Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chips have transformed Windows on Arm into a viable platform. After testing several laptops with these new processors, it is evident that even the least powerful chip matches Intel and last-gen AMD on CPU performance and surpasses them in battery life. The anticipation for a laptop with Qualcomm’s fastest Snapdragon processor was high, and the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 seemed like the chip that could revolutionize faster, more power-efficient Windows PCs and compete with Apple’s MacBook Air M3. However, this high-end chip is only available in Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Edge.
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is a slim and lightweight 16-inch laptop designed for everyday tasks, business, creativity, and running Windows Copilot Plus AI apps. While it offers features like an AMOLED display and a fingerprint reader similar to the Intel-based Galaxy Book4 Ultra, it also boasts faster ports and Wi-Fi. The Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip in the Book4 Edge is said to be up to 20 percent faster than its predecessor, offering potential for enhanced performance.
Despite its sleek design and portability, the Book4 Edge falls short in performance compared to its Snapdragon counterparts with lower-tier chips. The high-end X1E-84-100 chip in the Book4 Edge does not reach its full potential due to underpowering by Samsung, resulting in lower benchmark scores and slower performance in multicore tasks. However, the laptop excels in power efficiency, offering up to 14 hours of battery life on a single charge.
The Book4 Edge’s 16-inch 3K AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and contrasts, while its slim and rigid metal chassis enhances portability. The keyboard is responsive but lacks the desired speed, and the overall performance is satisfactory for basic tasks. Despite its underutilized high-end chip, the Book4 Edge remains a solid choice for users seeking a large-screen laptop with long battery life and a sleek design.
In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge is a compelling option for those in need of a thin and lightweight 16-inch laptop with good battery life and a vibrant display. While it may fall short in performance compared to other Snapdragon laptops, the base model offers better value for the Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 chip.