efficiency.
Within the Geekbench Compute benchmark, the M3 blows previous the Snapdragon X Elite, particularly when Geekbench Compute is ready to check with Steel, Apple’s graphics API that the M3 is optimized for. The M3 boasts a 143 p.c enchancment over the X Elite. (All the M-series chips within the Geekbench Compute chart above are examined utilizing Steel.)
However even when testing the M3 utilizing OpenCL (Home windows’ framework for graphics), the M3 posts a Geekbench Compute rating of 30391, which is 54 p.c quicker.
M4 vs. Snapdragon X Elite
If mentioning the GPU efficiency isn’t sufficient in your debates with Home windows devotees, right here’s one other level you possibly can carry up. The M3 often is the present chip within the MacBook Air, however the future is already right here with the M4–it’s already within the iPad Professional, and it’ll probably make its method to the MacBook Air quickly.
Geekbench outcomes can be found for the iPad Professional’s M4, and its multi-core efficiency is mainly the identical because the Snapdragon X Elite. In single-core efficiency, the M4 is 31 p.c quicker. Take that, Qualcomm.
However earlier than you begin to do a victory dance, understand that the M4 MacBook Air may not arrive till subsequent spring, in line with stories. That’s a degree that could possibly be made towards you, although you possibly can simply level out that the M4 chip shipped earlier than the Snapdragon X Elite.
In any case, the entire PC-versus-Mac factor is a factor, once more, not less than from a silicon standpoint. Because it’s usually been mentioned, competitors is an efficient factor as a result of it pushes innovation, so even you probably have no want to modify to Home windows, the “conflict” will encourage chip improvements that may profit Mac customers.
