Intel on the Inside, Premium on the Outside: Why Intel is Still the Choice for Top Ultrabooks

Despite the successes of AMD with the Zen 5 architecture and improved chips Snapdragon from Qualcomm, leading Windows ultrabook makers still prefer Intel for their flagship models. In a market where competition among processors is tightening, Intel remains the primary choice for premium laptops.

Intel.

Flagship Ultrabooks: why Intel is leading

Looking at the current lineups from manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Lenovo and Asus, it’s clear that Intel dominates the premium segment.

For example, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Aura Edition and Yoga Series 9 for the masses are available exclusively with Intel processors.

Dell XPS 13 is offered with both Lunar Lake and Snapdragon X Elite chips, but larger models like the XPS 14 and XPS 16 use Intel processors exclusively. HP Omnibook Flip  (formerly known as Spectre x360) and Asus Zenbook S14 also pack exclusively Intel processors.

Intel Core Ultra Series 2.

Mid-budget models such as the Vivobook, Yoga Series 7 and ThinkPad T-series have also seen significant improvements in recent years, but it’s the flagships that attract the latest technology and innovation from manufacturers. In premium devices, whether it’s the unique material Ceraluminum (an alloy of ceramic and aluminum) of Asus, the ultra-lightweight X1 Carbon from ThinkPad, or the refined design of the XPS 14-inch diagonal, in all cases the OEMs’ choice is Intel. Let’s take a look at why that’s the case.

Supply reliability and software compatibility

One of the main advantages IntelIntelIntel Lunar Lake processors introduced at IFA 2024 are already available for pre-order in the US and India. In contrast, AMDAMD

It’s also worth mentioning a major advantage Intel over Qualcomm’s ARM processors. Unlike the Snapdragon X lineup, the Intel processors are based on the x86 architecture, ensuring that there are no compatibility issues with apps and games. All major apps and games are available from day one, which is especially important for buyers willing to pay for premium Windows ultrabooks. No one wants to compromise when it comes to the full capabilities of a flagship device.

;x86

Why Qualcomm is still in question

2024 was a significant year for Qualcomm, as the company introduced the Snapdragon X processor series in partnership with leading laptop manufacturers. While these devices offer excellent battery life and performance, they are still losing out on app and game compatibility, and the general opinion of them has yet to be formed.

Snapdragon X.

Windows-based devices have only been on the market for a couple of months, and it will soon become clear whether users prefer them to the traditional Intel Intel and AMD variants. Importantly, if devices powered by Snapdragon don’t show good sales, manufacturers will be reluctant to include them in their flagship model lines.

Snapdragon SnapdragonLunar Lake: improved battery life and graphics

One of the weaknesses of Intel based ultrabooksIntel previously was their relatively low battery life. However, with the latest Lunar Lake processors the company has changed the rules of the game. In our recent review of the Dell XPS 13model, it showed high performance comparable to the latest devices from AMD and Qualcomm. Even integrated graphics got a significant improvement with the new version of Lunar Lake. Intel finally delivered what consumers and Windows laptop manufacturers alike have been waiting for for several years.

Intel finally delivered what both consumers and Windows laptop manufacturers have been waiting for.

There’s little reason for Windows-based ultrabook makers to favor AMD or Qualcomm for their next flagship devices now.

Intel continues to lead the market for flagship ultrabooks

Unless Intel makes significant mistakes, it’s unlikely that laptop makers will completely switch to AMD or Qualcomm in their flagships. In most cases, OEMs will offer processors Ryzen or Snapdragon as alternatives in mid-range models or as add-on options to models with Intel.

Intel.

It’s worth noting that the situation is quite different in the desktop processor segment. The offerings from Intel have not been impressive lately, and AMD is actively taking over the market with the Ryzen 9000 series. It will be interesting to see if Intel can regain ground with the release of their Arrow Lake 15th generation processors.