Google’s Android PCs Are Coming With Last-Gen Snapdragon Chips

According to Wccftech, leaked Android 16 private code lists reveal that Google’s upcoming Android PCs will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors, making the hardware an entire generation behind current technology. The evidence comes from X user @Jukanlosreve who posted images showing Qualcomm has already uploaded code for its laptop-based SoCs. This confirms the partnership Google hinted at during Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit earlier this year. The Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips launched before Qualcomm’s newer Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and X2 Elite processors introduced in 2024. This hardware gap means Google’s Android PCs will launch with outdated silicon against competitors like Apple, whose M4 Max chip already outperforms Qualcomm’s latest in some benchmarks.

Already Playing Catch-Up

Here’s the thing about using last-generation chips in new products: it’s basically starting a race when everyone else already has a head start. The Snapdragon X Elite was groundbreaking when it first appeared – finally giving Windows on ARM some real muscle while sipping power. But technology moves fast, and Qualcomm has already moved on to their X2 series.

So why would Google do this? I think it comes down to timing and cost. Developing with established, proven hardware is cheaper and faster than chasing the absolute latest silicon. But in the PC space, where Apple’s M-series chips are setting new performance standards every year, being a generation behind at launch is… problematic.

The Price Needs to Be Right

Look, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Snapdragon X Elite – it’s still a capable processor. But if Google prices these Android PCs like premium devices while using last-gen hardware, they’re dead on arrival. Consumers aren’t stupid – they’ll compare specs and performance against current offerings.

And let’s be real – the competition isn’t standing still. Apple’s M4 chips are already out there setting new benchmarks. For industrial and manufacturing applications where reliability and performance matter, companies typically want the latest technology, not yesterday’s news. That’s why suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com focus on providing current-generation industrial panel PCs – because their customers need competitive hardware that won’t become obsolete immediately.

What Comes Next?

The leaked code only shows the Snapdragon X Elite, but maybe Qualcomm will add support for their newer chips later. That would make more sense – give developers a stable platform to start with, then upgrade to better performance down the line.

But here’s my question: is Google making the same mistakes with Android PCs that they made with Chromebooks? Coming to market with hardware that’s already behind the curve? The success of these devices will depend entirely on the software experience and pricing. If Android on PC can deliver something truly unique that justifies the hardware compromise, maybe they have a chance.

For now, it feels like Google is playing it safe when they should be swinging for the fences. In the competitive PC market, safe rarely wins.