Qualcomm showcased an innovative concept mini PC at the Snapdragon Summit 2025, held in Hawaii, that has stirred excitement among tech enthusiasts. This compact device, powered by the new Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, offers impressive performance metrics but remains a prototype, leaving potential buyers disappointed.
At the event, Qualcomm presented a range of striking reference devices, showcasing the capabilities of its latest processors. Unlike many tech companies that typically display market-ready products or simple slideshows, Qualcomm invested significant effort in crafting eye-catching devices, highlighting their engineering prowess.
One standout device was the remarkably compact Snapdragon X2 Elite mini PC. Measuring less than six inches in diameter and as thin as a smartphone, it features USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a micro SIM slot for connectivity. The device incorporates advanced thermal management through the Frore AirJet cooling solution, which was previously reported in 2023.
Given the impressive performance projections for the Snapdragon X2 platform, this mini PC could easily contend with the best in its class if it were available for purchase. Notably, it is even smaller in volume than Apple’s recently downsized Mac mini, which received a five-star rating earlier this year.
Despite its diminutive size, this concept device is poised to outperform many conventional office desktops available in retail stores. As an avid fan of mini PCs, the potential of this small yet powerful device captivated my attention almost immediately. The Snapdragon X2 Elite chip represents a significant leap in performance compared to its predecessor, the X Elite, and is joined by the even more robust X2 Elite Extreme variant.
The new Extreme chip boasts over 40% faster performance in applications like Adobe Lightroom and Premiere Pro, along with a 28% increase in photo editing speed in Photoshop. This impressive performance was highlighted during a live demonstration at the event, where a laptop featuring the Extreme chip achieved an average of 90 frames per second on the 3DMark Solar Bay benchmark—a remarkable feat for a device lacking a discrete graphics card.
While Qualcomm’s reference devices are designed to illustrate the potential of its new processors for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the compelling nature of these products raises the question of whether Qualcomm should consider entering the consumer hardware market directly. After experiencing these devices first-hand, it is difficult not to envision their successful future on retail shelves.
The allure of the Snapdragon mini PC was further enhanced by the presence of an all-in-one concept system at the event. This device not only showcased innovative design but also featured a dock for a small square PC, which appeared even smaller than its circular counterpart. The detachment of this unit left a lasting impression on attendees and demonstrated Qualcomm’s creativity in hardware design.
As the tech industry evolves, Qualcomm’s ability to produce such engaging concepts indicates a potential shift in the company’s focus. With its talented team and cutting-edge chips, there is a strong case for Qualcomm to expand into the consumer hardware sector, bringing these exciting designs to market.
The Snapdragon Summit 2025 has undoubtedly set the stage for future innovations, and many are left hoping that these concept devices will eventually make their way into consumers’ hands.
