Qualcomm has responded to claims made by Intel's co-CEO, Michelle Johnston Holthaus, regarding high return rates for Snapdragon-powered laptops. Intel's claims sparked discussion in the technology industry just months after the launch of Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus laptops.
Qualcomm's Rebuttal
A Qualcomm spokesperson refuted Intel's claims, stating that return rates for Snapdragon laptops are within the industry norm. While not providing specific numbers, they emphasized that customer satisfaction is high, citing "4+ star" reviews across various platforms.
The representative also highlighted the positive reception of these laptops, noting that they've received numerous accolades for performance and battery life, rivaling Apple Silicon. Despite shipping only 720,000 units, it appears customers who purchased these machines have had a positive experience.
"Our devices continue to have greater than 4+ stars across consumer reviews and our products have received numerous accolades across the industry... Our device return rates are within industry norm." - Qualcomm Spokesperson
Qualcomm's claim appears to be backed by a quick search on Amazon, where many Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus laptops have received 4-star ratings or higher. The initial higher prices may have contributed to lower sales volume, but discounts have recently made them more appealing. Qualcomm CEO Christiano Amon has stated that prices are expected to drop even further, potentially reaching as low as $700 in 2025.
It seems that Qualcomm is standing by its products and satisfied with their performance despite Intel's claims.