Qualcomm Unveils Snapdragon C for Affordable Windows Laptops
Qualcomm is pushing the price of Arm-based Windows laptops down to $300 with its new Snapdragon C platform. The company promises budget-conscious buyers will finally get responsive performance, all-day battery life, and reliable multitasking without breaking the bank. This move comes as PC prices continue to climb due to component shortages.
What Is Snapdragon C?
Snapdragon C is a new laptop platform designed specifically for entry-level Windows machines. The "C" stands for "Compute," according to Qualcomm senior director Mandar Deshpande. Unlike premium Snapdragon X chips, this platform uses older Kryo CPU cores instead of the custom Oryon cores found in flagship laptops and smartphones.
Key Features of Snapdragon C Laptops
- All-day battery life with efficient Arm architecture
- Low fan noise for quiet operation
- Integrated NPU for basic local AI tasks (but not full Copilot+ PC compliance)
- Responsive performance for browsing, video calls, streaming, and multitasking
First Snapdragon C Laptop: Acer Aspire Go 15
Acer is the first partner to announce a Snapdragon C laptop: the Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15-Q31P. This 15.6-inch machine features a 1080p display, up to 8GB RAM, and up to 512GB storage. Connectivity includes two full-function USB-C ports, USB-A, HDMI 1.4, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 1080p webcam. A 53Wh battery powers the system.
Other Partners and Availability
HP and Lenovo are also developing Snapdragon C laptops, though they have not yet revealed specific models. All devices are expected to ship sometime in 2026. Qualcomm plans to share more technical details about the platform in the coming months.
How Snapdragon C Compares to Other Budget Laptops
At $300, Snapdragon C laptops could undercut the MacBook Neo by up to half. However, compromises include older CPU architecture and limited AI capabilities. Qualcomm says even the slowest tier includes an NPU, but these laptops will not meet Microsoft's full Copilot+ PC requirements.
What This Means for Budget Buyers
For users who need a basic laptop for everyday tasks—email, web browsing, video calls, and document editing—Snapdragon C offers a compelling price point. The combination of Arm efficiency and Windows compatibility could make these machines ideal for students, remote workers, and families.
Pros and Cons of Snapdragon C Laptops
- Pros: Low price, long battery life, quiet operation, decent connectivity
- Cons: Older CPU cores, no full Copilot+ support, limited RAM and storage options
Qualcomm is not yet discussing Snapdragon C for Chromebooks or other platforms. For now, the focus remains on Windows laptops starting at $300.
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