Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Marked as “Frequently Returned” on Amazon, Signaling Drop in Popularity for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite

Amazon has recently flagged the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 as a “frequently returned”item, signaling a decline in popularity for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite platform among consumers.

Consumer Discontent Points to Snapdragon X Elite’s Lack of Competitive Advantage

The revelation regarding customer dissatisfaction with the Surface Laptop 7 comes as a surprise. According to a report from Windows Central, Amazon’s designation of this laptop as frequently returned suggests issues beyond mere performance glitches. Instead, it reflects a growing discontent among buyers. Amazon has yet to clarify specific reasons for this categorization, though it is widely believed to stem from the limitations associated with the Snapdragon X Elite platform, which we’ll explore further.

Powered by Qualcomm’s high-end Snapdragon X Elite (12-core) processor, the Surface Laptop 7 performs reasonably well. However, one significant drawback of Qualcomm’s platform is its limited compatibility with essential applications favored by many users. This lack of support hinders the device’s appeal, especially against robust competitors like Intel’s forthcoming Lunar Lake processors. The uptick in return rates suggests that users are frequently encountering these challenges.

Qualcomm chipsets have been impacted by zero-day vulnerability

Moreover, the pricing structure of existing Qualcomm devices is not competitive enough, making rival options more appealing. For instance, Apple’s ARM-based MacBooks not only provide superior battery life but also deliver a more cohesive operating system experience, resulting in a better value proposition. Intel’s co-CEO mentioned a few months back that return rates for Qualcomm’s laptops reflect negatively on consumer sentiment, a trend now echoed in the listing of the Surface Laptop 7.

The Amazon listing currently holds an average rating of 4.2 stars, with over 364 reviews, suggesting that while return rates might not be excessively high, they are certainly noteworthy. For potential buyers considering laptops in the sub-$1500 range, those utilizing the Snapdragon X Elite platform might find themselves overlooked in favor of alternatives. To regain consumer trust, Qualcomm must address these concerns by either enhancing entry-level offerings or providing better performance-to-price ratios in future products.

Source & Images