The Betrayal of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100: How Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Edge Sold Out the Promise of Windows on Arm
Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon chips were supposed to revolutionize Windows on Arm, making it a viable platform for PC enthusiasts. But Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Edge, the only laptop featuring the top-of-the-line Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip, has failed to deliver on that promise.
A Chokehold on Performance
In our testing, the Galaxy Book4 Edge’s X1E-84-100 chip struggled to keep up with its predecessors, despite being the fastest Snapdragon processor available. This is a damning indictment of Samsung’s decision to prioritize thinness over performance. The laptop’s 16-inch display and sleek design come at the cost of power and processing capabilities.
Graphics: The Final Nail in the Coffin
But it’s not just the chip that’s underpowered. The Galaxy Book4 Edge’s graphics capabilities are woefully inadequate, struggling to match the performance of laptops with last-gen AMD processors. This is a blow to creatives and gamers who were hoping for a more powerful Windows on Arm experience.
Arm Processor: A Curse in Disguise
The Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip’s limitations are further exacerbated by the Arm processor’s limitations. Many apps are not optimized for Arm architecture, leading to compatibility issues and slow performance. This is a major setback for developers who were hoping to take advantage of the new chip’s capabilities.
The Betrayal of Promise
In conclusion, the Galaxy Book4 Edge is a disappointment, failing to deliver on the promise of Windows on Arm. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip, the fastest processor available, is hamstrung by Samsung’s priorities and the limitations of the Arm processor. This is a major blow to the future of Windows on Arm, and a warning to developers and consumers alike to be cautious of overpromising and underdelivering.
Agree to Continue: The Mandatory Agreements
But that’s not all. The Galaxy Book4 Edge also presents you with a series of mandatory agreements, including:
- A request for your region and keyboard layout
- Connect to Wi-Fi network
- Microsoft Software License Terms and Samsung Notice
- Sign into a Microsoft account
- Create a PIN
And 10 optional agreements, including:
- Name your device
- Device privacy settings
- Restore from your PC backup
- Provide your name, region, email address, and phone number to register for customer service and security protection with Samsung
- Customize your device for personalized tips, ads, and recommendations
- Use your phone from your PC (Android or iPhone)
- Backup your phone’s photos to OneDrive
- Always have access to your recent browsing data
- Accept or decline a free trial of Microsoft 365 Family
- Get more cloud storage with Microsoft 365 basic
The Verdict
The Galaxy Book4 Edge is a disappointment, and a betrayal of the promise of Windows on Arm. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite X1E-84-100 chip, the fastest processor available, is hamstrung by Samsung’s priorities and the limitations of the Arm processor. This is a major blow to the future of Windows on Arm, and a warning to developers and consumers alike to be cautious of overpromising and underdelivering.
