Windows on Arm PCs have come a long way, evolving into versatile machines that can handle almost everything you throw at them. They mirror the functionality of standard Windows PCs up to about 95%, but it's those last few percentage points that can be frustrating. If your daily routine involves browsing the web, working in Microsoft apps like Word, Excel, and Outlook, and unwinding with Netflix or Disney+, then a Copilot+ PC could be a great fit for you. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Microsoft, Arm, and Qualcomm, many productivity applications, including those from Adobe, now run smoothly on Windows on Arm. The ecosystem continues to grow, making these devices increasingly viable for everyday use.
On wall power, Copilot+ PCs are excellent...
When it comes to performance, Copilot+ PCs powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor hold their own against Intel’s Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) laptops. In fact, in certain scenarios when plugged in, they can even surpass them. The Snapdragon X Elite boasts 12 Oryon performance cores (P-cores), compared to the 6 P-cores and 8 efficiency cores (E-cores) found in the fastest Meteor Lake chips. This makes for a robust performance that can handle demanding tasks with ease.
...But Arm really shines on battery
Arm PCs have built a reputation over the years for their exceptional battery life, even if their performance was considered middling. Copilot+ PCs take this a step further, offering improved battery life that makes them ideal for users who need to work on the go. However, there's a caveat: the harder you push these machines, the quicker the battery drains. While they perform excellently on both wall power and battery, intensive tasks will reduce their longevity.
The real game is what games you can play
It's important to note that a Copilot+ PC is primarily a productivity machine. Anything beyond that is a bonus. While they can handle some gaming, their true strength lies in productivity applications and tasks.
So why do you need AI, exactly?
The standout feature of these chips is their integrated AI functions within the NPU (Neural Processing Unit). One of the key benefits is Auto Super Resolution (Auto SR), which allows the laptop’s GPU to render at a lower resolution and then upscale it using the NPU. This enhances graphical performance while maintaining high frame rates, making it a valuable feature for users who require high-quality visuals without compromising on speed.
Copilot+ PCs are more than just Qualcomm
At the launch of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, Microsoft emphasized that Qualcomm isn’t the only player in the Copilot+ PC arena. AMD is set to join the fray with its Ryzen AI 300, and Intel is expected to follow with Lunar Lake in the fall. This diversification promises to bring even more innovation and performance improvements to the Copilot+ PC lineup.
In summary, Copilot+ PCs offer a compelling blend of performance and battery life, making them suitable for a range of productivity tasks. While they may not yet be perfect, their evolving ecosystem and integrated AI capabilities make them an exciting option for users looking for a versatile computing experience.