As technology advances, the distinction between AI-PCs and Copilot+ PCs becomes increasingly important. Both types of devices leverage dedicated AI chip sets to enhance the user experience. They support new and upcoming software features. These devices prepare us for the continual wave of AI innovation. Under the name, what are the differences between the specifications and ability of these two types of “next generation” devices?
This blog aims to summarize the similarities and differences between the AI-PC, as dubbed by Intel. It also discusses the Copilot + range of PCs powered by Snapdragon ARM based chip sets.
The AI-PC
AI-PCs, like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6, are powered by Intel chipsets and are the first of their next generation of personal computers designed to handle complex AI tasks efficiently. These PCs are equipped with Intel Core Ultra processors which also include a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which accelerates AI and machine learning workloads directly on the device, providing up to 10 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second) of AI performance.
This means faster performance for tasks like real-time language translation, image creation, and enhanced multimedia experiences such as object removal, blur and audio isolation without relying heavily on cloud services or throttling the PCs CPU.
For the average user, this translates to a smoother, more responsive computing experience with smarter features. For IT professionals, it means robust performance for data-intensive applications and improved security through local processing and devices which will perform in a more unified way without “subtle” tasks like back-ground blur in video calls, hammering the CPU or consuming more internet bandwidth.
The Copilot + PC
Copilot+ PCs represent the pinnacle of AI-enhanced computing, designed to deliver unparalleled performance and support for AI-infused applications and extensions. These PCs are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Series processors. They feature a turbocharged Neural Processing Uni (NPU). This NPU is capable of performing over 40 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This advanced hardware allows real-time AI functionalities. These include language translation, image generation, and intelligent task management directly on the device. For the average user, this means a seamless, responsive experience with smarter, more intuitive features. For IT pro’s Copilot+ PCs provide more robust performance for data-intensive and AI applications. They enhance security through local processing.
This can also reduce reliance on cloud services with the ability run “some” AI workloads locally depending on what has been coded of course by the software vendor. Examples of this might be background blur which as trivial as it may sound it network and compute intensive and can be performed on an NPU far better and with far less compute power.. This combination of powerful hardware and specialized software makes Copilot+ PCs a significant change in both personal and professional settings.
Copilot+ PCs, on the other hand, take this AI integration a step further. Some examples are the recently released Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 devices from Microsoft. There are also devices from all other major manufacturers. These devices feature powerful and dedicated NPUs. They also come with Windows 11 – Copilot “exclusive” software and services enabled. These devices need Copilot+PCs to use them.
Interactions like “click-to-do” and Microsoft’s Recall leverage the advanced NPU’s capabilities. They provide enhanced AI features directly on the device. These interactions reduce CPU and GPU workloads. They allow local AI compute, which will in the long term support local language models.
These devices are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X series chips, which offer at least 45 TOPS of AI performance. This provides advanced functionalities such as real-time language translation and intelligent task management. It also enables more efficient multitasking. All of these features are included in the Windows 11 24H2 update.
Despite the differences, both AI-PCs and Copilot+ PCs bring enhanced performance for handling AI workloads. These devices provide a more integrated and advanced AI experience, thanks to the combination of powerful hardware and specialised software. At the time of writing the Copilot+ PC range deliver more AI-grunt than AI-PCs. However, the Intel-based AI-PCs will likely be more adopted by large enterprise organisations. These organisations still need to run older legacy applications. These applications have not yet been compiled to run on Windows on Arm (WoA). WoA is needed for Copilot+ PCs which are built on ARM chipsets and not Intel.
Spotting the Difference
The subtle differences between AI PCs and Copilot+ PCs. As endpoint technology continues to evolve, the gaps will most likely close. The 2025 edition of these technologies will continue to evolve. There is also new AI “optimised” PCs from AMD but I have not reviewed these here.
The main way to spot a Copilot+ PC or AI-PC vs an older generation device is the presence of a dedicated “Copilot key”.
The list below highlights the key things found on Copilot + PCs
- AI Integration: Copilot+ PCs (currently) offer a more integrated AI experience. They include specialised software and features designed to enhance productivity. On the other hand, AI-PCs provide general AI capabilities without the specialized software. Copilot+ PCs are needed to run new Windows features like recall and Click-To-Do.
- Dedicated AI Key: Copilot+ PCs include a dedicated Copilot key for quick access to AI-powered assistance. This key is not available in “some” AI-PCs. Older generation PCs also lack this feature.
- Connectivity: Some Copilot+ PCs feature advanced connectivity options. These options include 5G, which is not typically found in AI-PCs or older generation devices.
- Exclusive Software Features: Copilot+ PCs come with enhanced productivity tools like Recall and Click-To-Do. They also include other third-party features from Adobe, for example.
Conclusion
These new generation of AI-PCs and Copilot+ PCs bring more than just an annual chip set refresh. They are the ennoblement for the current and next wave of creativity. They drive productivity and innovation with the increasing number of AI-powered or AI-enhanced applications.
As always, Surface sets the standard – with their innovative anti reflective and HDR display technology, elegant and sleek design, sustainable and repairable design and unique features like the versatile kickstand along with fluidity of the Slim Pen 2 on Surface Pro, they empower users to achieve more and create without limits.
