ARM-based laptops seem to have picked up steam once again with the introduction of the new Microsoft Surface devices. These are powered by Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processors as opposed to x86processors from Inteland AMD. As the ARM ecosystem grows, more and more laptop manufacturers are refining the technology and releasing new laptops. This means there are quite a few options on the market for those interested in the ARM ecosystem.
Even though ARM technology has been around since 1985, Qualcomm, the company behind thehighly popular Snapdragon mobile processors, worked with Microsoft to release the first ARM-based Windows laptop in 2017. The response wasn’t as positive as either of the companies hoped, as customers quickly realized the limitations of this fairly new ecosystem. However, things have changed, and these devices have become not only more powerful but more compatible as well.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best ARM-based Laptops
Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (OLED)
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (OLED) is the latest iteration from the company in its 2-in-1 Surface laptops, and it is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor that is highly efficient and fairly easy to keep cool. The Surface Pro 11 comes with a 13-inch OLED touchscreen display with a 2880x1920 resolution and up to 120Hz refresh rate.
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 is the latest installment in the lineup, and it is powered by the latest Snapdragon processor, the X Elite. While there is a slightly more powerful version of this 2-in-1 tablet PC, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (OLED) is a solid performer and capable of running any day-to-day operations. The Snapdragon X Elite is a 12-core chip with a Qualcomm Hexagon NPU that is capable of 45 trillion operations per second.
This model comes with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage which can be upgraded at the time of purchase to up to 1TB. TheOLED displayis 13 inches with a 2880x1920 resolution, up to 120Hz refresh rate, color calibration, and a 10-point touchscreen. Surface Pro displays have been 3:2 for a long time, making them ideal productivity laptops, especially when combined with the regular Surface Pro keyboard or the Surface Pro Flex keyboard.
For wireless connectivity, you get Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, which are the latest standards. There are two USB-C ports, both of which are USB 4 and support data transfer, DisplayPort 1.4a, and Surface Thunderbolt 4 dock and accessories. Two 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos handle audio. It is also a slim and light machine that weighs 895 grams.
The advantage of the Surface Pro 11 form factor is that it can be used as a tablet or as a laptop, which makes it even more portable. While the kickstand at the back is sturdy, you may find using the keyboard a bit challenging when on your lap. On top of all that, it comes with Microsoft’s AI-powered companion called Copilot+ along with a dedicated key for it.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1q
The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q is a thin and light ARM-based laptop that is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite 12-core processor. It features 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, along with a 14-inch display that is a 2.2K (2240x1400) IPS touch panel with 300 nits brightness and 100% sRGB coverage. It comes with the new Copilot button for AI-based assistance.
Those looking for a professional-looking thin and light ARM-based laptop should take a look at the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q. On the surface, it looks like a regular thin and light laptop, but because of the highly efficient processor that does not require a heavy-duty cooling system, it is incredibly light at just 1.3 kg and slim at just 0.44 inches. The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q comes with a 14-inch display that is a 2.2K (2240x1400) IPS touch panel with 300 nits brightness and 100% sRGB coverage.
A 12-core Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 processor and an integrated Qualcomm Adreno GPU power the laptop. This model is equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 512GB of M.2 SSD storage. Powering all this is a 59 Wh battery that charges via a 65W USB Type-C adapter. Connectivity options on the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q include a USB-C 40Gbps port, a USB-C 10Gbps port, a USB-A 5Gbps port, and a stereo headphone/microphone combo jack.
Even though this is a compact machine, the keyboard is comfortable to type on and comes with the new Copilot button for AI-based assistance. The HP EliteBook Ultra G1q isperfect for professional settingsor even casual use on the go. Like all HP laptops, it has sturdy construction but is offered in a single-color option.
ASUS Vivobook S 15 laptop
Need a laptop that can last all day on a single charge? The ASUS Vivobook S 15 boasts an impressive battery life thanks to its efficient Snapdragon X Elite processor and long-lasting battery. Whether it’s used by a student cramming for exams or a busy professional on the go, the Vivobook S 15 will keep them powering through their day. Plus, the large 15.6-inch display is great for multitasking or enjoying movies.
The ASUS Vivobook S 15 is the first laptop from the company that comes with Microsoft’s Copilot assistant built in. It also has one of the best displays on any ARM-based laptop. It features a 15.6-inch 3K (2880x1620) OLED display capable of 120Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, 600 nits HDR peak brightness, and VESA Certification Display HDR True Black 600. It should be noted that this is not a touchscreen, but the display on the ASUS Vivobook S 15 can also flip all the way flat. However, there aren’t too many use cases for this flexibility.
It is also a workhorse, given its 45W power to the CPU and the efficient cooling system that allows the ASUS Vivobook S 15 to chew through all day-to-day tasks. There are ample connectivity options including two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB4s with support for external displays, a MicroSD card reader, and an audio jack. On top of that, the massive 70Wh battery allows for over 18 hours of operation, according to the company, and it also supports fast charging with 60% charge in just 49 minutes.
Once you’re done with work, you canenjoy watching movies or TV showson the ASUS Vivobook S 15 thanks to the incredible display, complemented by the Harman Kardon speaker system that also supports Dolby Atmos.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is an extremely well-built yet thin and light ARM-based laptop. It is powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor and comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The laptop features a 14-inch 3K (2944x1840) OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate and is capable of 1000 nits HDR brightness. The solid construction is certified with a MIL-STD-810H rating.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x checks all the right boxes without costing an arm and a leg. The Snapdragon X Elite chip powers this ARM-based laptop. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It features a 14-inch 3K (2944x1840) OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate, 500 nits SDR / 1000 nits HDR brightness, VESA Certified DisplayHDR True Black 600, and Dolby Vision. It is also a touchscreen, adding to its versatility.
There are four speakers with support for Dolby Atmos, which makes the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x ideal for media consumption. You get three USB-C 4.0 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3 for wired and wireless connectivity. It is backed by a 70Wh battery with support for rapid charging which can add three hours of runtime with just 15 minutes of charging.
In terms of build quality, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x stands out from the crowd with its MIL-STD-810H rating which, despite its 1.28 kg weight and 12.9 mm thickness, gives the laptop a solid and durable build complimented by the Cosmic Blue color. Lenovo is also using recycled materials for the construction of this laptop as well as plastic-free packaging, so you’re helping the planet as well as improving your workflow.
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge
The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge features a 16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED 2X touchscreen display that supports 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by the 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor and comes with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It offers seamless connectivity and functionality with other Samsung AI-driven products.
The Samsung Galaxy Book series is Samsung’s response to Apple’s MacBooks. The competition has never been this close, thanks to the new ARM processors. The latest iteration in the lineup, the Galaxy Book 4 Edge, is no exception and is powered by the latest 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor that can reach 3.8GHz. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage out of the box. There is also a version with 512GB for slightly cheaper.
Samsung’s aim with the Galaxy Boox series is to make efficient machines that are extremely portable and have long-lasting battery life. With the Galaxy Book 4 Edge, Samsung has managed to achieve that and more. It features a 16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate and is a touchscreen with an anti-reflective glass cover.
The number of ports is not as exhaustive as the ASUS Vivobook S 15, but you get everything you would need including two USB Type-C 4.0 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a microSD card slot, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone jack. The Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge is backed by a 61.8Wh battery, but there is no fast charging support here.
One of the advantages of being in the Samsung ecosystem is that users who haveSamsung phoneswith the Galaxy AI built in can control their phones through the Galaxy Book 4 Edge, use their phones as webcams, seamlessly connect with other Galaxy accessories, and more.
Dell XPS 13 (9345)
The Dell XPS 13 (9345) is a premium laptop like any other Dell XPS offering, but it is powered by an ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite processor. It comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage and the display is a 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920x1200) panel that supports a 30-120Hz refresh rate. It comes with two USB Type-C full-function ports.
If design and aesthetics take priority, the Dell XPS 13 is the ARM-based laptop for you. Powered by the Snapdragon X Elite processor, this premium-looking laptop will allow you to stand out from the crowd. The Dell XPS 13 features a stunning 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920x1200) display that can reach up to 120Hz refresh rate but also clock down to 30Hz depending on the use case. It is a non-touch display but is capable of 500 nits peak brightness. There are slim bezels all around which give it an almost frame-less appearance.
You get 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which can be upgraded to 64GB and 2TB at the time of purchase. Dell also offers two color options, Platinum and Graphite. There is a 55Wh battery which on paper seems quite low compared to the competition, but since it is only powered by an FHD+ display, Dell says it can last up to 27 hours.
Another feature that sets the Dell XPS 13 apart is the keyboard design. The keys go from edge to edge and there is a hidden trackpad right below. This gives the laptop a unique flat, minimalist look. The function row is a series of touch buttons, and they can be switched to media controls. The minimalist theme continues with the ports as well. The Dell XPS 13 comes with only two USB-C full-function ports, much like the MacBook Air.
What to Look for in the Best ARM-Based Laptop
There are a few things to consider when looking for an ARM-based laptop:
Processor: There are a few ARM processors that have made their way to laptops in the past few years. The Snapdragon X and X Elite processors are the latest and most powerful chips and will be able to deliver the best performance with non-native ARM apps. The apps that have not been designed or ported over to run on ARM architecture need to go through a layer of emulation before they can run, which takes up a lot of processing power, so the more powerful the processor, the better the experience with non-native apps.
Form Factor:A lot of ARM-based laptops offer touchscreen functionality and some others take it to the next level by offering 2-in-1 functionality like the Surface Pro 11. Depending on your use case, a clamshell-style standard laptop may work better for you, so make sure to consider that before purchasing.
Battery Experience:Because these ARM processors are much more efficient than x86 chips, the laptops can get away with not having the highest possible battery capacity. This does not mean that these laptops will perform worse than the x86 versions in terms of battery life. On the contrary, they can deliver better battery life with lower capacity because of the lower power consumption. Furthermore, some ARM-based laptops also offer fast charging, which improves the overall experience.
FAQ
Q: What is the best ARM-powered laptop?
The Surface Pro 11 with the keyboard is an excellent ARM-based laptop that offers versatility as well as portability in a way that no other device offers.
Q: What is an ARM-based laptop?
An ARM-based laptop is powered by a processor that uses a toned-down architecture which can be more efficient depending on the workflow, and it also uses less power. ARM-based laptops run non-native ARM apps through emulation, which can sometimes cause the app not to perform as well as it would on an x86 system.
