Snapdragon laptops are supported on Linux from version 20.04 onwards.
Snapdragon laptops are supported on Linux from version 20.04 onwards.
I believe some Snapdragon laptops already support Linux (meaning you can install certain distros yourself, though the process isn’t very user-friendly). There aren’t many options available. Bootloaders and related issues were often a problem with consumer ARM devices. If you prefer not to rely on Windows on Snapdragons, BSD-based systems already offer full compatibility with Snapdragon.
I thought ARM didn’t really offer a genuine edge in battery life compared to x86-64, just a difference in what developers prioritized. Source: a long video on CPU design where Lunar Lake appears to mark progress toward better power efficiency on x86-64, though my hardware is pretty old (lmao).
However, laptop battery performance remains superior to that of MacBooks
What OS were they sold with? If Android, they are already running on Linux. I don't have one, but suspect a knowledgeable person could install a Linux ARM version on them. Same way people install Linux on the Apple M-chips. this likely isn't straight forward. but no one stops you from creating your own distro - it is Linux after all. Because adding distro #1501 for an unpopular hardware platform sure will bring the year of Linux.
Have you explored any ARM Linux distributions? Numerous x86-based distros also offer ARM options. If ARM Windows existed, it’s likely those Linux alternatives would function with some adjustments. Running Windows on ARM is generally considered a poor decision. The main benefits of Windows x86 include:
- Strong professional desktop configuration for work
- Full compatibility with all x86 applications
These perks come with the drawback of relying on Microsoft software, which isn’t suitable for an ARM-based notebook. You’ll face the downsides of Microsoft tools while missing out on a true professional setup.
Ubuntu non-lts offers minimal support for Snapdragon laptops, likely the only platforms actively addressing this issue. The most recent release info came from 25.04, which you can check out. Ubuntu 25.10 ARM versions might provide better OOTB compatibility. Phoronix has published relevant articles on this topic. Performance is reportedly average, and features like audio, webcam, and power management may be limited. Efforts are ongoing to improve these aspects.
Thanks, the updates keep coming forward. It’s great to notice numerous discussions on Snapdragon laptop YouTube content about needing full native Linux support, indicating strong interest in using these devices beyond just Windows.