Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100: Review, Performance, and Whether to Buy

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100 is a lower-tier ARM processor from the Snapdragon X2 Plus line intended for Windows laptops. It is designed for thin devices with a focus on battery life, low noise, quick Windows responsiveness, and local AI functionalities.

This is not an "almost higher" Snapdragon X2 Plus but rather a more affordable entry into the Snapdragon X2 platform. It features new Qualcomm Oryon cores, an NPU with 80 TOPS, fast LPDDR5x memory, but only 6 CPU cores and noticeably limited integrated graphics.

Brief Overview of Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100

• Lower version of Snapdragon X2 Plus;
• 6 Qualcomm Oryon cores;
• Qualcomm Hexagon NPU with 80 TOPS;
• Adreno X2-45 graphics with reduced frequency;
• Optimal usage scenario - light laptop for browsing, documents, video calls, and travel;
• Not suitable for rendering, heavy compilation, modern gaming, and prolonged full-load tasks.

Performance of Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100

The main feature of the X2P-42-100 is the configuration of 6 Prime Qualcomm Oryon cores. The focus here is on single-core performance rather than a large number of threads.

In Geekbench 6, there is already a result for the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x Gen 11 15" Snapdragon featuring Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100. The laptop scores about 3238 points in Single-Core and 11957 points in Multi-Core. For a thin ARM laptop with a 6-core configuration, this is a strong result, especially in single-threaded mode.

For browsing, documents, video calls, and office applications, the performance of X2P-42-100 should be sufficient with some margin. However, for regular rendering, heavy batch photo processing, editing, and prolonged calculations, it is better to consider the Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-64-100 or Snapdragon X2 Elite.

Differences Between X2P-42-100 and Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-64-100

The main difference is the CPU. The Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-64-100 has 10 cores, while the X2P-42-100 has only 6. Therefore, the older version performs significantly better in multi-threaded tasks.

The second difference is in graphics. Both models use Adreno X2-45, but the lower version operates at a reduced frequency. This is adequate for the Windows interface, video, browsing, and simple games, but the X2P-42-100 is underpowered for heavy 3D and modern games.

Another difference is the smaller cache in the lower model. This also reduces performance in tasks where the processor operates under high load for extended periods.

However, the NPU remains strong at 80 TOPS. Qualcomm has notably cut down on CPU and GPU capabilities but maintained a high level of AI performance. Thus, the X2P-42-100 appears not as a universal replacement for higher models, but as a lower-tier platform for autonomous laptops with support for Copilot+ PC and local AI functionalities.

Adreno X2-45 Graphics

The Adreno X2-45 in the X2P-42-100 is suitable for the Windows interface, video, browsing, presentations, simple photo editing, and light gaming. Its capabilities should suffice for older projects and undemanding online games.

However, for modern gaming, this graphics chip is lacking. It is not advisable to expect serious 3D work or prolonged GPU loads. For such tasks, it is better to look at laptops with more powerful integrated graphics or discrete graphics cards.

NPU 80 TOPS and Copilot+ PC

One of the strengths of the Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100 is the Qualcomm Hexagon NPU with 80 TOPS. It accelerates local AI tasks such as video call effects, noise cancellation, image processing, generative tools, and Copilot+ PC features.

However, the NPU is only useful where the application genuinely utilizes it. It does not replace the CPU for rendering, does not speed up regular compilation, and does not transform integrated graphics into a gaming powerhouse.

Windows on ARM: What to Check Before Buying

The Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100 runs on Windows on ARM. Browsers, office software, messengers, and video calls on Windows on ARM already cover most everyday tasks.

Before purchasing, it is advisable to check specific programs, drivers, and peripherals. The risk is higher with older professional software, rare utilities, specific drivers, external devices, and games with anti-cheat measures. For office scenarios, the likelihood of issues is lower, while for niche work tasks, it is higher.

Who Competes with Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100

Within the Qualcomm lineup, the main competitor is the Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-64-100. It is stronger in CPU and graphics, making it more preferable with a small price difference.

With AMD Ryzen and Intel Core Ultra, the choice depends not only on speed but also on compatibility. Snapdragon focuses on battery life, low noise, NPU, and the ARM platform. Ryzen AI / Ryzen H or HS series and Intel Core Ultra H series remain more predictable choices for gaming, older software, drivers, and professional programs.

With Apple M series, the similarity lies only in the ARM approach: thin laptops, high battery life, and strong energy efficiency. The choice then depends on the ecosystem - Windows or macOS.

Should You Buy a Laptop with Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100?

The X2P-42-100 is worth considering for a light laptop for browsing, documents, video calls, studying, office work, and travel.

The main condition is the price. The X2P-42-100 should be significantly cheaper than models with Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-64-100 or Snapdragon X2 Elite. If the price difference is minimal, it is better to choose the higher version: it has more cores, better multi-threaded performance, and stronger graphics.

If the laptop with X2P-42-100 is considerably cheaper than models with X2P-64-100, the lower version appears justified. It provides a current ARM platform with a powerful NPU, quick responsiveness in everyday tasks, and the capacity for long battery life without overpaying for higher configurations.

Conclusion

Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus X2P-42-100 is the lower and more affordable version of the Snapdragon X2 platform. Its strengths lie in the fast Oryon cores, 80 TOPS NPU, and a solid basis for thin autonomous laptops.

The main limitations are 6 cores, reduced integrated graphics, and Windows on ARM, where compatibility depends on specific programs and devices. For office work, studying, travel, and general tasks, it is a good option for a light work laptop. For heavy tasks, gaming, older software, and specific peripherals, it’s better to look at higher Snapdragon X2 models, Ryzen AI / Ryzen H or HS series, Intel Core Ultra H series, or laptops with discrete graphics.