Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite review: A stylish Snapdragon ultraportable with bags of stamina
SPRCHRGD stands for supercharged and that's quite a fitting description: A good feature set is complimented by a relatively affordable price (around $1,400) compared to other Windows on ARM laptops. Qualcomm and its Snapdragon X Elite SoC help power the ultraportable.
Competition comes in the form of devices such as the HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, the Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024, the Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24), the Apple MacBook Air 13 M3, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 and the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s G6.
Possible competitors compared
Rating | Version | Date | Model | Weight | Height | Size | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82.7 % | v8 | 08 / 2024 | Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite SD X Elite X1E-78-100, Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | 1.4 kg | 16.9 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | |
| 92.4 % v7 (old) | v7 (old) | 03 / 2024 | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU M3, M3 10-Core GPU | 1.2 kg | 11.3 mm | 13.60" | 2560x1664 | |
| 87 % | v8 | 07 / 2024 | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE SD X Elite X1E-78-100, Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | 1.2 kg | 19 mm | 14.00" | 1920x1200 | |
| 87.4 % v7 (old) | v7 (old) | 04 / 2024 | Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 Ultra 7 155H, Arc 8-Core | 1.2 kg | 11.6 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | |
| 85.1 % | v8 | 07 / 2024 | Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) R7 8845HS, Radeon 780M | 1.4 kg | 18.5 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | |
| 82.3 % | v8 | 07 / 2024 | HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 SD X Elite X1E-78-100, Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | 1.3 kg | 11.2 mm | 14.00" | 2240x1400 | |
| 85.5 % | v8 | 07 / 2024 | Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 Ultra 7 155H, Arc 8-Core | 1.4 kg | 15.9 mm | 14.00" | 2880x1800 | |
| 86.2 % | v8 | 07 / 2024 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ SD X Elite X1E-80-100, Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | 1.3 kg | 17.5 mm | 13.80" | 2304x1536 |
Note: We have recently updated our rating system and the results of version 8 are not comparable with the results of version 7. More information is available here.
Case & features - The Medion computer comes with USB 4
The S1 has turned out to be a head-turner with its slim bezels, sleek looks and a matte-gray (Precision Gray) aluminum case. The lid can be opened to an angle of 130 degrees and the computer tips the scales at just short of 1.4 kg. There's room for improvement, however, when it comes to stability and rigidity: With little effort, the base unit emits audible creaking noises when twisted and, as soon as you touch the laptop, you can hear a crackling sound. Fit and finish are not the best you'll come across.
The S1 possesses two USB-A ports (1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2) and a USB-C port (USB 4; Power Delivery, DP Alt mode). The device lacks a proprietary power connector since the USB-C port serves to provide the laptop with power. We would like to have seen a second connector on the right-hand side of the laptop. The computer has two video outputs (1x HDMI, 1x DP via USB-C).
All Snapdragon X laptops support Bluetooth 5.4 and WiFi 7. We have not been able to fully take advantage of the latter due to the lack of a suitable router. However, paired with a WiFi 6E model, we achieved wonderful transfer speeds. The webcam (2.1 MP) doesn't do anything to stand out from the crowd. Nevertheless, there is an on/off switch for the camera and microphone. Medion has opted against including an Ethernet port, card reader as well as an optional Snapdragon 5G modem.
Sustainability
In addition to a plain, unprinted box, a plastic bag and foam inserts protect the supplied hardware. The names of the plastics are listed. Repairs are possible thanks to the removable base plate. There should be a guarantee of software updates for the coming years via the Windows update function. Medion has made both the drivers and instruction guides available on its website.
Input devices - Supercharged with a backlit keyboard
All in all, the built-in chiclet keyboard (one-level lighting) made a decent to good impression. Its flat keys provide pleasant resistance as well as a distinct pressure point. When typing, the keyboard gives slightly without being too annoying. What is a pity is the small arrow keys and the order of the keys used to adjust the display brightness is also strange. The multitouch clickpad (around 11.4 x 7.6 cm) has a precise pressure point and serves as a replacement mouse.
Display - A 2.8K panel with sRGB coverage
The matte, 16:10 aspect ratio 14-inch screen delivers sharp, smooth images thanks to its high resolution (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) and a 120 Hz refresh rate. Brightness and contrast hit their respective targets and PWM flickering is absent. The panel is intended for indoor use but it should also be legible outdoors under suitable weather conditions. Alternative display options are not available.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 90 %
Center on Battery: 395 cd/m²
Contrast: 1197:1 (Black: 0.33 cd/m²)
ΔE ColorChecker Calman: 1.86 | ∀{0.5-29.43 Ø4.79}
calibrated: 1.86
ΔE Greyscale Calman: 2.52 | ∀{0.09-98 Ø5}
71.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 3D)
99.7% sRGB (Argyll 3D)
74.4% Display P3 (Argyll 3D)
Gamma: 2.35
CCT: 6999 K
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite CSOT MNE007ZA3-2, IPS, 2880x1800, 14" | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU IPS, 2560x1664, 13.6" | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE NE140WUM-N6G, IPS LED, 1920x1200, 14" | Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 ATNA40CU07-0, OLED, 2880x1800, 14" | Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) TL140ADXP24-0, IPS, 2880x1800, 14" | HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 IPS, 2240x1400, 14" | Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 MNE007ZA3-2, IPS, 2880x1800, 14" | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ LQ138P1JX61, IPS, 2304x1536, 13.8" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 18% | 16% | -2% | -2% | 17% | |||
| Display P3 Coverage (%) | 74.4 | 98.4 32% | 97 30% | 70.1 -6% | 70.3 -6% | 97.8 31% | ||
| sRGB Coverage (%) | 99.7 | 99.9 0% | 100 0% | 97.7 -2% | 99.7 0% | 98.2 -2% | ||
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage (%) | 71.7 | 87.9 23% | 85.2 19% | 72.3 1% | 72.1 1% | 87.3 22% | ||
| Response Times | -70% | -82% | 96% | -24% | -12% | -19% | -39% | |
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * (ms) | 28.4 ? | 34.5 ? -21% | 48.1 ? -69% | 0.83 ? 97% | 31.1 ? -10% | 22.8 ? 20% | 32.7 ? -15% | 38.9 ? -37% |
| Response Time Black / White * (ms) | 12.4 ? | 27.2 ? -119% | 24 ? -94% | 0.69 ? 94% | 17.1 ? -38% | 17.9 ? -44% | 15.2 ? -23% | 17.4 ? -40% |
| PWM Frequency (Hz) | 240 ? | |||||||
| Screen | 14% | -18% | 10% | -6% | -97% | 16% | 23% | |
| Brightness middle (cd/m²) | 395 | 525 33% | 497 26% | 392 -1% | 466 18% | 341.4 -14% | 418 6% | 606 53% |
| Brightness (cd/m²) | 387 | 506 31% | 478 24% | 398 3% | 467 21% | 315 -19% | 408 5% | 592 53% |
| Brightness Distribution (%) | 90 | 92 2% | 90 0% | 97 8% | 94 4% | 87 -3% | 90 0% | 94 4% |
| Black Level * (cd/m²) | 0.33 | 0.42 -27% | 0.27 18% | 0.29 12% | 0.39 -18% | 0.3 9% | 0.43 -30% | |
| Contrast (:1) | 1197 | 1250 4% | 1841 54% | 1607 34% | 875 -27% | 1393 16% | 1409 18% | |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.86 | 1.4 25% | 3.2 -72% | 1.3 30% | 2.5 -34% | 5.63 -203% | 1.6 14% | 1.3 30% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 3.48 | 2.8 20% | 7.7 -121% | 3.2 8% | 6.1 -75% | 11.94 -243% | 2.5 28% | 2.1 40% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated * | 1.86 | 1.3 30% | 1.1 41% | |||||
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 2.52 | 2 21% | 4.4 -75% | 2.3 9% | 4.1 -63% | 8.8 -249% | 2 21% | 2.1 17% |
| Gamma | 2.35 94% | 2.2 100% | 2.16 102% | 2.24 98% | 2.24 98% | 2.14 103% | 2.14 103% | 2.16 102% |
| CCT | 6999 93% | 6876 95% | 6119 106% | 6517 100% | 7386 88% | 6034 108% | 6851 95% | 6842 95% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -13% /
2% | -50% /
-31% | 41% /
27% | -11% /
-8% | -55% /
-80% | -2% /
7% | 0% /
12% |
* ... smaller is better
The 2.8K panel covers the sRGB color space but not the AdobeRGB and DCI P3 spaces and that's quite acceptable for a laptop with the demands of the S1. The screens found in some competing devices offer more in this area. There's also little to complain about in terms of color reproduction: With a deviation of 1.86, the target level (DeltaE < 3) is met. Calibration doesn't lead to any improvements.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 12.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 4.6 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 7.8 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 31 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (20.3 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 28.4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 12.6 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 15.8 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 37 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (31.7 ms). | ||
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM not detected |  | ||
In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8167 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | |||
Performance - Medion places its bets on Snapdragon X Elite
Medion's SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite is a 14-inch ultraportable which uses the Snapdragon X Elite SoC. The two available models only differ in terms of their storage specs (32GB/1TB vs. 16 GB/512 GB) - we have the better-specced model with the price difference being $100 ($1,400 vs. $1,300).
Test conditions
Medion has opted against using its own performance profiles and, instead, uses the standard Windows profiles - we used the profiles "Balanced" (battery test) and "Best Performance" (benchmarks). Most of the applications and benchmarks used here are (still) unavailable as a native ARM version. The emulation required to run them results in a performance hit, making it difficult to directly compare the device to Intel and AMD-based laptops.
Processor
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100's 12 CPU cores (4P, 8E) achieve a maximum clock speed of 3.4 GHz. An additional turbo boost is reserved for the sibling models (80-100, 84-100). The CPU can briefly provide high-level multi-thread performance but, in the long run, it has to take things slower (CB15 loop). In its second run, the CB15 loop showed a sharp drop - irrespective of the energy profile. It seems that a cooling down phase is necessary after the initial high-performance run.
According to the available ARM and x64 variant benchmarks (Cinebench 2024, Geekbench 6.2), when it comes to single-thread performance, the Snapdragon is on par with the Intel and AMD competition (Core Ultra 7 155H, Ryzen 7 8845HS). The multi-thread tests present an inconsistent picture. The Snapdragon competitor's results (for example, ThinkPad T14s G6) are roughly on the same level as the S1.
Additional information regarding the Snapdragon X platform can be found in our analysis article.
Cinebench R15 Multi Continuous Test
* ... smaller is better
AIDA64: FP32 Ray-Trace | FPU Julia | CPU SHA3 | CPU Queen | FPU SinJulia | FPU Mandel | CPU AES | CPU ZLib | FP64 Ray-Trace | CPU PhotoWorxx
| Performance rating | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| AIDA64 / FP32 Ray-Trace | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (1135 - 32888, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (6943 - 8203, n=6) | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| AIDA64 / FPU Julia | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (5218 - 123315, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (20304 - 27958, n=6) | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| AIDA64 / CPU SHA3 | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (3036 - 3319, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (444 - 5287, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| AIDA64 / CPU Queen | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (10579 - 115682, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (67909 - 68494, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| AIDA64 / FPU SinJulia | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (744 - 18418, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (1321 - 2303, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| AIDA64 / FPU Mandel | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (3341 - 65433, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (11546 - 14598, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| AIDA64 / CPU AES | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (53201 - 66840, n=6) | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (638 - 161430, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| AIDA64 / CPU ZLib | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (164.9 - 1379, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (658 - 794, n=6) | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| AIDA64 / FP64 Ray-Trace | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (610 - 17495, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (2955 - 4271, n=6) | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| AIDA64 / CPU PhotoWorxx | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (6569 - 64588, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (27950 - 39220, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
System performance
The system displays the usual snappy responsiveness you would expect from Intel and AMD-based systems and this was absent in earlier Windows on ARM devices (for example, Acer Aspire 1). There's no lack of power for office and internet applications and less demanding games. Windows doesn't run entirely smoothly on the ARM platform - missing drivers, compatibility problems and dips in performance as a result of emulation. On top of that, the computer crashes now and again - completely through no fault of its own.
WebXPRT 3: Overall
WebXPRT 4: Overall
Mozilla Kraken 1.1: Total
| CrossMark / Overall | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (365 - 2038, n=70, last 2 years) | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS (978 - 1401, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| CrossMark / Productivity | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (364 - 1918, n=70, last 2 years) | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS (913 - 1321, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| CrossMark / Creativity | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (372 - 2396, n=70, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS (1090 - 1435, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| CrossMark / Responsiveness | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (312 - 1889, n=70, last 2 years) | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS (869 - 1553, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| WebXPRT 3 / Overall | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS (395 - 423, n=5) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (156 - 482, n=68, last 2 years) | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| WebXPRT 4 / Overall | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS (271 - 297, n=6) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (132 - 348, n=70, last 2 years) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 / Total | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (265 - 1104, n=74, last 2 years) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS (451 - 482, n=6) | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU | |
* ... smaller is better
| AIDA64 / Memory Copy | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (14554 - 109035, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (45988 - 66715, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| AIDA64 / Memory Read | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (60078 - 122210, n=6) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (15948 - 127174, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| AIDA64 / Memory Write | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (15709 - 117898, n=69, last 2 years) | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (35073 - 49282, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| AIDA64 / Memory Latency | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (6.8 - 187.8, n=68, last 2 years) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Average Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 (7.2 - 8.9, n=6) | |
| HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
* ... smaller is better
DPC latencies
We were unable to perform a latency test since the Latency Monitor application refused to launch. Nevertheless, our standard YouTube video playback (4k) ran without a hitch. There were no skipped frames.
Mass storage
The review device's Kingston SSD (1 TB, PCIe 4, M.2 2280) delivered good transfer speeds but can't be considered one of the top SSD models. The DiskSpd benchmark revealed SSD thermal throttling and the S1 doesn't offer space for a second SSD.
* ... smaller is better
Continuous Performance Read: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8
Graphics card
Under sustained load, the Adreno X1-85 (3.8 TFLOPS) delivered a very stable level of performance (see CP 2077, Steel Nomad Light stress) - also in battery mode. The benchmark scores are around the average for this GPU. If you take the ARM and x64 versions of the Steel Nomad Light benchmark, the GPU cannot keep pace with the AMD and Intel competition (Radeon 780M, Intel Arc 8). The gap is, of course, much bigger in the benchmarks run via emulation.
There are often problems when it comes to computer games: Some titles don't launch, others crash. Linaro has a list of games which run under Windows on ARM. Despite this, for the time being, Windows on ARM laptops won't be the first choice for gamers.
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 6990 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 6154 points | |
| 3DMark Time Spy Score | 1924 points | |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad Score | 507 points | |
| 3DMark Steel Nomad Light Score | 2117 points | |
Help | ||
* ... smaller is better
| Cyberpunk 2077 2.2 Phantom Liberty - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset (FSR off) | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (8.3 - 31.4, n=63, last 2 years) | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
| GTA V - 1920x1080 Highest Settings possible AA:4xMSAA + FX AF:16x | |
| Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) | |
| Average of class Subnotebook (9.97 - 53, n=66, last 2 years) | |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite | |
| Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE | |
| Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 | |
Cyberpunk 2077 ultra FPS diagram
| low | med. | high | ultra | QHD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTA V (2015) | 89.8 | 83.2 | 47.5 | 20.9 | 15.3 |
| Dota 2 Reborn (2015) | 73.2 | 56.2 | 54.5 | 50.8 | |
| Final Fantasy XV Benchmark (2018) | 54.5 | 25.4 | 15.9 | 12.8 | |
| X-Plane 11.11 (2018) | 29.9 | ||||
| Strange Brigade (2018) | 78.8 | 49.3 | 41.7 | 36.7 | 28 |
| Baldur's Gate 3 (2023) | 24.2 | 20.2 | 17.3 | 17 | 11.3 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 2.2 Phantom Liberty (2023) | 24.6 | 19.6 | 17.3 | 14.3 | 9.08 |
Emissions & energy - The Medion S1 has very good battery life
Noise emissions
As was the case with the previously reviewed Snapdragon X laptops, it takes quite a long time before the S1's fans kick in. Short load peaks and sustained moderate load are generally dealt with silently. As soon as the fans run, however, they are very noticeable. The stress test and Cyberpunk drove the volume levels to figures of just over 40 dB (A). Many of the competing devices are on a similar level.
Noise level
| Idle |
| 23 / 23 / 23 dB(A) |
| Load |
| / 41.72 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 23 dB(A) | ||
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS, SD X Elite X1E-78-100, Kingston OM8PGP41024Q-A0 | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS, SD X Elite X1E-78-100, Samsung PM9C1a MZAL81T0HDLB | Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 Arc 8-Core, Ultra 7 155H, Samsung PM9B1 512GB MZVL4512HBLU | Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) Radeon 780M, R7 8845HS, Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB MZVL72T0HDLB | HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS, SD X Elite X1E-78-100, SK hynix PC801 HFS512GEJ9X101N BF | Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 Arc 8-Core, Ultra 7 155H, YMTC PC300-1TB | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS, SD X Elite X1E-80-100, Samsung MZ9L4512HBLU-00BMV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -6% | -3% | -10% | 1% | -7% | 2% | |
| off / environment * (dB) | 23 | 24.8 -8% | 24.5 -7% | 25.7 -12% | 23.4 -2% | 23.8 -3% | 23.8 -3% |
| Idle Minimum * (dB) | 23 | 24.8 -8% | 24.5 -7% | 25.7 -12% | 23.4 -2% | 23.8 -3% | 23.8 -3% |
| Idle Average * (dB) | 23 | 24.8 -8% | 24.5 -7% | 25.7 -12% | 23.4 -2% | 23.8 -3% | 23.8 -3% |
| Idle Maximum * (dB) | 23 | 24.8 -8% | 24.5 -7% | 25.7 -12% | 24.3 -6% | 27.1 -18% | 23.8 -3% |
| Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * (dB) | 40.79 | 42.3 -4% | 43.6 -7% | 43.7 -7% | 31.5 23% | ||
| Load Maximum * (dB) | 41.72 | 41.8 -0% | 36.7 12% | 43.6 -5% | 34.8 17% | 43.7 -5% | 40.3 3% |
| Load Average * (dB) | 36.5 | 32.4 | 36.2 | 25 | 34.9 | 26 | |
| Witcher 3 ultra * (dB) | 36.7 | 30.6 |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The S1 heats up noticeably: In some spots, Cyberpunk and the stress test are responsible for temperatures of over 40 °C. Even in everyday use (office, internet), the figures reached here are higher than the class average. Palm rest temperatures are on a moderate level.
The extreme scenario stress test (Prime95 and Furmark in continuous operation) checks the system stability under full load. The CPU runs continuously at full power (3.4 GHz).
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 45 °C / 113 F, compared to the average of 35.9 °C / 97 F, ranging from 21.4 to 59 °C for the class Subnotebook.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 49 °C / 120 F, compared to the average of 39.3 °C / 103 F
(±) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 33.4 °C / 92 F, compared to the device average of 30.8 °C / 87 F.
(-) 3: The average temperature for the upper side is 40.2 °C / 104 F, compared to the average of 30.8 °C / 87 F for the class Subnotebook.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 36 °C / 96.8 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.2 °C / 82.8 F (-7.8 °C / -14 F).
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU Apple M3, Apple M3 10-Core GPU | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Intel Arc 8-Core iGPU | Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, AMD Radeon 780M | HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Intel Arc 8-Core iGPU | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | 23% | 7% | 20% | 13% | 14% | 12% | 17% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * (°C) | 45 | 44.3 2% | 48 -7% | 41 9% | 44.6 1% | 40.8 9% | 43.7 3% | 47.1 -5% |
| Maximum Bottom * (°C) | 49 | 43.4 11% | 50.7 -3% | 44.2 10% | 50.9 -4% | 40.4 18% | 49.4 -1% | 44.6 9% |
| Idle Upper Side * (°C) | 36 | 22.3 38% | 29.4 18% | 25.3 30% | 26.5 26% | 32.2 11% | 27.7 23% | 24.7 31% |
| Idle Bottom * (°C) | 37 | 22.1 40% | 30 19% | 26.2 29% | 26.3 29% | 31.2 16% | 28.6 23% | 24.5 34% |
* ... smaller is better
Speakers
The stereo speakers create decent sound with the bass appearing somewhat thin. In addition, there ought to be a higher maximum volume setting.
Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite audio analysis
(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (81.78 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (9% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | higher mids - on average 5.7% higher than median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.8% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 55% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 38% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 42% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 50% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.2 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 13.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 0.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (1.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.5% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (1.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 9% of all tested devices in this class were better, 3% similar, 89% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 5% of all tested devices were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 24%, worst was 134%
Power consumption
Overall, the S1 requires slightly more power than competitors equipped with the same SoC such as the ThinkPad T14s G6 and the EliteBook Ultra G1q 14. The S1's higher resolution screen is likely to be noticeable here. Cyberpunk and the stress test ran with relatively consistent power consumption. The PSU (65 W) is suitably sized. The briefly increased demands at the beginning of the stress test didn't cause any problems.
| Off / Standby | 0.35 / 2.4 Watt |
| Idle | 6.4 / 9.3 / 10.7 Watt |
| Load |
/ 67 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | Apple MacBook Air 13 M3 10C GPU Apple M3, Apple M3 10-Core GPU | Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 21N10007GE Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Intel Arc 8-Core iGPU | Schenker VIA 14 Pro (M24) AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, AMD Radeon 780M | HP EliteBook Ultra G1q 14 Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024 Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, Intel Arc 8-Core iGPU | Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 13.8 Copilot+ Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100, Qualcomm SD X Adreno X1-85 3.8 TFLOPS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 35% | 31% | 9% | -43% | 29% | -37% | 34% | |
| Idle Minimum * (Watt) | 6.4 | 1.95 70% | 2.4 62% | 5.7 11% | 4.8 25% | 2.5 61% | 4.4 31% | 1.4 78% |
| Idle Average * (Watt) | 9.3 | 8.7 6% | 4.9 47% | 8.7 6% | 8.7 6% | 5.7 39% | 9.2 1% | 6.3 32% |
| Idle Maximum * (Watt) | 10.7 | 8.9 17% | 6.1 43% | 8.9 17% | 9.2 14% | 5.8 46% | 9.6 10% | 7.6 29% |
| Cyberpunk 2077 ultra * (Watt) | 35 | 30.2 14% | 81.3 -132% | 33.5 4% | 71.5 -104% | 38.5 -10% | ||
| Cyberpunk 2077 ultra external monitor * (Watt) | 35 | 27.9 20% | 80.2 -129% | 26.8 23% | 71.9 -105% | |||
| Load Maximum * (Watt) | 67 | 35.4 47% | 66.9 -0% | 65.2 3% | 94.5 -41% | 66.4 1% | 101.7 -52% | 40.7 39% |
| Load Average * (Watt) | 34.3 | 44.5 | 63.2 | 24.2 | 62.6 | 26.9 | ||
| Witcher 3 ultra * (Watt) | 28.6 | 36.9 | 23.1 |
* ... smaller is better
Power consumption Cyberpunk / stress test
Power consumption with an external monitor
Battery life
There's no shortage of stamina on offer: Our Wi-Fi test (illustration of the load when loading websites using a script), the S1 ran out of juice after 14 hours and 18 minutes. This can be increased to 16 hours and 4 minutes by reducing the screen refresh rate to 60 Hz. The S1 doesn't hit the heights achieved by the ThinkPad T14s.
Pros
Cons
Verdict - Still not part of the elite
Its low weight (approx. 1.4 kg), smart-looking chassis, very good battery runtimes, and Power Delivery make the S1 a highly mobile companion. What is a pity, however, is that Medion has only given the computer one USB-C port (USB 4).
Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite - a well-equipped, mobile ultraportable that - just like the competition - has to battle with the Windows on ARM platform's weaknesses.
The built-in combination of Snapdragon X Elite and 32 GB of RAM (LPDDR5X, onboard) deliver sufficient power for office and internet applications as well as undemanding games. The well-rounded, 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS screen (2,880 x 1,800 pixels, 14 inches, 120 Hz, sRGB) gives no grounds for complaint. Heat production caused by the fans is within acceptable limits. However, the computer gets a touch warmer than its competitors.
Due to its weaknesses, you should think carefully before pulling the trigger on a Windows on ARM device: Not every app runs, games are still causing problems, performance takes a hit due to emulation and drivers for (external) devices are often missing. The S1 in particular crashed many times for no apparent reason, and, the price is too high for a device with this level of limited functionality. We will have to wait and see whether Microsoft and Qualcomm can - and want to - step up their game.
One potential alternative is the Xiaomi RedmiBook Pro 14 2024. It offers full Windows compatibility, more computing power, two USB-C-Ports and good battery life. In addition, it comes with the same screen as the S1.
Price and availability
The Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite is available from various German online retailers (prices in euros) for around $1,400.
Note: We have recently updated our rating system and the results of version 8 are not comparable with the results of version 7. More information is available here.
Medion SPRCHRGD 14 S1 Elite
- 08/07/2024 v8
Sascha Mölck
Total Sustainability Score: More articles related to this device
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Transparency
The selection of devices to be reviewed is made by our editorial team. The test sample was provided to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or retailer for the purpose of this review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review. As an independent media company, Notebookcheck is not subjected to the authority of manufacturers, retailers or publishers.
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Every year, Notebookcheck independently reviews hundreds of laptops and smartphones using standardized procedures to ensure that all results are comparable. We have continuously developed our test methods for around 20 years and set industry standards in the process. In our test labs, high-quality measuring equipment is utilized by experienced technicians and editors. These tests involve a multi-stage validation process. Our complex rating system is based on hundreds of well-founded measurements and benchmarks, which maintains objectivity. Further information on our test methods can be found here.
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