Modern workplaces demand more from technology than ever before. Remote teams need reliable connectivity, employees require all-day battery life, and IT leaders must balance performance with security across their entire fleet. Traditional solutions often fall short, leaving gaps in productivity and creating unnecessary complexity.
Dell Technologies and Qualcomm Technologies have partnered to address these challenges head-on. By combining Dell’s enterprise expertise with Qualcomm Technologies’ innovative Snapdragon processors, organisations can now deploy devices that deliver consistent performance—whether plugged in or running on battery*. This collaboration represents a fundamental shift in how businesses approach device strategy, offering solutions that adapt to the modern hybrid workplace.
The integration of these technologies creates opportunities for enhanced AI capabilities, improved security postures, and streamlined Windows 11 migrations. For IT decision-makers planning device refreshes or evaluating next-generation solutions, understanding these capabilities is essential for maintaining a competitive advantage.
Security and Compliance: Built-in Protection
Security forms the foundation of any enterprise device strategy. Dell devices powered by Snapdragon processors implement a layered security approach that begins at the hardware level and extends throughout the entire system stack.
The security architecture starts with hardware root of trust, ensuring only authorised firmware and software can execute on your devices. This foundation integrates seamlessly with Dell’s SafeBIOS technology, creating multiple layers of protection against evolving threats.
A partnership with Microsoft enhances this security framework significantly. All Dell devices powered by Snapdragon achieve Secured Core PC certification, which adds virtualisation-based security, kernel isolation, and credential protection. This certification differentiates these solutions from standard offerings and provides enterprise-grade protection that IT teams can rely on.
The platform also supports Microsoft Pluton capabilities, enabling compatibility with future security enhancements as Microsoft expands their portfolio. Additionally, endpoint detection and response solutions from providers like CrowdStrike, alongside Microsoft Defender, integrate smoothly with the platform.
Compliance requirements receive equal attention. The platform includes FIPS Level 3 and Common Criteria certifications, meeting the stringent requirements that enterprise environments demand. This provides the documentation and assurance needed for regulated industries and government deployments.
AI-powered threat protection represents the next evolution in security capabilities. The integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) enables intelligent threat detection and response, adapting to new attack vectors as they emerge.
Compatibility: Seamless Application Support
Concerns over application compatibility can slow technology adoption. The Dell-Qualcomm Technologies collaboration addresses this challenge through comprehensive testing and robust emulation capabilities.
Microsoft’s telemetry data reveals that 93% of user time involves native applications that run directly on Snapdragon architecture without performance impact. This extensive native support covers the applications most organisations use daily, from productivity suites to specialised business software.
The remaining 7% of applications utilise Prism emulation, which is built into Windows 11. This emulation layer translates x86 instructions in real-time, maintaining application functionality without user intervention. Performance testing shows minimal impact from emulation, ensuring smooth operation across diverse application portfolios.
For organisations with specialised or legacy applications, dedicated support resources are available. Field application engineers work directly with customers and software vendors to ensure compatibility, even for niche use cases with kernel-level drivers or unique requirements.
The compatibility approach extends to peripheral devices and existing IT infrastructure. Standard Windows management tools, including Microsoft Intune and Autopilot, function seamlessly with Snapdragon-powered devices, preserving existing deployment and management workflows.
Future compatibility receives ongoing attention through continued Microsoft partnership. Each Windows 11 release includes Snapdragon support, offering long-term viability for organisations investing in these platforms today.
Future-Readiness and Windows 11 Transition
Windows 10’s end-of-support timeline creates urgency around device refresh planning. This transition presents an opportunity to evaluate next-generation technologies that support both immediate needs and future requirements.
Dell devices powered by Snapdragon processors include built-in AI capabilities through integrated NPUs delivering 45 TOPS of processing power. This AI processing can happen locally on the device, providing privacy benefits whilst reducing cloud dependencies and associated costs.
AI capabilities democratise advanced computing across device portfolios. Unlike solutions where features vary by processor tier, devices powered by Snapdragon provide consistent AI performance across models and price points. This consistency simplifies fleet management and ensures uniform capabilities across user groups.
Enhanced AI capabilities also support evolving workplace requirements. As AI-powered applications become standard productivity tools, having compatible hardware prevents future compatibility gaps. The 45 TOPS processing power exceeds current application requirements, providing headroom for more demanding future use cases.
Power efficiency improvements deliver immediate and long-term benefits. Unlike traditional processors that reduce performance when unplugged, Snapdragon processors maintain full performance capabilities when unplugged*. This consistency eliminates the productivity gaps that occur during mobile work scenarios.
Connectivity enhancements include WiFi 7 and 5G options, enabling reliable connections regardless of location. These connectivity improvements become increasingly important as hybrid work models continue evolving and employees require consistent access to cloud resources and collaboration tools.
A Smart Transition Starts Here
Successful technology transitions require structured approaches that minimise risk whilst maximising benefits. The recommended strategy involves three key phases that organisations can adapt to their specific requirements.
User mapping represents the crucial first phase. Identifying which employees will benefit most from enhanced battery life, AI capabilities, and always-connected performance helps prioritise deployment. Sales teams, field workers, and executives often represent ideal initial user groups due to their mobile work requirements.
Phased rollout follows user identification. Beginning with a smaller group allows IT teams to validate compatibility, refine deployment processes, and address any unexpected challenges before broader implementation. This approach reduces risk whilst building internal expertise and confidence.
Meanwhile, comprehensive training ensures user adoption and satisfaction. Resources include online documentation, expert forums, and direct access to field application engineers for complex scenarios. Microsoft and Qualcomm Technologies provide additional resources through their partner programmes, allowing for comprehensive support throughout the transition.
This deployment strategy also accounts for application testing and validation. Working with software vendors and utilising compatibility resources helps identify potential issues before they impact productivity. For organisations with unique applications, dedicated engineering support provides customised solutions.
Change management considerations include communication planning and user education. Helping employees understand the benefits of enhanced battery life, improved performance, and new AI capabilities builds enthusiasm for the transition rather than resistance.
Summary of Benefits
Dell devices powered by Snapdragon processors deliver measurable advantages across multiple important dimensions.
Power efficiency translates directly to operational cost reductions. Devices that require less frequent charging reduce energy consumption at scale. For organisations deploying thousands of devices, these savings compound significantly over time. Current analysis suggests substantial total cost of ownership improvements when factoring energy savings across typical device lifecycles.
Unplugged performance eliminates traditional productivity barriers. Employees can maintain full system performance whether connected to power or when unplugged*. This consistency removes the performance compromises that have historically limited mobile productivity.
Enhanced AI capabilities provide competitive advantages through improved productivity tools and automation capabilities. Local AI processing ensures privacy whilst reducing cloud service dependencies and associated costs. The 45 TOPS processing power supports current applications whilst providing capacity for future requirements.
Connectivity improvements through WiFi 7 and 5G options enables reliable access to cloud resources and collaboration tools regardless of location. This connectivity becomes increasingly important as hybrid work models continue expanding.
Security enhancements through hardware-rooted protection and integration with Microsoft security frameworks provide enterprise-grade protection against evolving threats. Compliance certifications support deployment in regulated environments.
Improved power efficiency and reduced energy consumption across device fleets contribute to corporate sustainability goals—while lowering operational costs.
Furthermore, remote management capabilities integrate with existing Windows management tools, preserving IT workflows whilst extending capabilities to support modern hybrid work requirements.
Tech Pioneer Workshop
Understanding how these capabilities fit to your specific needs requires personalised consultation. Dell and Qualcomm Technologies offer dedicated workshops designed to explore how Snapdragon technology integrates with your existing infrastructure and strategic objectives.
These workshops provide deep-dive technical sessions covering compatibility assessment, security framework integration, and deployment planning. Field application engineers work directly with your IT teams to address specific application requirements and integration scenarios.
The workshops include hands-on demonstrations of key capabilities, allowing IT teams to experience the performance, battery life, and AI features firsthand. This practical experience helps build confidence in the technology whilst identifying optimal use cases within your organisation.
Customised deployment strategies emerge from these sessions, addressing your specific user personas, application portfolio, and infrastructure requirements. The resulting roadmap provides clear next steps for evaluation, pilot programmes, and broader deployment.
To participate in these workshops and explore how these devices can enhance your organisation’s productivity and efficiency, connect with Dell’s expert team. Through consultation, we can provide a detailed analysis—helping you make informed decisions about your next device refresh and technology strategy.
The future of workplace productivity demands devices that adapt to how people actually work. Dell and Qualcomm Technologies have created that future. Now it’s time to experience it for yourself.
Contact a Dell Expert Today to schedule your personalised workshop and discover how these technologies can transform your organisation’s productivity and efficiency.
* CPU Performance is based on Geekbench v6.2 Single-Core on Windows 11 OS run in October 2024. Snapdragon X Elite (XIE-80-100) was tested using a Dell XPS 13 (9345) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Optimized” in Dell Power Manager. Intel Core Ultra 7 256V was tested using a Dell XPS 13 (9350) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Standard mode” in Windows and “Optimized” in Dell Power Manager. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 was tested using an ASUS VivoBook S14 (M5406WA) on “Balanced” Power Mode in Windows and “Standard mode” in MyASUS. Power and performance comparison reflects results based on measurements and hardware instrumentation of given devices.
Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Battery life varies significantly based on device, settings, usage, and other factors.
