Qualcomm is preparing Snapdragon X Elite chips for upcoming Android PCs, as new code reveals Android 16 support. Here’s how the high-performance Windows ARM processor may redefine desktop Android in 2026.
The future of Android-powered computers just took a major leap forward. According to fresh reports, Qualcomm is preparing its powerful Snapdragon X Elite chips, originally designed for Windows ARM laptops, to power the next generation of Android PCs. With Google and Qualcomm already confirming that Android desktop machines are coming next year, this major development hints at a dramatically upgraded Android experience on larger screens.
Snapdragon X Chips Found in Android 16 Code
A new discovery shared by analyst @Jukanlosreve on Twitter/X reveals screenshots showing Snapdragon X chipsets listed inside Android 16’s private codebase. Qualcomm has also uploaded supporting code for:
- Snapdragon X Elite
- Standard Snapdragon X series chips
This move strongly suggests that Qualcomm is giving PC manufacturers the green light to use these laptop-grade processors inside full Android-powered PCs. Join Now
Why This Matters: Snapdragon X Elite Is a Beast
The Snapdragon X Elite chip made headlines when it debuted in 2024, finally offering a powerful and efficient ARM option for Windows laptops. Until this chip arrived, Windows on ARM struggled with performance and app compatibility.
Snapdragon X Elite Strengths
- High performance comparable to Apple Silicon laptops
- Great efficiency for long battery life
- Smooth multitasking
- Strong AI processing capabilities
- Improved native ARM app support on Windows
If this chip powers Android PCs, it could create a massive performance jump compared to traditional ARM-based Chromebooks or mobile chip desktops.
Android PCs Could Get a Major Boost
With Android 16 already being tested for desktop environments, these chips could help bring:
- Faster multitasking
- Better windowed app support
- Improved gaming capability
- High-end productivity performance
- Enhanced AI features built directly into hardware
The idea of a full desktop Android system running on hardware as strong as Windows ARM laptops is extremely promising.
What About Snapdragon X2 Elite?
Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X2 Elite—expected in 2026 Windows PCs—has shown huge performance potential in early reports.
However, it remains unclear whether:
- Snapdragon X2 Elite
or - Only the current X Elite lineup
will be used in Android-powered PCs coming next year.
Google + Qualcomm = “Incredible” Android PC Experience
Google has already confirmed more developments for desktop Android mode. Qualcomm’s CEO has even called the new Android PC experience “incredible.”
Android 16’s first desktop mode previews show:
- A macOS-style taskbar
- Proper window resizing
- Multi-window support
- Desktop-level productivity tools
Though early builds look rough, they reveal a strong direction.
Conclusion
The integration of Snapdragon X Elite chips into Android 16 code confirms that Android PCs are about to get real, and they may rival Windows ARM laptops in performance. If manufacturers adopt these chips, 2026 could mark the beginning of a new era of:
- High-performance Android desktops
- Hybrid Android–PC workflows
- Affordable yet powerful ARM computers
With Qualcomm, Google and a growing developer ecosystem pushing forward, the future of desktop Android looks extremely exciting.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful Snapdragon X Elite performance | Actual devices not yet revealed |
| Android 16 desktop mode improving | Early builds still unstable |
| Better multitasking and AI capabilities | App optimization may take time |
| Potential new category of Android PCs | Pricing unknown |
| Collaboration between Google & Qualcomm | Limited launch timeline clarity |
Comparison Table
Snapdragon X Elite for Android PCs vs Traditional Android Laptop Chips
| Feature | Snapdragon X Elite | Typical Android Laptop Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Laptop-grade, very high | Mid-range |
| AI Processing | Advanced NPU | Basic |
| Multitasking | Strong, desktop-class | Limited |
| Power Efficiency | Excellent | Good |
| Target Devices | Android PCs & Windows ARM laptops | Tablets, Chromebooks |