Microsoft has yet to clarify the reasoning behind the “Plus” designation for its Copilot+ PCs. While the term “Copilot” clearly indicates an AI-enhanced device, the “Plus” branding suggests a notable upgrade in hardware and performance. According to Microsoft, these AI PCs boast speeds that can reach “up to 5x faster than a 5-year-old Windows device” and even surpass the performance of a MacBook Air equipped with the M4 chip.
Delving into marketing materials reveals the company’s strategic framing of the product, aiming to entice consumers. A recently uncovered Microsoft document offers a glimpse into the rationale behind the Copilot+ branding, claiming that these PCs enhance “everything Windows 11 does best” and “supercharge it.” While this assertion may seem exaggerated, Microsoft maintains that these machines are indeed “up to five times quicker than a 5-year-old Windows 10 device.” This claim, while technically accurate due to advancements in processors, GPUs, and storage, raises questions about the relevance of comparing contemporary AI PCs to those from 2020 or 2021.
“Copilot+ PCs take everything Windows 11 does best—speed, creativity, and convenience—and supercharge it,” the document states, a sentiment echoed in a marketing release from December 2025, prior to the launch of newer Intel Panther Lake and Ryzen AI CPUs.
Microsoft says Copilot+ PCs are faster with baseless comparisons
To substantiate its claims regarding the speed of Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft has compiled a series of benchmarks conducted between June and September 2025. These tests purportedly demonstrate that Copilot+ PCs can outperform an “average” 5-year-old Windows PC by up to 5x in Cinebench 2024 multi-core performance. However, the results of these benchmarks have not been made public, leaving room for skepticism.
Additionally, Microsoft asserts that Copilot+ machines exhibit up to 3.7x faster AI performance compared to previous-generation Windows 11 AI PCs. For context, earlier models had a maximum of 15 TOPs of NPU, while Copilot+ PCs can reach up to 40 TOPs. During the same testing period, Microsoft claims these PCs can achieve impressive battery life, offering up to 19 hours of web browsing, 27 hours of local video playback, and 22 hours of streaming. In comparison to older models, this translates to up to 3.9x longer web browsing, 3.5x longer video playback, and 4.4x longer streaming capabilities.
When comparing performance to the MacBook Air, Microsoft confidently states that its top-performing Copilot+ PCs surpass the M4 in Cinebench 2024 multi-core tests.
Microsoft says you really need the Copilot Key for a good life
Microsoft emphasizes the versatility of the Copilot key, asserting its utility for all users, whether in an office or educational setting. The company provides several examples to illustrate the advantages of this feature. “The Copilot key truly shines on Copilot+ PCs,” Microsoft claims, highlighting the NPU’s role in facilitating smoother multitasking and quicker responses when the key is pressed.
For students, the Copilot key offers a streamlined approach to learning, allowing them to summarize lengthy articles with a simple keystroke and convert notes into flashcards. In professional settings, users can draft emails or messages during meetings, while everyday users can plan vacations effortlessly with the Copilot key.
Previously, Microsoft advocated for upgrading to an AI PC to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of computing. In contrast, Dell appears to be shifting its focus away from “AI PCs” to cater to gaming and other consumer demands that resonate more with buyers.
