Apple M4 vs Snapdragon X Elite: Benchmark Comparison

Nov. 22, 2024

Afterbenchmarking the Apple M4chipset, we have compiled a detailed benchmark comparison between Apple M4 and Snapdragon X Elite. Both are flagship chipsets from Apple and Qualcomm and they are directly competing in the laptop space. We have compared the Apple M4 Mac Mini (Base) and Asus Vivobook S15 which features theSnapdragon X Elitechipset (X1E-78-100). On that note, let’s check out the findings.

Apple M4 vs Snapdragon X Elite: Specs Comparison

To test the GPU, we ran the Geekbench 6 CPU test using the same OpenCL graphics API for better parity. The Apple M4 achieved 38,006 points while the Snapdragon X Elite could only muster 20,266 points. Basically, the 10-core Apple M4 GPU on the Mac Mini is almost 2x faster (87%) than the Adreno X1 GPU on the Snapdragon X Elite. That’s a big win for Apple.

We also ran the graphics-intensive 3DMark Wild Life Extreme test on Apple M4 and Snapdragon X Elite to evaluate their GPUs. The Apple M4 10-core GPU again delivered stellar graphics performance. It scored 9,807 points with an average of 58.7 FPS. In contrast, the Adreno X1 GPU on Snapdragon X Elite achieved 6,461 points with 38.69 FPS. In this test, Apple M4 delivered 51% faster graphics performance which is huge.3DMark Wild Life ExtremeApple M4Snapdragon X EliteOverall Score9,8076,461FPS58.738.69

We also did a practical test to assess the NPU/Neural Engine on both processors. We installed the LM Studio application that lets yourun AI models locally. Sadly, LM Studio doesn’t leverage the NPU or Neural Engine on both chipsets. The app uses the CPU on the Snapdragon X Elite and GPU+CPU on the Apple M4.

Nevertheless, we loaded a 3B model (4-bit) on both devices and ran a few prompts. The Apple M4 generated response at 48 tokens per second whereas the Snapdragon X Elite could only achieve up to 24 tokens per second. In line with the Geekbench AI test, local AI inference on the Apple M4 is 2x faster than the Snapdragon X Elite.

Finally, moving to Speedometer 3.0, a browser benchmark that evaluates web browsing performance and responsiveness of web applications. The Apple M4 once again hits it out of the park with a score of 33.2 points, while the Snapdragon X Elite achieves 27.2 points. Put simply, the Apple M4 delivers about 22% faster performance in web browsing than the Snapdragon X Elite.

To conclude, the Apple M4 chipset is significantly better than the Snapdragon X Elite across the board, whether in CPU, GPU, or NPU performance. The M4 CPU is based on the newer Armv9 architecture whereas the Oryon CPU on Snapdragon X Elite is still on the older Armv8 design. In addition, the M4 CPU has SME units which makes it even more performant.

Apple has been refining its M-series processors for four years, leading to a mature platform with significant performance headroom. In contrast, Snapdragon X Elite is Qualcomm’s first PC chipset with the custom Oryon CPU. However, Qualcomm has teased thatSnapdragon X Elite Gen 2 will pack third-gen Oryon CPU coreswhich promise a generational leap in performance and efficiency.

Perhaps, next year, we might see Qualcomm matching Apple in CPU performance and efficiency. As for the GPU, Apple’s in-house GPU is again 50% to 80% more powerful than the Adreno X1 GPU. There is a substantial difference in graphics performance. And the same goes for the Neural Engine/NPU. Apple delivers 2x faster performance in specialized AI workloads.

As things stand, Qualcomm lags behind Apple in laptop-grade chipsets. However, as we saw with theSnapdragon 8 Elitewhich brings massive improvements with the second-gen Oryon v2 cores, the chipmaker is quickly reiterating and improving performance and efficiency. We anticipate that next year, Qualcomm will be on solid grounds to rival Apple.

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.