M3 Ultra vs Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | M3 Ultra | Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench 2024 single-core | 133 | 160 | -16.9% |
| Cinebench 2024 multi-core | 2,753 | 1,967 | +40.0% |
| Cores | 32 (24P+8E) | 18 | — |
| TDP (base W) | 140 | 96 | — |
- M3 Ultra is slower than Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme by 16.9% in single-core and faster by 40.0% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
- Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme draws less power (96W vs 140W base TDP).
Verdict: M3 Ultra or Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme?
M3 Ultra advantages
- Multi-core speed (+29%)
Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme advantages
- Single-core speed (+17%)
- Power efficiency (+31%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the M3 Ultra if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
- Choose the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
M3 Ultra vs Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: which should you choose?
M3 Ultra — 32-core Apple processor (24P+8E) scoring 133 single-core and 2753 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 140 W TDP.
Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme — 18-core Qualcomm processor scoring 160 single-core and 1967 multi-core in Cinebench 2024, with a 96 W TDP.
M3 Ultra vs Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: M3 Ultra leads in multi-core performance. M3 Ultra is slower than Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme by 16.9% in single-core and faster by 40.0% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme draws less power (96W vs 140W base TDP).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme leads there with a single-core score of 160 versus 133, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the M3 Ultra is stronger, posting 2,753 multi-core against 1,967 in Cinebench 2024. Its 32 cores (24 performance + 8 efficiency) give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is the more efficient chip at 96 W versus 140 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the M3 Ultra better than the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. M3 Ultra is slower than Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme by 16.9% in single-core and faster by 40.0% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024).
What is the main difference between the M3 Ultra and the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme?
M3 Ultra is slower than Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme by 16.9% in single-core and faster by 40.0% in multi-core (Cinebench 2024). Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme draws less power (96W vs 140W base TDP).
Which should I choose?
Choose the M3 Ultra if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking. Choose the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme if you mainly game or want snappy everyday responsiveness.
Methodology
Processors are compared on Cinebench 2024 single-core and multi-core scores from published leaderboard results, alongside core configuration (performance + efficiency cores), base TDP, L3 cache, PassMark CPU Mark, 1080p gaming scores and street pricing where measured. Cinebench reflects rendering-style workloads; gaming performance depends heavily on the GPU and the specific title, so treat single-core standing as directional. Figures reflect the leaderboard snapshot on the page date.