Intel takes on Qualcomm: Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S2 review

The new SPRCHRGD 14 S2 is in a hot neck-and-neck race with its predecessor, with the Intel version coming out on top overall in our opinion—although it also comes at a higher price (currently around $1,400 versus approximately $1,100). The successor to the SPRCHRGD 14 S1 not only has the Core Ultra 7 258V's more stable CPU performance in its favor, but also its iGPU's significantly higher graphics performance. According to our benchmarks, the Arc Graphics 140V sometimes calculates twice as fast as the SD X Adreno X1-85.

The Qualcomm version, on the other hand, produces lower noise emissions and benefits from longer battery life. Nevertheless, we would tend to prefer the 14 S2 as it makes a more harmonious impression overall. Still, depending on your preferences in various categories, the cheaper predecessor may also be the better choice for you.

Currently, this laptop isn't available to purchase in the USA. In Germany, where this test was carried out, it  retails for around $1,400.

Thanks to its large metal insert, the device's case cuts a very high-quality figure and, with a few minor exceptions, features good stability. In combination with its low overall height of 17 millimeters, the result is a chic and elegant visual impression. The hinge design looks good, although the lid can only be opened by approx. 135°. The laptop's 1.4-kilogram weight is average compared to the competition and ensures comfortable transportation. The supplied USB-C power adapter (65 watts) is also quite compact and lightweight. The device's build quality is good, albeit not perfect (some transitions could be even smoother).

Although its case is almost identical to that of its predecessor, a great update has been made to its interfaces: Instead of one USB 4 port with DisplayPort and PowerDelivery, this model now features two. There are also two Type-A ports (1x 3.2 Gen2, 1x 3.2 Gen1), an HDMI output, an audio jack, a webcam switch and an opening for Kensington locks. Buyers still have to do without a card reader, on the other hand.

The installed Wi-Fi 7 wireless module comes from Intel (model BE201) and delivers a good (transmitting) to very good (receiving) performance.

The laptop's Full HD webcam produces images with decent sharpness, although its color accuracy could be a little better—as is often the case.

Its display is very similar to that of the SPRCHRGD 14 S1. Medion has once again opted for an IPS panel with 2,880 x 1,800 pixels, which guarantees a very sharp image. 120 Hz is also a plus point, although the response times we measured are pretty poor. Professional users will pay more attention to its color space coverage: Here, the 14-inch device has just under 100% sRGB and around 70% AdobeRGB or DCI-P3 to offer. Its color accuracy is already good straight out of the box, so calibration is hardly necessary apart from correcting the slight blue cast. At just over 400:1, its brightness is perfectly adequate for the odd trip outdoors. In terms of contrast (around 1,200:1), the Medion laptop doesn't show any weaknesses either—if you exclude the OLED panels of some competitors. Its viewing angles are in line with the typical IPS level.

With the present configuration, the SPRCHRGD 14 S2 makes itself comfortable in the mid-range of subnotebooks. While its SSD (the 14-inch model has an M.2-2280 slot) can be replaced, its RAM can't be expanded.

Interestingly, Medion doesn't use a manufacturer tool to control the laptop's operating mode, so the CPU is always set to 30 watts (PL1) and 37 watts (PL2).

The Core Ultra 7 258V is a fairly frugal model from the Lunar Lake generation (3 nm), containing four performance cores and four efficiency cores. Our benchmark course put the SPRCHRGD 14 S2 on par with other 258V-based laptops, although it couldn't reach the level of the Ryzen 7 8840U, for example. The predecessor's Qualcomm processor (Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100) really got going after a cold start, but—as could be seen very clearly from the Cinebench loop—lost a lot of performance over time, which could also be due to its cooling system.

In terms of system performance, the Intel version also showed no outliers during our test, and its results were as expected. Its fast DDR5 RAM especially deserves praise.

Its mass storage is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the speed of the 1-TB SSD from Foresee is limited, but on the other hand, the SPRCHRGD 14 S1's performance fluctuations no longer occur (see DiskSpd loop).