Qualcomm denies high return rate of Windows PCs with Snapdragon X processors

A careless statement by one of Intel’s acting CEOs regarding the high return rate of laptops based on Arm-compatible processors obviously affected the interests of Qualcomm, which in the current environment remains the main supplier of such chips for Windows PCs. Qualcomm representatives assured that the return percentage remains within the industry norm.

Image source: Qualcomm Technologies

Qualcomm sent a statement to CRN on Friday: “Our devices continue to receive over 4 stars in consumer reviews, including awards from Fast Company, TechRadar and many consumer publications. Our device return rates remain within industry norms.” Qualcomm continues to believe that in the next five years, 30 to 50% of laptops will switch to non-x86-compatible platforms.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X family processors for PCs running Microsoft Windows operating systems were introduced in June this year. In addition to supporting popular operating systems, they provided acceleration of work with artificial intelligence. However, while maintaining an Arm-compatible architecture, these processors did not always ensure the correct operation of Windows software. The emulator, developed in collaboration with Microsoft, could not solve all software compatibility problems.

Interim Intel CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus said at the recent Barclays technology conference, “If you look at the amount of investment in Arm and the work that Microsoft has done, there is a significant effort to bring Arm to the PC.” into widespread use, but there are still significant obstacles to Arm becoming a mainstream architecture in the PC segment.”

She also said that although Intel was late in bringing to market processors that combine performance and energy efficiency like Arm-compatibles, it has now caught up and the recently introduced Core Ultra 200V chips can provide a comparable user experience. Many of Intel’s customers, Holthaus said, can now say the company is focusing on the right things. However, she admits that competition will intensify: “You will see new competitors entering the market in 2025, and we will literally have to stand on our tiptoes to win.” The same Qualcomm, as it became known from early comments from representatives of this company, is developing sales chains around the world in order to more successfully market laptops based on Snapdragon X processors.