In 2024, choosing the best Windows laptop became more challenging than ever with the introduction of two groundbreaking processor families: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 Series 2, codenamed Lunar Lake. Both chips promise top-tier performance and exceptional battery life, aiming to rival Apple’s dominance in the laptop market. Thanks to Dell’s XPS 13 (9350) and XPS 13 (9345)—two identical laptops differing only in their processors—I’ve had the chance to test these chips head-to-head and uncover their strengths, weaknesses, and which one suits your needs best.

Understanding the Basics: Snapdragon X Elite vs. Lunar Lake

The Snapdragon X Elite and Intel Core Ultra 7 Lunar Lake represent two distinct approaches to laptop performance. The Snapdragon X Elite, built on Arm architecture, powers Windows on Arm—a version of Windows tailored for efficiency, much like the processors in Android phones, iPhones, and recent Apple MacBooks. Qualcomm, in collaboration with Microsoft, aims to replicate Apple’s success with Arm-based chips, which have set a new standard for battery life and efficiency since the M-series launch in 2020.

On the other hand, Lunar Lake sticks to the traditional x86 architecture, the backbone of Windows computing for decades. However, Intel has taken a bold step by integrating RAM directly onto the chip and outsourcing production to TSMC, a move that enhances efficiency but increases costs. This design shift allows Lunar Lake to compete with Arm chips while running the standard Windows OS, ensuring broad compatibility with existing software.

Battery Life: A Game-Changer for Windows Laptops

Battery life has become a critical factor for laptop buyers, especially as Apple’s MacBooks have consistently outlasted Windows devices. Both Snapdragon X Elite and Lunar Lake deliver impressive results, marking a significant leap forward for Windows laptops. In my tests with the Dell XPS 13 models, I used both laptops in “Balanced” performance mode with maximum screen brightness. Each easily lasted through an eight-hour workday—handling web browsing, video streaming, and email—without needing a charger.

Specifically, the Snapdragon X Elite model achieved around 19 hours and 31 minutes in a battery test, while the Lunar Lake model lasted 17 hours and 29 minutes under similar conditions. For lighter tasks like document editing or streaming, both can stretch into the teens of hours, with Lunar Lake occasionally hitting over 19 hours in optimal scenarios. This near-parity means you can confidently work all day on either chip, a feat that was previously unthinkable for Windows laptops without aggressive power-saving measures.

Performance: Where Each Chip Shines

When it comes to performance, both chips handle everyday tasks—web browsing, video streaming, and email—with ease. However, their strengths diverge when you dig into the details.

• Single-Core Performance: Lunar Lake has a slight edge in single-core performance, as seen in benchmarks like Geekbench 6, where it scores around 2,600 compared to Snapdragon X Elite’s 2,800. This makes Lunar Lake more responsive for tasks like opening apps or light multitasking, which rely heavily on single-threaded performance.
• Multi-Core Performance: The Snapdragon X Elite excels in multi-core scenarios, thanks to its 12 high-performance cores. In Cinebench 2024 multi-core tests, it scored 976 compared to Lunar Lake’s 509, a 92% advantage. This makes Snapdragon the better choice for heavy workloads like video editing or 3D rendering.

For most users, these differences won’t be noticeable in daily use. Both laptops remained silent and cool during typical tasks, with fans only spinning up under heavy loads like rendering or gaming. If you’re curious about detailed benchmarks, Max Tech’s video comparison of these Dell XPS 13 models offers a deep dive into the numbers.

Key Differences: Compatibility, Gaming, and More

While battery life and performance are closely matched, other factors set these chips apart.

• Software Compatibility: Lunar Lake’s x86 architecture ensures seamless compatibility with virtually all Windows software, including legacy apps and games. Snapdragon X Elite, running on Windows on Arm, faces compatibility issues with some programs. For example, as of late 2024, Google Drive for Desktop still lacks native Arm support, forcing users to rely on web-based alternatives. While many apps run via emulation, this can lead to performance hiccups or crashes, especially with less common software or hardware accessories.
• Gaming and Graphics: Lunar Lake dominates in graphics performance. Its integrated Xe2 GPU outperforms Snapdragon’s Adreno X1 by 68%, delivering playable frame rates in demanding games. For instance, Cyberpunk 2077 averages 48 fps at 1080p medium settings on Lunar Lake, compared to just 26 fps on Snapdragon—an 84% improvement. Games like Shadow of Mordor and Alien Isolation also run significantly better on Lunar Lake, making it the clear choice for casual gamers.
• AI Capabilities: Both chips meet Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC requirements with NPUs delivering over 40 TOPS. Snapdragon’s Hexagon NPU offers 45 TOPS, while Lunar Lake’s Intel AI Boost provides 47 TOPS, resulting in a 5% higher score in Geekbench AI tests. However, without widespread AI-driven applications, this advantage is currently more theoretical than practical.
• Cost and Availability: Lunar Lake laptops tend to be pricier due to high manufacturing costs. The Dell XPS 13 with Lunar Lake starts at $1,399, while the Snapdragon version begins at $1,199. This price gap could influence budget-conscious buyers, though both are premium options.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Snapdragon X Elite

• Advantages: Superior multi-core performance for heavy workloads, slightly better battery life, and a cooler, quieter operation. It’s also more affordable in some configurations.
• Disadvantages: Compatibility issues with Windows on Arm can be a hassle, and its GPU performance lags behind, making it less ideal for gaming or graphics-intensive tasks.

Intel Core Ultra 7 Lunar Lake

• Advantages: Better single-core performance, excellent GPU for casual gaming, and full compatibility with all Windows software. It’s a safer choice for users who rely on diverse apps.
• Disadvantages: Slightly shorter battery life, higher cost, and more significant performance drops when unplugged in balanced mode unless set to best performance.

Who Should Buy Which Chip?

• For General Users: If you prioritize compatibility and a hassle-free experience, Lunar Lake is the better choice. Its x86 architecture ensures all your apps and games work out of the box, and its single-core performance makes daily tasks snappy.
• For Creatives and Multitaskers: Snapdragon X Elite is ideal if you do heavy multi-core work like video editing. However, be prepared for potential compatibility issues with some creative software, like Adobe apps, which may not yet be fully optimized for Arm.
• For Gamers: Lunar Lake is the clear winner, offering significantly better graphics performance for casual gaming without needing a dedicated GPU.
• For Students or Budget Buyers: Neither chip is budget-friendly, but Snapdragon’s lower starting price might appeal more. However, students needing long battery life might also consider Chromebooks, which are more affordable and efficient for basic tasks.

The Verdict: Which Chip Should You Choose?

After extensive testing, I recommend the Intel Core Ultra 7 Lunar Lake for most users. Its compatibility with all Windows software, superior graphics performance, and competitive battery life make it a safer, more versatile choice. While Snapdragon X Elite offers better multi-core performance and slightly longer battery life, its compatibility issues and weaker GPU hold it back for now. Windows on Arm is promising, but it’s not yet fully mature—give it another year or two to iron out the kinks.

Both chips mark a significant step forward for Windows laptops, closing the gap with Apple’s MacBooks in battery life and efficiency. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a laptop that can last all day and handle most tasks with ease. For now, Lunar Lake strikes the best balance for the majority of users in 2024.