For years, my experience with Arm-based computers has been anchored by an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC. While Apple’s silicon has consistently impressed, Microsoft’s offering has lagged behind, a gap that has only widened over time. In my long-term review of Windows on Arm from March 2024, I noted a downside for every upside. Yet, I found myself unwilling to revert to an Intel-equipped PC, concluding my assessment on a hopeful note as Microsoft prepared to unveil a significant overhaul of Windows on Arm.
In April 2024, Microsoft made a bold move by embracing Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, which promised to rival Apple’s M series. This leap in performance enabled a substantial enhancement to the compatibility layer that allows applications to run on Windows on Arm. Dubbed Prism, this new emulator matches the efficiency of Apple’s Rosetta 2 and boasts double the speed of previous Windows on Arm iterations.
Cracking the Arm code
My recent weeks spent testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, have been revealing. The immediate impact is palpable: applications that previously struggled on Windows on Arm now run natively, with support expanding to include popular programs like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. Has Microsoft finally cracked the Arm code after a decade of effort?
The MagicBook 14 Art is equipped with the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite (X1E80100), the same chipset found in the premium Surface Laptop. To put it succinctly, this device is a game-changer. Unlike earlier generations of Windows on Arm laptops, which often felt like smartphones masquerading as computers, the Snapdragon X Elite presents itself as a true powerhouse. Applications launch and resume seamlessly, multitasking is effortless, and the device has yet to experience the random freezes that plagued its predecessors.
The biggest game-changer for Windows on Arm
The MagicBook’s thermal performance is equally commendable. The built-in fans activate occasionally to maintain optimal temperatures but do so without becoming intrusive. Efficiency remains a key selling point for Arm-based laptops, and while the Snapdragon X Elite may not quite match the MacBook Air’s battery life, the MagicBook holds its own. Operating its 2K 120Hz 14.7-inch display at medium brightness, I achieved around ten hours of usage in “Balanced” mode, sufficient for a full workday, with performance dipping to 7-8 hours in “Performance” mode. While these figures may not align perfectly with Qualcomm and Honor’s claims, the laptop’s consistency stands out against its Intel counterparts.
Engaging with the Snapdragon X Elite also provided a glimpse into the future of on-device AI. Its built-in Neural Processing Unit, boasting 45 teraflops of computing power, facilitates a smooth Generative AI experience, whether generating objects for images in Paint or utilizing the new Recall tool to revisit snapshots from days past.
As a long-time user of Windows on Arm, I was particularly intrigued by the advancements made in compatibility. Previously, even essential applications like VPNs were non-functional on Arm-based Windows machines. Fortunately, the introduction of the Prism emulator has changed this landscape. Most mainstream applications, including Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop, and ExpressVPN, now offer native support. Even those that were already compatible have improved performance, thanks to the Snapdragon X Elite. Web browsers, which once stuttered during use, now operate smoothly, with only minor hiccups.
Slick new hardware is just part of the fun
One of the most telling signs of progress was when I successfully ran an unsupported high-resolution FPS game, Counter-Strike 2, on the MagicBook 14 Art. Not only did it run, but it also delivered a smooth 50-60 fps at low graphic settings. Upcoming Windows updates, already in testing, promise to expand compatibility even further, potentially allowing a broader range of unsupported programs, including next-gen video games, to function without crashing.
With its premium specifications and the reliability of the Snapdragon X Elite, the Honor MagicBook 14 Art offers one of the finest Windows experiences I have encountered. Priced at approximately ,750, it features 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a sleek design weighing just 2.2 pounds and measuring 0.39 inches at its thinnest point. Honor has also managed to incorporate a variety of traditional ports, including HDMI, USB-A, dual USB-C, and a headphone jack. A standout feature is the modular webcam, which can be detached and stored for added privacy, allowing for an edge-to-edge screen. However, the MagicBook 14 Art’s availability in the U.S. is limited, though several top AI PCs offer comparable hardware and performance, albeit without the unique detachable webcam.
What’s next?
The introduction of the Snapdragon X chips signifies a new chapter for Windows on Arm, one that could entice even the most steadfast Intel users to consider a switch. However, the path ahead remains uncertain, particularly with Qualcomm’s ongoing disputes with Arm, which could hinder the sale of Snapdragon X chips. Overall, Snapdragon X computers are still a niche market, comprising only a small fraction of total Windows laptop sales. Yet, if Microsoft can bridge the compatibility gap and enhance its offerings through partnerships with additional computing giants like Nvidia and AMD, the future of Windows on Arm appears promising.
