New laptops featuring the Snapdragon X Elite have started showing up on Geekbench 6, and their multi-core scores are a figure that immediately caught our eye because the retail units have obtained a significantly better result than what we were previously led to believe. Earlier, we reported that Apple’s M4 was the new king of this benchmark, running circles around the M2 and gaining a notable lead against the likes of the M3 Pro and Snapdragon X Elite. However, the story takes a different turn here, as you will soon find out.
Qualcomm’s partners are likely allowing the Snapdragon X Elite to run at full tilt when using Geekbench 6; SoC is matching or beating the M4 in this category
In the single-core results, there is hardly any competition with the M4 as the 10-core CPU variant maintains an unyielding lead against its rivals, including the Snapdragon X Elite. Thanks to some liquid nitrogen cooling, the M4 extended that lead by obtaining 4,000 points in Geekbench 6’s single-core run. However, it is a different tale in the multi-core category, as various Windows 11-powered notebooks armed with the Snapdragon X Elite can match or beat the M4. It is strange that the latest results are different compared to what we saw earlier, but there is probably a reason for that.
Qualcomm is likely allowing its laptop partners to let the Snapdragon X Elite run at its maximum possible TDP, helping the chipset beat the M4. We have reported that the SoC can maintain a package power of 98.50W for a brief period, which will help give it an edge in programs like Geekbench 6. Additionally, these laptop makers are probably using beefy cooling solutions with a dual-heat pipe arrangement to tame the Snapdragon X Elite’s thermals, so one can also state that it is an unfair comparison.
Apple has probably locked the power limit of the M4 due to the sheer thinness of its latest iPad Pro family, preventing unnecessary temperature spikes. While this is a thoughtful approach, it inhibits the new Apple Silicon from performing at its optimal capabilities. Even then, the M4 is punching above its weight class and that too without an active cooling solution, making it an impressive showing.
Hopefully, when the same chipset debuts in Apple’s MacBook Pro lineup, it will operate at higher power limits, allowing it to perform on an equal playing field with laptops running the Windows on ARM platform. For now, you can check out the multitude of M4 and Snapdragon X Elite results on Geekbench 6, and let us know in the comments which laptops featuring Qualcomm’s latest and greatest SoC managed to outpace Apple’s chipset.
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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