Qualcomm Snapdragon C Rumor: Geekbench Scores Under 1,200

Qualcomm is developing a new low-power chipset for entry-level laptops, and early rumors suggest it may struggle to compete with established Apple Silicon options. The chip, internally referred to as Snapdragon C, appears designed for budget Windows machines rather than high-performance devices.

Leaked benchmarks suggest the new budget chipset relies on older mid-range cores and may struggle against Apple Silicon in entry laptops.

The processor relies on an eight-core CPU cluster built from older mid-range components. According to a leak attributed to @lafaiel, the cores are boosted versions of Kryo 670 units found in chips like the Snapdragon 778G and 780G. This architecture suggests Qualcomm is repurposing existing designs rather than introducing new silicon.

Performance claims from the same source indicate limited processing power. The rumor predicts single-threaded Geekbench scores will stay under 1,200 points. Multi-core results are expected to fall below the single-core output of Apple’s A18 Pro chip, highlighting a significant performance gap.

Market positioning appears focused on ultra-low-cost laptops rather than mainstream adoption. Reports suggest partners like Acer may launch devices with only 4GB of RAM, indicating minimal system requirements for this platform. This approach targets the most affordable segment of the laptop market.

The chip’s capabilities could impact competition in the low-end Windows notebook space. If performance remains as rumored, it may struggle to challenge Apple’s dominance in budget laptops powered by M-series chips. The platform’s success will depend on whether manufacturers can offer viable devices at very low price points.

Qualcomm has not officially confirmed the Snapdragon C specifications or release timeline. Current information relies entirely on unverified leaks and industry speculation. The company may adjust its strategy as it evaluates market demand for entry-level Windows hardware.