Lower-end Snapdragon X processor found in upcoming Microsoft Surface laptop

Microsoft is likely working on smaller variants of its popular Surface laptops: aiming for a screen size of 12 inches instead of the current offerings of 13.8 and 15 inches. However a Geekbench listing that appears to be one of the upcoming laptops seems to indicate that Microsoft is aiming for something other than pure performance.

The new smaller laptops will likely replace the older Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 which was 12.4 inches in size. But while the Go 3 used an Intel processor the listing for the new laptop shows a Snapdragon X Plus chipset.

Microsoft already uses Snapdragon X processors in its Surface laptops but all of the models currently in use are more powerful than the processor found in this listing. This Snapdragon X Plus chipset, while not as strong, is more power-efficient and makes for better battery life.

The use of this chipset makes sense if Microsoft is indeed planning to replace the Surface Laptop Go 3. A lightweight, small and super portable laptop definitely needs excellent battery life to entice consumers. The demographic that needs smaller and more battery-efficient laptops also mostly doesn’t require extreme performance. This laptop will mostly cater to professionals and students who need to work, read or surf the internet on the go.