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

Microsoft and Qualcomm are striking back at Apple with its MacBook Neo by announcing a new processor for ultra-cheap Windows on ARM laptops.

Earlier this year, Apple launched the MacBook Neo, a $599 laptop that shocked the PC industry, already suffering from component shortages and inflated RAM prices. Now, Qualcomm is fighting back with the Snapdragon C, a new processor designed to "revolutionize entry-tier laptops" by bringing their prices to as little as $300.

Qualcomm says that the new platform offers quiet operation at low temperatures, all-day battery life, and "responsive performance." In addition, these chips feature built-in Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for on-device AI. However, Snapdragon C-based laptops do not meet Microsoft's Copilot+ PC requirements for built-in NPUs, so those who want a computer that supports features like Recall and other on-device AI features should look for a device powered by a Snapdragon X processor or one of the latest Intel and AMD chips.

There are also notable architectural differences. The Snapdragon C features Kryo cores, which Qualcomm uses in mobile processors, unlike Oryon cores found in the Snapdragon X chips designed for PCs.

The first Snapdragon C-powered laptops are coming to the market later this year from Acer, HP, Lenovo, and other manufacturers. While exact specs and prices are yet to be announced, Acer revealed the new Aspire Go 15 with the Snapdragon C, "up to 8GB of RAM," up to 512GB of storage, and a 53Wh battery.

Unlike the MacBook Neo, which Qualcomm and other manufacturers are trying to beat, this laptop is fully plastic. Also, the press release implies that we could see a return to 4GB of RAM in modern laptops. Acer won't say how much the new Aspire Go 15 costs, but Qualcomm says the Snapdragon C was designed for computers targeting "$300 and up." We will have to wait for manufacturers to release full specs and configurations to see how many compromises you have to accept in a new $300 laptop.

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Posted Friday 29 May 2026 at 7:48 am AEST (my time).

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