Qualcomm details Snapdragon S4 processor used in Windows Phone 8
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In a blog post Qualcomm details the Snapdragon S4 processor that will be used in all the upcoming Windows Phone 8 handsets expected at the end of the year.
They note the processor features:
Low Power – The Snapdragon S4 uses a 28nm process—the smallest in the industry! Shrinking the die reduces leakage, which means the chip is consuming very little power so that your smartphone battery can last all day. Likewise, a new process also means less heat dissipation.
High Performance—The S4 introduces a new CPU and GPU that work tightly together to drive even more speed into the Windows Phone experience. Previous generation Snapdragon processors used our Scorpion CPU; the new Krait CPUs have been redesigned from the ground up for faster performance and energy efficiency to deliver long-lasting battery life. And now that Windows Phone 8 supports multi-core processing, it can take advantage of Snapdragon’s multiple Krait cores . In other words, you can multitask to your heart’s content. Also, Krait CPUs paired with the new Adreno 225 GPU will bring console quality gaming to Windows Phone.
4G LTE Web Browsing – Previous Windows Phones offered 4G LTE, delivering the fastest internet connection available in the world. The next wave of Windows Phone devices will not only have LTE, but will also be able to take advantage of its full integration in the Snapdragon S4 processor. Combining the modem and application processor means improved power consumption and an overall better user experience, which can lead to many benefits. You can read more about the power of LTE integration in this post.
High-Definition—Within the Snapdragon S4 processor is the Adreno 225 GPU, the graphics component that’ll enable Windows Phone 8 devices to not only play the latest DirectX 3D games, but also drive HD content and support high resolution displays (720p) .
Faster Location Services—The Snapdragon S4 features GPS and GLONASS, so you can access both satellite networks. Using two networks allows your phone to determine your location quickly, more accurately (within a 2 meters radius), and with fewer service interruptions. This enhances mapping and other location based service
Cameras—the Snapdragon S4 can up to 20 megapixel images, 1080p video capture and has overall speed and image quality enhancements, including image stabilization.
Hardware-Based Security— integrated into the Snapdragon processor is Qualcomm’s Secure MSM™. It provides encrypted boot, operation and file security for hardware-grade data security.
Some have been hoping that Windows Phone 8 would be using the Adreno 320 GPU, but given how efficiently Windows Phone uses resources I do not expect this to be a major issue.
