In the past year, the Windows laptop market has witnessed a significant transformation with the introduction of devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, moving away from the traditional Intel and AMD architectures. This shift can be likened to Apple’s transition with the Mac, but here, multiple brands are championing the Windows experience.
The initiative is known as Windows on Arm, and it has already produced several noteworthy products, including the sleek Asus ZenBook A14 and the Dell XPS 13, both of which have garnered positive reviews. These machines are designed to offer responsive performance, particularly in AI applications, while boasting impressive battery longevity within a lightweight framework.
Currently, these devices can be compared to the MacBook Air within the Windows ecosystem. Some Snapdragon laptops even surpass Apple’s popular model, achieving remarkable multi-day battery life. However, the question remains: can they truly compete with legacy laptops built on x86 architecture, especially now that Intel’s latest chips have adopted the Copilot+ branding for enhanced performance?
What about my apps?
Concerns about app compatibility on Arm-based Windows laptops are valid. Fortunately, users can rest easy knowing that Intel-based PC applications will function on these new devices. If developers have created an Arm-specific version of their software, that’s a bonus. Otherwise, the Intel (x86) version can still be downloaded and run on Snapdragon-powered machines.
One of the primary hurdles in adapting Windows to a new architecture involves non-native software. Microsoft has addressed this challenge by developing an emulation layer capable of running x86 applications, albeit with a slight performance trade-off. This technology, known as Prism, translates x86-64 code into ARM64 instructions, enabling compatibility.
Thus, applications originally designed for Intel and AMD processors can operate on Windows on Arm devices. Microsoft’s Prism serves a similar purpose to Apple’s Rosetta 2 emulator during its transition from Intel to M-series silicon. As for the performance impact of emulation, it appears manageable; Microsoft reports that 87 percent of app usage on Copilot+ PCs occurs within software that is natively developed for Windows on Arm. Moreover, the Windows 11 24H2 update has enhanced Prism’s performance.
Windows on Arm is right for…
For users whose primary needs include quick wake times, a slim and lightweight design, dependable productivity, and exceptional battery life, a Windows on Arm laptop is a suitable choice. My experience with these devices indicates they perform admirably, particularly for office-related tasks.
Whether your daily activities involve web browsing, task management tools like Asana or Trello, or communication platforms such as the Office suite, these laptops handle them effortlessly. Even creative applications like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro run smoothly without significant issues.
For those keen on leveraging AI tools such as Recall or Copilot Deep Research, these laptops can manage workflows efficiently. Benchmarks reveal that Snapdragon X series laptops outperform their Intel and AMD counterparts, although graphics performance remains a notable limitation.
Throughout my usage, I found Windows on Arm to be a non-issue for my work, which spans web browsers, task management apps, communication tools, and some media editing. Most business users and students would likely have a similar experience unless they rely on specialized software.
Why pick the Windows and Intel combo
While emulation offers a solution, it does have its constraints, particularly for certain user groups. Gaming is one area where limitations become apparent. Microsoft notes that drivers for hardware, games, and applications must be specifically designed for Windows 11 Arm-based PCs. Programs requiring custom drivers—such as antivirus software, printing utilities, and virtualization tools—may pose challenges. Additionally, games that utilize anti-cheat software are unlikely to function.
Currently, the market features only three Windows on Arm processors: Snapdragon X Elite, X Plus, and X. The latter often struggles, frequently displaying “processor not supported” warnings for many titles in the Xbox Game Pass library, primarily due to graphics limitations. Even the top-tier Snapdragon X Elite may not significantly improve performance for AAA games.
For tasks like CAD software usage or high-resolution multi-stream video editing, a robust processor paired with a powerful graphics engine is essential. Unfortunately, even the most capable Windows on Arm laptops lack the necessary graphics performance and memory upgradability for such demanding applications.
Gaming laptops and mobile workstations equipped with “Pro” grade processors, such as the HP Zbook series, will continue to dominate for creative professionals. In essence, if scalability and flexibility are priorities, Windows on Arm may not be the best fit.
Pricing also remains a critical factor. Windows on Arm laptops often struggle to dip below the 0 mark, excluding a significant segment of potential buyers. For nearly half that price, around 0, consumers can find competent laptops with Intel or AMD processors that easily handle lighter workloads. Thus, for those prioritizing affordability and hardware versatility, the Intel side of the Windows laptop ecosystem remains a compelling option.