It’s a Deja Vu moment for us when we first head about laptops with Snapdragon Processors. It has always crossed our minds about mobile processors powering laptops since their performance has improved dramatically over the last few years. On top of that, their low power consumption and LTE radios make it more attractive as an always-on PC. We weren’t wrong after all! Are we finally seeing a happy marriage between mobiles and laptops? Time will tell.
The happy marriage is made possible by emulating X86 code to be able to run on ARM CPU’s. This makes it more exciting, just because, all Windows applications would work natively on these PCs, unlike Microsft’s earlier attempt. What we don’t know is what would be the performance impact due to the emulation process.
In the tech world, laptops with Snapdragon processors are quite a hot discussion these days and have taken center stage, promising to change our lives for good. These devices with ARM-based processors will possibly arrive in the first quarter of 2018. HP, ASUS, and Lenovo have already unveiled Laptops with Snapdragons 835 processors. However, these devices are yet to be launched for sale. They are expected to cost within the price range of $600 to $800. However, do check the final price on the various marketplaces, since pricing does change a lot.
These laptops will be equipped with Windows 10 S and would run UWP (Universal Windows Platform) where developers can target their apps to a specific platform. In addition to this, they would also be able to run a full version of Windows and can even join a domain controller. Compared to x86 Intel-based laptops, these devices are said to have better efficiency, performance and deliver always-on connectivity. Currently, there are three models of such devices presented by different brands as follows:
- Lenovo Miix 630 2-in-1
- ASUS Nova Go
- HP Envy X2
Also Read: Best Fanless Laptops
Laptops with Snapdragon Processors
Here is everything we know about this ARM Processor-based notebooks and convertibles:
1. Lenovo Miix 630 2-in-1:
Lenovo recently unveiled its first Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 based 2-in-1 notebook. It will run Microsoft Windows 10 S OS. Lenovo promises up-to 20 hours of battery life and built-in Gigabit LTE Modem. It is a detachable notebook with a 12.3” WUXGA + LCD. Once the keyboard is outfitted, they z-height for display is 15.6mm. Since it will feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 SoC Processor, it does not mean that it is a tablet with attachable keyboard. New Lenovo Miix 630 is indeed a convertible laptop.
It will feature 4/8 GB of ram, USB C connector, dedicated SD Card Readers and up to 256 GB of NAND Flash UFS Storage. As we are talking about it having Windows 10 S, many of you may wonder if it will support Cortana voice assistance. Well, yes! Lenovo Miix 630 comes with Cortana voice assistance. It also supports facial recognition thanks to IR Enabled webcam.
Connectivity and Battery Life are two most anticipated features in Lenovo Miix 630. It comes with dual-band 802.11 ac Wi-Fi, BT 4.1 and Gigabit LTE Modem. Moreover, they promise 20 hours of working battery life. We do not yet know if their promise will be fulfilled; the only way to know is to wait for the launch of the laptop.
The Lenovo Miix 630 Specifications:
Following are all known specs for Lenovo Miix 630 convertible Laptop:
| Display | 12.3” inch display with 1920 x 1280 resolution 187 PPI pixel density |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Processor 4x Kryo 280 Performance (2.45 GHz) 4x Kryo Efficiency (1.9 GHz) |
| Graphics | Adreno 540 GPU and 710 MHz |
| RAM | 4 GB and 8 GB variations |
| Storage | 64 to 256 GB variations |
| Wi-Fi | 2×2 802.11 ac Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| WWAN | Qualcomm x16 Gigabit LTE modem inbuilt |
| USB | 1x Type C USB 3.0 |
| Cameras | 5 MP front camera with IR and Windows Hello 13 MP rear camera |
| I/O configuration | Microphone, Stereo Speakers, Audio Jack, Trackpad, Card Reader, Etc |
| Battery | 48 Wh battery, promising up to 20 hours of working battery life |
| Dimension | 298 x 210 x 15.6 mm 11.5 x 8.2 x 0.6 inch |
| Weight | 1.33 KG or 2.93 Lbs |
Lenovo Miix 630 is expected to hit the market in March or April, and the price range is going to be within $799. This price is quite competitive as many Intel Processor-based convertibles are also sold for $800. Lenovo seeks to target the users who expect Windows 10, LTE connectivity and long-lasting battery life in a single package. It is going to be a nice option for such people compared to x86 Intel-based notebooks. Let’s move to next mode!
2. Asus Nova Go [TP370QL]:
Asus unveiled their TP370QL or simply Nova Go in Qualcomm’s second annual tech summit along with HP Envy x2. This is their always-connected PC, based on Windows 10 S and LTE connectivity, and of course, Snapdragon processors.
Asus Nova Go comes with a Snapdragon 835 chipset. It is not unknown as it was present in many premium smartphones including Pixel 2, Galaxy Note 8, LG V30, Xperia XZ Premium and Razer Phone. The chip features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon x16 modem supporting Gigabit LTE whenever available. It provides a standard Nano Sim Card slot. There is no confirmation when this eSIM will get activated for use, but at least they have a slot.
Like Lenovo Miix 630, Nova Go also comes in a convertible form factor. They promise a video playback of 22 hours once fully charged, which is more than enough.
What we would like to appreciate about Asus Nova Go other than the battery life and connectivity is the proper set of ports. It features a USB Type A, 3.5 mm audio jack and HDMI as well. It has the anticipated always-on connectivity on Windows 10 S. However, it lacks USB-C port, and it is a little bit heavy too. Following are some confirmed technical details:
Asus Nova Go Specifications:
Here are some confirmed technical aspects and specifications by Asus:
| Finish / Color | Sky Grey Plastic Fiber Body |
| Operating System | Windows 10 S Free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Mobile Processor 2.6 GHz CPU clock rate |
| GPU | Adreno 540 GPU 710 MHz GPU clock rate |
| Display | 13.3” LED backlit Full HD 1920 x 1080 display 100% sRGB Color Gamut 178-degree wide view technology 8.9 mm thin bezel with 78% screen to body ratio |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB variations 1866 MHz LPDDR4x Onboard Memory |
| Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB variations UFS 2.0 storage |
| Interfaces | 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type A 1x Audio Jack, Headphone/mi-in 1x Combo Nano Sim 1x Micro SD card reader slot supporting up to 256GB 1x HDMI port 1x DC in |
| Keyboard and Touchpad | Full size backlit keyboard with 1.4mm key travel Glass covered touchpad with intelligent palm rejection and precision touchpad support with up to four-finger gestures |
| Other Sensors | Side mounted fingerprint sensor on touchpad |
| Audio | 2x speakers ASUS Sonic Master Premier Stereo audio system Smart amplifier Array microphone with Cortana Voice Recognition |
| Camera | 1280 x 720 HD Camera |
| Wireless Connectivity | 802.11 a/b/g/n 802.11 ac 2×2 MIMO Qualcomm Snapdragon x16 modem Gigabit LTE with DL: 1 GB/s UL: 150 MB/s 4 x 4 MIMO |
| Battery | 52 Wh lithium polymer battery with 22 hours of working battery life and 30 days of modern standby |
| Dimension | 0.59 x 12.44 x 8.7 inches 1.49 x 31.6 x 22.1 cm |
| Weight | 1.39 KG / 3.06 pounds |
| Software Included | ASUS Splendid ASUS Eye Care ASUS Tru2life Video ASUS Audi Wizard |
Note: Supports modern Windows 10 features including Windows Ink, Windows Hello, Windows Cortana Voice Assistance and Modern Standby. Let us move to the next model!
3. HP Envy X2:
There is not much known about this upcoming HP Envy X2 convertible notebook. It will feature an impressive 22 hours battery life, 4G LTE connectivity, packed in durable body design. The convertible design with 4G connectivity makes it an on the go device. Whether you are working or traveling, it suits all your needs. With a Snapdragon 835 chip, it provides a power efficient platform, which allows it to deliver faster LTE connectivity without affecting the battery life or performance.
Multiple viewing angles are supported with the innovative hinge design, which delivers an elevated laptop and tablet experience. It is pretty light and weighs only 1.21 kg, making it an ideal portable notebook. It comes with Corning Gorilla glass protection making your display scratch resistance and nearly indestructible. HP promises fantastic typing experience with the soft keyboard in oxford blue magnetic stands.
With a detachable keyboard, it has two modes: laptop and tablet. Tablet mode is pretty easy to handle since it supports Windows pen touch and Ink technologies. This enhanced version of windows is said to deliver faster boot times, enhanced responsiveness and added protection.
HP Envy X2 Specifications:
Here are some confirmed technical aspects and specifications by HP:
| Display | WUXGA + LED Display 1920 x 1080 Full HD Resolution for superior interaction experience |
| Battery Life | 22 hours of local video playback 1000 hours of connected standby time 0 to 90% charging within 90 minutes with fast charging technology |
| LTE Connectivity | Qualcomm Snapdragon x16 LTE modem supporting 4G LTE connections |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 CPU |
| Weight | 1.21 KG |
| Windows Features | Cortana Voice Assistance Windows Pen support Windows Ink support |
| Camera | 13 MP rear camera 5 MP front camera |
| Interface | 1x USB Type C port Micro SD Card reader SIM card slot Combo audio jack for headphone and microphone Volume rocker |
| Audio | Dual HP Speakers |
| Operating System | Windows 10 S |
| Storage | Up to 256 GH of storage in various variations |
Conclusion:
These are the only notebooks with Snapdragon processor and LTE connectivity, unveiled by their respective manufacturer so far. We have covered every detail we could find about them from various sources. We hope this post helps you to understand more about this new kind of mobile-processor based notebooks, which are going to hit the market soon. In case if you have any query or suggestions feel free to use the comment section below.
