Snapdragon powered laptops shopping guide – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
Skip to main content
Partner Content From
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.
Campaign LogoCampaign Logo

6 laptops for gifting endless creativity and productivity

These PCs powered by Snapdragon X Elite are outfitted with lightning-fast processors and new AI features.

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Design by Rebecca Hoskins

If you’re holiday shopping for someone who spends hours in front of their laptop, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving them a machine that can do it all. From schoolwork to spreadsheets to side hustles and streaming, the right laptop can help unlock creativity and productivity.

Laptops powered by Snapdragon® X Elite processors combine days-long battery life*, advanced graphics, cutting-edge performance, and industry-leading processing power. Their built-in AI capabilities allow for seamless multitasking and boost creativity by allowing the user to quickly edit photos and videos or instantly generate images and designs. Plus, with many retailers offering holiday sales, you may even be able to snag one at a discount.

Check out the following models — all running on the Snapdragon X Elite processor — to find the perfect fit for the creator in your life.

$1500

Notable feature: Sleek and lightweight design The XPS 13 is the ideal companion for those who demand performance on the go. At just 2.6 pounds and 0.58 inches thin, this sleek and lightweight laptop is easy to carry with you and is the perfect balance of ultra portability and powerhouse performance. The 13.4-inch screen offers a sharp display for video calls thanks to its tandem OLED display (the world’s first). And with 27 hours¹ of streaming battery life it can power the most epic movie marathons. Whether you’re editing videos, running complex software, or simply moving between class or meetings, the XPS 13 delivers exceptional power without the bulk.

$1200

Notable feature: Extended battery life The HP OmniBook X stands out for its remarkable battery life, at up to a staggering 26 hours², that can last for an entire day — and then some. But it’s best known for its streamlined design and snappy performance. The AI-centric Snapdragon X Elite processor is a powerful tool for high-pressure work environments that require running resource-intensive applications or multitasking, as well as creative endeavors. Built-in AI analyzes usage patterns and helps manage resources efficiently, offers actionable insights, and can summarize documents to help you get the most out of your system.

$1200

Notable feature: Stunning OLED display For those who covet a vibrant, high-resolution display, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is the one. Its stunning 14.5-inch 3K screen is perfect for graphic designers, photo editors, and anyone who values crisp, detailed visuals. The Snapdragon processor provides the power needed to handle demanding tasks effortlessly, while the long battery life (23.5 hours³) ensures you can capitalize on a long streak of productivity or relax and stream content for hours on end. Press the keyboard’s Copilot key to bring up the suite of AI products available right at your fingertips.

$1450

Notable feature: Large display For those who prefer a larger canvas, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16 offers an expansive 16-inch display that’s perfect for creatives who need an immersive experience. Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, watching videos, or working on detailed design projects, the sizable screen provides ample space for all your tasks. The Snapdragon processor ensures smooth performance, and the 1TB of storage offers plenty of extra space.

$1100

Notable feature: Performance-to-price ratio The Asus Vivobook S 15 strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability. At $1,099 it bats way above its weight with a vivid OLED display, large 15.6-inch screen, 18-plus-hour battery life⁴, and super-fast performance. Photo edits go faster, video transcoding and exports are sped up, and you can feel confident jumping between tabs without worrying about a lag. The Vivobook S 15 offers excellent value for anyone looking to maximize their investment in a high-performance laptop.

$1600

Notable feature: Lightweight and two-in-one flexibility The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile two-in-one device delivering powerful performance and a flexible design that adapts to your changing needs. With the new detachable SurfacePro Flex Keyboard and adjustable kickstand, you can unlock new Copilot AI features when using it as a tablet or a laptop. Its optional 13-inch OLED screen delivers a cinematic experience on-the-go and a 10.5 Megapixel Ultra HD rear-facing autofocus camera ensures you have the lighting and crystal-clear sound you need for your next creative project or conference call. At under two pounds without the keyboard, it’s one of the lightest units out there. Pair that with up to 14 hours of battery life while streaming, and you can do it all with this portable powerhouse.

Whoever you’re shopping for this holiday season, laptops powered by Snapdragon® X Elite processors make an ideal gift to help them accomplish more in 2025. And hey, while you’re browsing, you may even become convinced to give one to yourself, too.

1. Netflix streaming battery benchmark: XPS 13 tested with Snapdragon X1 Elite X1E-80-100, FHD+ display, 16GB, 512GB SSD. Testing conducted by Dell labs in May 2024 with display brightness set to 150 nits (40%) and wireless enabled. Based on streaming Netflix 1080p content using the Netflix Windows 11 app. Actual battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on product configuration and use, software, usage, operating conditions, power management settings and other factors. Maximum battery life will decrease with time. The stated Watt Hour (WHr) is not an indication of battery life.

2. Based on HP’s internal analysis as of next gen PC’s with a 40-60 TOPS NPU as of (current date). Battery life tested by HP using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920x1080) resolution, 200 nits brightness, system audio level as image default, player audio level at 100%, played full-screen from local storage, headphone attached or through speaker (if no audio jack port), wireless on but not connected. Actual battery life will vary depending on configuration and maximum capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.

3. The battery life claim is approximate and based on continuous 1080p video playback @ 150 nits brightness on the latest update of Windows 11. Actual battery life will vary and depends on many factors such as product configuration and usage, software use, wireless functionality, power management settings, and screen brightness. The maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and use.

4. Battery tests conducted by ASUS on May 7, 2024 using the 1080p Video Playback scenario. Test configuration: ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507Q), 3K OLED panel, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite 12C, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM, 70 Wh battery. Test settings: WiFi disabled, Keyboard backlit disabled, Windows Power Plan set to Best Power Efficiency, display brightness set to 150 cd/m2. Actual battery life may vary depending on product configuration, usage, operational conditions and power management settings. Battery life will decrease over the lifetime of the battery.

* Battery life varies significantly based on devices, settings, usage, and other factors.

Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.