Latest news with #SnapdragonXPlus
Phone Arena
14 hours ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
The 16/512GB Surface Pro 11 with an OLED screen is an epic 30% off at Amazon
What's the most premium Windows tablet you can get right now? It's the Surface Pro 11 — but not the base LCD version with the Snapdragon X Plus chip. We're talking about the OLED powerhouse running on the cutting-edge Snapdragon X Elite. This one usually costs quite a bit, but not right now. Currently, you can save a whopping 30% on one special storage and RAM configuration. $447 off (30%) The Surface Pro 11 is an excellent pick for Windows fans looking for lots of power, a gorgeous display, and loads of multitasking potential. The 16/512GB variant with an OLED display and a Snapdragon X Elite chip is currently down by 30% at Amazon, saving you an epic $447. The promo is only available on the Platinum model. Buy at Amazon The model in question is the 16/512GB in Platinum, which sells for a mind-blowing $447 off its original ~$1,500 price. Now, as you might guess, this offer probably won't stick around for long. So, if you wish to make the most out of your Windows tablet experience, this device absolutely must be on your radar, especially at that a gorgeous 13-inch OLED touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate, this laptop-to-tablet device delivers excellent visuals. Let's not forget about the built-in kickstand that boosts the experience even further. This iPad Pro M4 rival does more than deliver an excellent visual experience — it also provides solid performance. The supreme Snapdragon X Elite packs lots of potential for demanding work-related tasks, heavy multitasking, and more. Of course, there are some AI extras provided by Copilot+ to help you efficiently manage files and understand others in meetings. Design-wise, the slate is quite slim yet rugged, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Add solid speakers, two versatile USB-C ports, and a hefty battery life of up to 14 hours to this package, and you get a Windows champ that should be on your radar. We can't deny the Surface Pro 11 is quite steep even at a massive 30% discount. But hey, you're getting plenty of value for your investment, especially with this particular model. Get your OLED variant with an X Elite SoC, a massive 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage and save $447 while Amazon's promo is still going strong.
Tom's Guide
26-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Massive Dell Memorial Day sale is live — 15 deals I'd buy before they expire
Back to school season typically starts in late June and ramps up later in the summer. I usually advise students to make their purchases then, but this year my advice is to shop now. The Dell Memorial Day sale is currently offering some great deals and with the uncertainty looming over tech tariffs, there's no reason to delay your purchase. For example, right now you can get the XPS 13 laptop on sale for $909 at Dell. I love this deal because this configuration packs a Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 16GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. I'd recommend upgrading to 512GB of storage, but otherwise it's still one of the best laptops we've reviewed. If you need a pair of new monitors, Dell and Alienware displays are on sale from $79. Gamers will want to check out the Alienware 27-inch QD-OLED 4K Gaming Monitor on sale for $649. That's $250 off its regular price. Below I've rounded up all of my favorite Dell Memorial Day sales happening now. For more deals, check out our Dell promo codes coverage and our Memorial Day sales live blog. This laptop is an awesome pick for anyone looking for a mainstream machine that packs a strong punch. It's equipped with an Intel Core 7 150U CPU, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display. Save on the Inspiron 16 Plus, decked out with Intel's powerful Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, integrated Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. This laptop is especially a great pick for students, as it's relatively affordable and well-equipped to last year's. Plus, after work is done for the day, you can stream your favorite shows on its 16-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600), 120Hz, 300-nit display. Save big on this Snapdragon X Plus-powered laptop, which packs improved battery efficiency and top-tier AI processing. In addition to its X1E-80-100 CPU, this XPS 13 configuration is also equipped with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of SSD storage and a 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 120Hz display. In our Dell XPS 13 2024 review, we praised this laptop's amazing 19+ hours of battery life. This XPS 14 configuration boasts one of Intel's new chips — the Core Ultra 7 155H. For just $1,099, you'll also get 16GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, and a 14.5-inch 1920 x 1200 display. Whether you're in the market for a laptop capable of tackling everyday tasks or a casual gaming rig, the XPS 14 is a solid option. Save big on this Core Ultra 7-powered laptop, which packs improved battery efficiency and top-tier AI processing. This XPS 13 configuration is also equipped with 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 13.4-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED display. In our Dell XPS 13 2024 review, we praised this laptop's amazing 19+ hours of battery life. The Alienware 16 Area 51 Laptop is a new 2025 machine powered by Nvidia's new RTX 5070 Ti GPU. This configuration also features an amazing 16-inch QHD+ 240Hz LCD, Core Ultra 9-275HX CPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. Yes, it's pricey, but this is one of the first discounts we've seen on Alienware's just-released laptops. This budget-friendly Dell Tower PC is a great addition to your desktop. It sports an Intel Core Ultra 5-225 processor with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. It also sports a sleek new look with plenty of ports on board. Dell's mainstream all-in-one just got an impressive price cut. It packs a Core 7-150U CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The screen is also sizable at 23.8 inches with a 1080p resolution. One of the best gaming PCs we've reviewed just got a massive discount during Dell's sale. The new Alienware Aurora R16 packs a Core Ultra 9 CPU, 32GB of RAM, 2TB SSD and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. In our Alienware Aurora R16 review, we said the Editor's Choice rig is a gaming powerhouse with powerful components and enhanced cooling technology. If you're looking for a nice computer monitor that won't break the bank, this 27-inch display from Dell is the perfect choice. Even at its full $219 price, it's a good deal, but with this discount, it's definitely worth buying. It has a QHD resolution, a height-adjustable design and a 100Hz refresh rate. It's a modest discount, but the Alienware AW2524HF is a solid monitor if you're short on cash. You get a 25-inch 1080p screen with 360Hz refresh rate, 1m response time, and HDMI/DisplayPort connectivity. AMD FreeSync Premium support also means tear-free and stutter free gameplay. This Alienware OLED will look great in any setup. Thanks to its quantum dot technology, this display gets brighter than traditional OLED panels. With support for AMD FreeSync premium, impeccable screen uniformity and that stunning 2560 x 1440 display, this is simply an incredible gaming monitor. This well-designed 32-inch 4K display from Alienware is one of the best curved monitors on the market for folks seeking a high-speed gaming display. It offers a 240Hz refresh rate, which not only outpaces its bigger sibling, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, but makes this the fastest 4K QD-OLED curved gaming monitor Dell currently sells. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is now on sale for $50 off. This sporty mid-range watch is a great training companion with a bright AMOLED display, onboard GPS, advanced heart health monitoring, sleep tracking and tons of tools for training. It also has a SpO2 sensor, 11-day battery life and water resistance up to 50 meters. Check out our Garmin Forerunner 165 hands-on review for the full check: $199 @ Amazon During our Insta360 Ace Pro review, we thought it was a really solid camera but overpriced at $449 ($50 higher than a new GoPro). The 8K support didn't justify the price. However, Dell has massively dropped its price to $289, making this a much more tempting purchase given it's powerful video specs, fantastic stabilization and best-in-class (and free) smartphone check: $299 @ Amazon
Geeky Gadgets
26-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
First Look: The New 2025 Surface Laptop 13 (1st Edition)
The 2025 Surface Laptop 13 (1st Edition) is a compact and lightweight device tailored for productivity and everyday use. Powered by the ARM-based Snapdragon X Plus CPU, it features a 13-inch PixelSense display and emphasizes sustainability through its eco-friendly materials. While it excels in portability and energy efficiency, it lacks certain advanced features like Windows Hello facial recognition and is not optimized for gaming. In the video below, Zollotech explores its key features, performance, and potential use cases to help you determine if it aligns with your needs. Watch this video on YouTube. Specifications and Build The Surface Laptop 13 is designed with portability, durability, and sustainability in mind, offering a balance of performance and practicality. Key specifications include: Processor and Memory: Equipped with the Snapdragon X Plus CPU and 16GB of RAM, it ensures smooth multitasking for productivity tasks. Equipped with the Snapdragon X Plus CPU and 16GB of RAM, it ensures smooth multitasking for productivity tasks. Storage Options: Available in 256GB and 512GB SSD configurations, providing flexibility for different storage needs. Available in 256GB and 512GB SSD configurations, providing flexibility for different storage needs. Display: A 13-inch PixelSense screen with a resolution of 1920×1280, a 60Hz refresh rate, and sRGB color calibration for sharp and vibrant visuals. A 13-inch PixelSense screen with a resolution of 1920×1280, a 60Hz refresh rate, and sRGB color calibration for sharp and vibrant visuals. Weight and Build: Weighing just 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg), its anodized aluminum chassis offers durability while maintaining a sleek, lightweight profile. Weighing just 2.7 lbs (1.22 kg), its anodized aluminum chassis offers durability while maintaining a sleek, lightweight profile. Color Options: Available in Platinum, Violet, and Ocean, allowing users to personalize their device. The Surface Laptop 13's compact design and premium materials make it a practical choice for users who prioritize portability without compromising on build quality. Ports and Connectivity The Surface Laptop 13 provides a functional selection of ports, though it lacks some modern standards. Its connectivity options include: Left Side: A USB-A port and a headphone jack for compatibility with legacy devices. A USB-A port and a headphone jack for compatibility with legacy devices. Right Side: Two USB-C 3.2 ports, offering faster data transfer and charging capabilities. Two USB-C 3.2 ports, offering faster data transfer and charging capabilities. Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for fast and reliable wireless performance. However, the absence of USB-C 4.0 and reliance on the proprietary Surface Connector may limit compatibility with certain accessories. While the available ports cover most basic needs, users requiring more advanced connectivity options may find this setup restrictive. Battery and Charging Battery performance is a standout feature of the Surface Laptop 13, making it ideal for users who need long-lasting power. Highlights include: Video Playback: Up to 23 hours of battery life, making sure uninterrupted entertainment or extended work sessions. Up to 23 hours of battery life, making sure uninterrupted entertainment or extended work sessions. Web Usage: Up to 16 hours of active browsing, suitable for students and professionals alike. Up to 16 hours of active browsing, suitable for students and professionals alike. Fast Charging: The 65W USB-C charger quickly replenishes the battery, minimizing downtime. The 65W USB-C charger quickly replenishes the battery, minimizing downtime. Sustainability: The battery is constructed from 100% recycled cobalt, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to eco-friendly design. This combination of long battery life and fast charging makes the Surface Laptop 13 a reliable companion for on-the-go productivity. Performance The Snapdragon X Plus CPU delivers dependable performance for everyday tasks, though it is not designed for intensive workloads. Key performance aspects include: Benchmarks: Achieving scores of 2,252 (single-core) and 10,068 (multi-core) on Geekbench, it handles productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with ease. Achieving scores of 2,252 (single-core) and 10,068 (multi-core) on Geekbench, it handles productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with ease. Gaming: Limited to cloud gaming or ARM-optimized apps, making it unsuitable for demanding titles or high-end gaming experiences. Limited to cloud gaming or ARM-optimized apps, making it unsuitable for demanding titles or high-end gaming experiences. Thermal Management: Efficient cooling ensures minimal heat buildup, even during extended use, contributing to user comfort and device longevity. While it excels in efficiency and reliability for standard tasks, users seeking high-performance capabilities for gaming or creative software may need to consider alternative devices. Display and Input The Surface Laptop 13's display and input features are designed to enhance usability and comfort. Key details include: Display: The 13-inch PixelSense screen is reflective but flicker-free, providing a comfortable viewing experience without PWM (pulse-width modulation). The 13-inch PixelSense screen is reflective but flicker-free, providing a comfortable viewing experience without PWM (pulse-width modulation). Keyboard: Backlit with adjustable brightness, it supports typing in low-light environments. Backlit with adjustable brightness, it supports typing in low-light environments. Trackpad: Responsive and precise, making sure smooth navigation and control. Responsive and precise, making sure smooth navigation and control. Security: Features a fingerprint reader for secure login but lacks Windows Hello facial recognition, which may inconvenience some users. The combination of a high-quality display and ergonomic input options makes the device suitable for extended use, though the absence of facial recognition may be a drawback for some. Audio and Camera The audio and camera capabilities of the Surface Laptop 13 are functional but not exceptional. Key points include: Speakers: Capable of reaching 90dB, the speakers deliver adequate sound for casual use but lack depth and bass, which may not satisfy audiophiles. Capable of reaching 90dB, the speakers deliver adequate sound for casual use but lack depth and bass, which may not satisfy audiophiles. Camera: Sufficient for video calls, though it does not support Windows Hello for secure login. While these features meet basic requirements, users seeking premium audio or advanced camera functionality may find them underwhelming. Sustainability Sustainability is a core focus of the Surface Laptop 13, aligning with Microsoft's broader environmental goals. Notable aspects include: Recycled Materials: The device incorporates recycled aluminum and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery, reducing its environmental impact. The device incorporates recycled aluminum and 100% recycled cobalt in the battery, reducing its environmental impact. Eco-Friendly Design: The manufacturing process emphasizes sustainability, appealing to environmentally conscious users. This commitment to sustainability enhances the device's appeal for those who prioritize eco-friendly technology. Use Case and Pricing Priced between $899 and $999, the Surface Laptop 13 is positioned as an affordable option for students and professionals. Its lightweight design and long battery life make it particularly well-suited for: On-the-go productivity, such as working in libraries, cafes, or during travel. Every day tasks like browsing, document editing, and video streaming. However, its hardware limitations make it less suitable for gaming or resource-intensive multitasking. For users seeking a portable and efficient device for light to moderate workloads, it offers excellent value. Drawbacks While the Surface Laptop 13 excels in several areas, it has some notable limitations: Biometric Login: The absence of Windows Hello facial recognition may inconvenience users accustomed to this feature. The absence of Windows Hello facial recognition may inconvenience users accustomed to this feature. Gaming Performance: Limited capabilities for demanding games or graphics-intensive tasks. Limited capabilities for demanding games or graphics-intensive tasks. Audio Quality: Basic sound performance with speakers that lack depth and bass. These drawbacks may not affect all users but are worth considering based on individual needs and preferences. Advance your skills in Snapdragon X Plus CPU by reading more of our detailed content. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Laptops, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Dell Memorial Day sale is live — 15 deals I'd buy now on XPS, Alienware, monitors and more
Memorial Day sales have landed at Dell! If you've been wanting to upgrade your setup, now's a great time to do so as a bunch of laptops, PCs and more have been slashed in price. This sale includes some of the best laptops we've reviewed, like the Dell XPS 13. Right now you can get XPS 13 laptops on sale from $909 at Dell. This config with a Snapdragon X Plus CPU, 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD is on sale for a $200 discount. There are also a bunch of deals on PC accessories from $29. This section is packed with mice, gaming keyboards and even some fun finds like smart lights and cameras. Check out all my favorite Dell deals below. For more, check out our Dell promo codes coverage, and see the best PS5 game deals in PlayStation's Memorial Day sale. This deal slashes the price of the G15 gaming laptop, which features an Intel Core i5-13450HX CPU, 8GB of RAM, an RTX 3050 GPU and a 512GB SSD for all your favorite games. It's a good affordable setup for those getting into PC gaming — and your favorite games will look great on the laptop's 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) display with an incredibly smooth 360Hz refresh rate. This laptop is an awesome pick for anyone looking for a mainstream machine that packs a strong punch. It's equipped with an Intel Core 7 150U CPU, 16GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display. Save on the Inspiron 16 Plus, decked out with Intel's powerful Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, integrated Intel Arc graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. This laptop is especially a great pick for students, as it's relatively affordable and well-equipped to last years. Plus, after work is done for the day, you can stream your favorite shows on its 16-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600), 120Hz, 300-nit display. This XPS 14 configuration boasts one of Intel's new chips — the Core Ultra 7 155H. For just $1,099, you'll also get 16GB of RAM, 512 GB of SSD storage, and a 14.5-inch 1920 x 1200 display. Whether you're in the market for a laptop capable of tackling everyday tasks or casual gaming rig, the XPS 14 is a solid option. Save big on this Core Ultra 7-powered laptop, which packs improved battery efficiency and top-tier AI processing. This XPS 13 configuration is also equipped with 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, and a 13.4-inch 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED display. In our Dell XPS 13 2024 review, we praised this laptop's amazing 19+ hours of battery life. Dell is taking $400 off the price of Alienware's x16 R2 gaming laptops. This one comes well-equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. Games will look and feel fantastic to play thanks to its 16-inch FHD+, 480Hz display as well. This budget-friendly Dell Tower PC is a great addition to your desktop. It sports an Intel Core Ultra 5-225 processor with 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. It also sports a sleek new look with plenty of ports on board. Whether you're in need of a work-from-home desktop setup or a tower capable of casual gaming, check out this Dell Inspiron configuration. The Inspiron tower features an Intel Core Ultra 5-225 processor, 16GB of RAM, Intel UHD Graphics and 512GB of SSD storage. One of the best gaming PCs we've reviewed just got a massive discount during Dell's sale. The new Alienware Aurora R16 packs a Core Ultra 9 CPU, 32GB of RAM, 2TB SSD and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. In our Alienware Aurora R16 review, we said the Editor's Choice rig is a gaming powerhouse with powerful components and enhanced cooling technology. If you're looking for a nice computer monitor that won't break the bank, this 27-inch display from Dell is the perfect choice. Even at its full $219 price, it's a good deal, but with this discount, it's definitely worth buying. It has a QHD resolution, a height-adjustable design and a 100Hz refresh rate. It's a modest discount, but the Alienware AW2524HF is a solid monitor if you're short on cash. You get a 25-inch 1080p screen with 360Hz refresh rate, 1m response time, and HDMI/DisplayPort connectivity. AMD FreeSync Premium support also means tear-free and stutter free gameplay. This Alienware OLED will look great in any setup. Thanks to its quantum dot technology, this display gets brighter than traditional OLED panels. With support for AMD FreeSync premium, impeccable screen uniformity and that stunning 2560 x 1440 display, this is simply an incredible gaming monitor. This well-designed 32-inch 4K display from Alienware is one of the best curved monitors on the market for folks seeking a high-speed gaming display. It offers a 240Hz refresh rate, which not only outpaces its bigger sibling, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, but makes this the fastest 4K QD-OLED curved gaming monitor Dell currently sells. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is now on sale for $50 off. This sporty mid-range watch is a great training companion with a bright AMOLED display, onboard GPS, advanced heart health monitoring, sleep tracking and tons of tools for training. It also has a SpO2 sensor, 11-day battery life and water resistance up to 50 meters. Check out our Garmin Forerunner 165 hands-on review for the full check: $199 @ Amazon During our Insta360 Ace Pro review, we thought it was a really solid camera but overpriced at $449 ($50 higher than a new GoPro). The 8K support didn't justify the price. However, Dell has massively dropped its price to $289, making this a much more tempting purchase given it's powerful video specs, fantastic stabilization and best-in-class (and free) smartphone check: $299 @ Amazon
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Unveiled at Computex, HP's new OmniBook 5 could be the next battery life champ
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. HP's OmniBook 5 14- and 16-inch models were announced earlier this year at HP Amplify as budget-friendly AI PCs, with Intel and AMD chipsets powering the OmniBook 5 lineup. But that wasn't all: HP is adding more chipsets to the OmniBook 5 family. During the Computex technology conference on Monday in Taipei, HP unveiled the OmniBook 5's Snapdragon X and Snapdragon X Plus 8-core versions. Latop Mag was able to go hands-on with an early production version of the 14-inch Snapdragon X Plus 8-core clamshell model. This incredibly lightweight, portable, and affordable laptop boasts a quality display, a sleek design, and can get up to 34 hours of video playback battery life. While we're definitely interested to see how long the OmniBook lasts on our battery test once we have a true production model ready for testing, based on our early look at the OmniBook 5, it is definitely a contender as one of the best AI PCs. But don't just take my word for it. Let's break down what we know about the OmniBook 5 14 (Snapdragon X Plus) so far. Price: $$799 starting CPU: Up to Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus 8-core (XIP-42-100) GPU: Qualcomm Adreno Graphics Memory: Up to 32GB Storage: Up to 1TB Display: 14-inch, 1920 x 1200, OLED Battery: 59 Whr (watt-hour) Size: 12.29 x 8.56 x 0.5 inches Weight: Starting at 2.84 pounds HP's OmniBook 5 has a chassis similar to that of the other OmniBook models, like the OmniBook X, and a minimalist, rounded aesthetic and streamlined keyboard deck. This time, however, the shiny embossed HP logo on the top panel has a retro feel. The chrome inlay surrounds the 'HP' lettering, letting the aluminum chassis fill in the letters themselves. This adds dimension to the OmniBook 5 and helps set it apart from the other OmniBooks. The OmniBook 5's bezels are near edge-to-edge on the sides, with a thicker bezel at the top to house the webcam. HP's OmniBook 5 14 doesn't quite hit the same degree of light and thin design as the Asus Zenbook A14, but it is still incredibly portable. The OmniBook 5 14 measures 12.29 x 8.56 x 0.5 inches, and weighs just 2.84 pounds. This is well in line with other 14-inch AI laptops like: HP OmniBook X: 12.32 x 8.8 x 0.56~0.57 inches, 2.91 pounds Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x: 12.8 x 8.8 x 0.51 inches, 2.8 pounds Acer Swift 14 AI: 12.7 x 9.0 x 0.66~0.72 inches, 3.2 pounds Image 1 of 2 Image 2 of 2 The HP OmniBook 5 14 is a laptop designed for portability, so it has a smaller set of ports designed to connect you to your essentials, without adding extra thickness to the laptop. The OmniBook 5's port offerings include: 2x USB Type-C (10Gbps, DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery) 1x USB Type-A (10Gbps) 1x Audio While this should work for the average commuter or student, if you need SD card slots or an HDMI connection to hook your laptop up to a monitor in your office, you may want to snag one of the best laptop docking stations or USB-C hubs to get the most out of the OmniBook 5. With a Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chipset, the OmniBook 5 boasts all-day battery life. HP reports that the OmniBook 5 has up to 34 hours of battery life for video playback. Now, video playback is not something most people will do for over a day, but that is an impressively long amount of battery life. Since our OmniBook 5 14 is an early production model, I wasn't able to run it through our usual Laptop Mag battery life testing process, but I did use the OmniBook 5 for a full day of work and still had about 50% battery life after a day of web surfing, email and spreadsheet management, and light photo editing. You're pretty much guaranteed to have enough battery to get you through even a day of grueling overtime. The OmniBook 5 14 has a 14-inch, 1920 x 1200, glossy OLED display, so you know it will have some decent vibrancy and contrast. I queued up the trailer for Disney+'s IronHeart. Though the trailer is a bit on the dark side, I could still catch all the details of the deserted pizza shop and elevator trap Riri Williams enters as part of a hero 'interview.' OLED displays tend to boast near-infinite contrast ratios, making it easier to catch details that would otherwise be too dark to spot on an LCD panel. And the OmniBook 5's OLED is no exception. The OmniBook's max brightness was enough to cut through the glare from the Laptop Mag office's pendant lighting, but it is only rated to 300 nits. While that should be enough for video streaming at home, you might run into some glare if you use the OmniBook in direct sunlight. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series is known for high performance and great battery life, but those high-performance numbers are often based on the high-end Snapdragon X Elite processors, while the OmniBook 5 opts for the mid-range, Snapdragon X Plus 8-core. While this chip is incredibly power efficient, its performance isn't going to be blowing Intel or AMD out of the water any time soon. In fact, the most recent chips from Intel and AMD will both outperform the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chipset, though they don't have the same level of battery life. HP's marketing materials for the OmniBook 5 heavily leverage Qualcomm's 'no performance drop when unplugged' statistic, but based on my own testing, that's not quite true. The Snapdragon X series processors do take a bit of a dip on battery power, particularly with very CPU-heavy multicore workloads, while single-core performance stays about the same. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series also does still have some app support issues where programs you might love and rely on have to run through emulation on the Arm-based Snapdragon X CPU. While not always bad, some applications running emulated on Snapdragon are sluggish to respond. Other apps, particularly games, just don't run at all on Snapdragon X PCs. In fact, the core hamstring of the Snapdragon X processor line so far has been gaming. At the same time, we did see some impressive gaming performance on the Snapdragon X Elite before its launch, which was based on a custom, in-house laptop design that was never sold. All commercial laptops with the Snapdragon X series and integrated Adreno graphics tile have performed poorly in gaming compared to the latest Intel and AMD chips. Since it has a Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processor, the OmniBook 5 meets the Copilot+ 40 TOPS NPU requirement, giving you access to the enhanced Copilot+ exclusive features like Live Captions, CoCreate, and Recall. HP has also included some additional AI features on the OmniBook like HP AI Companion and AI-powered temporal noise reduction. Snapdragon X series laptops have incredible battery life. A Snapdragon X Plus laptop is currently our reigning champion for laptop with the best battery life. If you just need to use some web-based applications, handle your emails, and stream video, the OmniBook 5 will be a fantastic choice. It's got enough power to handle all of those tasks for a full day and more. And it won't be so expensive it breaks your budget. While Chromebooks used to be our best choice for budget, web-surfing machines with good battery life, the Snapdragon X series is far more efficient than any Chromebook we've seen in a while. But if you want to do some casual gaming or use applications that aren't native on Snapdragon X series processors, it's difficult to recommend a Snapdragon laptop over an x86 Intel or AMD system. HP isn't marketing the OmniBook 5 for power users, but if you were tempted by that $699 price tag, it may be worth reconsidering your options if you know you're going to be doing any gaming or using any AutoDesk software. Computex showdown: Nvidia & MediaTek tipped to steal Windows-on-Arm spotlight Only one person at Microsoft is talking about Windows 12 — let's keep it that way Tariffs and TSMC delays could turn Apple into an Intel Foundry customer
