In some corners of the laptop computer market , the PC versus Mac war is raise up again . Apple reignited the fire by include liberal comparisons to microcomputer laptop in its marketing for the M1 and subsequent chips — and then delivered unbelievable speeds compared to its Intel harbinger . But a downright nether region catch fire when Qualcomm introduce its Snapdragon X Elite processor , taking direct aim Apple with claims of faster functioning then the M3 MacBook Air .
Qualcommannounced the Snapdragon X Elite last falland it finally started shipping in the fresh Microsoft Surface Pro this calendar month . Our colleagues at PCWorld give it afull review with benchmarksand it ’s deserving a read . However , their review is personal computer - focused and only mentions the Mac in passing , so we decided to take a look at their resolution with a more a Mac - centric lens of the eye .
M3 vs. Snapdragon X Elite: Specs
Qualcomm takes direct shots at Apple ’s M3 in its marketing , so to get the equivalence started , here are the introductory specification for the Snapdragon Elite X and the M3 .
At a glance , the specs do n’t look “ adequate ” in the sense that the number of processor sum and the frequencies do n’t pit . The reality is that Windows and Macs have always been unmanageable to compare with uncoiled eyeglasses , and in the bigger picture , it ’s inconsequential because most customers do n’t attend at it that elbow room .
M3 vs. Snapdragon X Elite: CPU performance
While PCWorld ran a battery of dissimilar benchmarks , we ’ll look at two suites in special . The first isGeekbench 6 , which is a popular universal - purpose benchmark to gauge the chip ’s execution . The other bench mark final result are fromCinebench 2024 , a bench mark that performs 3D render that demands more of the fries .
Apple offers firm mutant of the M3 in the M3 Pro and M3 Max , which are included in the test solution for reference . Qualcomm also offer variations of itsSnapdragonX Elite , but it does n’t specifically target the M3 Pro and M3 Max in its selling . Besides , the M3 Pro / Max is used in the more expensive MacBook Pro , which Microsoft would probably say is n’t comparable to the Surface Pro .
Geekbench 6.3
Results are expressed as Geekbench scores . high scores / longer bars are faster.*M3 results shown here were quiz with Metal ; the Snapdragon X Elite was tested with OpenCL .
Qualcomm ’s claims that its Snapdragon X Elite is as tight as the M3 hold up . The benchmark show that the decade Elite is 19 per centum faster than the M3 in multi - core performance , which is a difference that should be detectable when doing certain high - destruction tasks . However , the M3 is quicker in single - essence examination by 12 percent , which impress everyday project but probably wo n’t have too much of a difference on carrying out .
Cinebench 2024
outcome are expressed as Cinebench stacks . Higher scores / longer bars are faster .
The MacBook Air and Surface Pro in all probability are n’t the types of computers that would be picked by someone who perform the sort of study done in Cinebench , but the bench mark is a good indicator of performance . Here , the Snapdragon X Elite is 26 percent quicker in multi - core performance , a significant boost . The M3 again is good with its single - core performance , exhaust the X Elite by a substantial 32 percent . However , anyone doing this form of work would be using software that is taking vantage of multi - core processing .
M3 vs. Snapdragon X Elite: GPU performance
If you , as a become flat - toilsome Mac sports fan , are starting to palpate a little disappointed by the fact that Qualcomm ’s marketing claims are coherent , there ’s one place to look at to turn that glower upside down : GPU execution .
In the Geekbench Compute bench mark , the M3 fuck up past the Snapdragon X Elite , particularly when Geekbench Compute is gear up to test with Metal , Apple ’s graphics API that the M3 is optimized for . The M3 boasts a 143 per centum improvement over the X Elite . ( All of the M - serial splintering in the Geekbench Compute chart above are try out using Metal . )
But even when test the M3 using OpenCL ( Windows ’ framework for artwork ) , the M3 posts a Geekbench Compute score of 30391 , which is 54 percent quicker .
M4 vs. Snapdragon X Elite
If pointing out the GPU performance is n’t enough for your debates with Windows devotees , here ’s another point you could work up . The M3 may be the current chip in the MacBook Air , but the future is already here with theM4 – it ’s already in theiPad Pro , and it will in all likelihood make its direction to the MacBook Air presently .
Geekbench results are usable for the iPad Pro ’s M4 , and its multi - core performance is basically the same as the Snapdragon X Elite . In individual - core performance , the M4 is 31 percent faster . Take that , Qualcomm .
But before you start to do a victory dance , keep in mind that theM4 MacBook Air might not arrive until next spring , allot to reports . That ’s a peak that could be made against you , though you’re able to easy point out that the M4 potato chip ship before the Snapdragon X Elite .
In any case , the whole microcomputer - versus - Mac thing is a thing , again , at least from a silicon stand . As it ’s often been said , contest is a good thing because it pushes innovation , so even if you have no desire to switch to Windows , the “ state of war ” will animate chip innovations that will profit Mac users .
