Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon C chip paves the way for $300 Windows laptops

Earlier this year, Apple stunned the PC market with the launch of the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop that rattled an industry already strained by component shortages and soaring RAM costs. In response, Qualcomm is stepping into the fray with its new Snapdragon C processor, promising to “revolutionize entry‑tier laptops” by slashing prices to as low as $300.

Qualcomm touts the platform’s whisper‑quiet operation, low thermal profile, and all‑day battery endurance, coupled with integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that enable on‑device AI. However, Snapdragon C‑based machines fall short of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC specifications for built‑in NPUs, meaning users who need AI features such as Recall must opt for a Snapdragon X‑powered device or the latest Intel and AMD CPUs.

Architecturally, the Snapdragon C employs Kryo cores—typical of Qualcomm’s mobile chips—whereas the Snapdragon X line, tailored for PCs, uses Oryon cores. This distinction underscores differing performance and power‑efficiency trade‑offs between the two families.

Manufacturers like Acer, HP, and Lenovo are slated to launch Snapdragon C laptops later this year. While detailed specifications and pricing remain undisclosed, Acer has already announced the Aspire Go 15, featuring up to 8 GB of RAM, 512 GB of storage, and a 53‑Wh battery.