The Samsung GALAXY S4 has been the talk of the mobile industry since it was announced earlier this year, drawing attention for the octa-core Exynos processor in international variants of the device. You've probably read your fair share of articles about Samsung's latest flagship, so we'll shift gears to focus on the GALAXY S4 capabilities that are specifically enabled by the 1.6GHzExynos 5 Octa. You'll find out how the industry's first octa-core mobile processor brings superior performance and significant power savings to one of this year's most anticipated smartphones.

Multitasking and Productivity

The GALAXY S4 with Exynos 5 Octa is the ultimate productivity device, featuring a number of capabilities that simplify your life and your interaction with your smartphone. Based on ARM® big.LITTLE™ processing technology, the Exynos 5 Octa makes it easy to accomplish multiple tasks at once without slowing performance. Computation-intensive tasks like 3D gaming and media-rich browsing are handled by powerful Cortex™-A15 CPUs, while lighter workloads are delegated to highly-efficient Cortex™-A7 cores. Designed with connected multi-taskers in mind, the GALAXY S4 can handle a range of tasks simultaneously without lags in performance or dramatic impact on battery life - a concern that often keeps people from using mobile devices to their full extent.

1080p Full HD Entertainment

These days, smartphones often take on the role of portable entertainment centers, and the GALAXY S4 is no exception. A 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display at 441 ppi makes for a crisp, high-quality viewing experience, and the Exynos 5 Octa's advanced Multi-Format Video Codec (MFC) supports a wide array of file types. Whether you're traveling, stuck in line or just away from home, you can enjoy 1080p Full HD movies and TV shows in the palm of your hand.

In terms of portability, the GALAXY S4 is well-suited for life on the go thanks to a slim bezel and body design that make it the lightest GALAXY phone yet! Durable Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 also protects your screen from being battered, bumped and scratched when you're on the move.

13MP Camera with Zero Shutter Lag

The Exynos 5 Octa has an advanced, internal 13MP 30fps Image Signal Processor (ISP) that contributes to the GALAXY S4's high-quality camera experience. With zero shutter lag, you don't have to worry about missing fleeting photo ops or moving subjects. You can even record video in 1080p Full HD using the device's front-facing camera, so your home videos look as good as your favorite TV shows. The GALAXY S4 comes with a great selection of camera features, including High Dynamic Range (HDR), Dual Shot for capturing photos with both cameras at once and Drama Shot for capturing a series of actions.

Superior Benchmark Results

The GALAXY S4 with Exynos 5 Octa has undergone numerous benchmark tests that demonstrate extremely high levels of performance. According to Fone Arena, the Exynos 5 Octa variant surpasses the competition in several benchmarks, including Quadrant, AnTuTu 3.3, Linpack Single Thread, Linpack Multi-Thread and GLBenchmark 2.5 Egypt HD. The GALAXY S4 earned 13,161 points in Quadrant, giving it a significant lead over competing devices. Samsung's flagship also beat out other front-runners in the AnTuTu 3.3 Benchmark, claiming 28,018 points. GLBenchmark 2.5 Egypt HD On-screen tests rounded out the results, putting the GALAXY S4 firmly above the competition thanks to the Exynos 5 Octa's high-performing PowerVR™ SGX544MP3 GPU.

Power Efficiency and Extended Battery Life

Even with so many advanced features, the GALAXY S4 wouldn't be nearly as useful if it weren't for the Exynos 5 Octa's level of power efficiency. Thanks to the ARM big.LITTLE processing architecture that it's built on, the Exynos 5 Octa is 70 percent more efficient than Cortex-A15-only systems. Our octa-core processor is capable of delivering high performance and significant power savings simultaneously, so you can get the most out of your smartphone without sacrificing usage time. Samsung's 28nm HKMG low-power process technology also contributes to overall energy efficiency. In combination with a 2,600mAh battery, these leading-edge technologies make it possible for the GALAXY S4 to achieve PC-level performance while maintaining above-average battery life.

For more information about Samsung's newest mobile processor running variants of the Samsung GALAXY S4, check out our Spotlight on the Exynos 5 Octa blog post.

ARM® Mali™ SeeMore Demo on Exynos 5 Dual's Arndale Board

At GDC 2013, ARM Senior Software Engineer Stacy Smith presented the Mali SeeMore demo on an Insignal Arndale Board. This community development platform features an Exynos 5 Dual processor with a dual-core ARM® Cortex™-A15 CPU and a quad-core Mali™-T604 GPU. SeeMore demonstrates a combination of effects that ARM has coded to show off OpenGL ES 3.0 features.
 

You'll see firsthand the graphical performance you can expect from devices running on the Exynos 5 Dual with Mali-T604 GPU. Highlighted features include procedural animation effects, texture projection and constantly shifting lighting produced by the Enlighten engine. Through the SeeMore demo, it's apparent that the ARM components in the Exynos 5 Dual processor contribute to a lifelike, atmospheric feel in immersive mobile games.
 

Havok™ Project Anarchy Demo on Exynos 5 Dual's Google Nexus 10
 

While at GDC, Havok™ Software Engineer Peter Wos demoed Project Anarchy on a Google Nexus 10 tablet, also built on an Exynos 5 Dual processor with Mali-T604 GPU. Project Anarchy is a complete game engine toolset for mobile app developers, available for free on both Android and iOS platforms. In combination with Mali GPUs like the one in the Exynos 5 Dual, Havok is providing mobile developers with more advanced technology to create high-quality graphics and high-performance games.
 

You can read more about ARM at GDC 2013 on the ARM Multimedia blog. For more demo videos from the event, check out the ARM and Exynos at GDC 2013 playlist on our YouTube channel.
 

These demo videos were originally posted by ARM Ltd. Please visit ARMFlix on YouTube for more ARM and Samsung Exynos-based videos.

There has been a lot of hype surrounding the Exynos 5 Octa, Samsung's newest addition to the Exynos family of processors and the world's first ARM®-based octa-core mobile CPU. On the newly-launched Exynos 5 Octa official product page, you'll find details on the processor that will be running variants of Samsung's latest flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy S4. Thanks to advanced mobile technologies like ARM® big.LITTLE™ processing, the Exynos 5 Octa will be bringing high performance, increased power efficiency and extended battery life to the industry's premium smartphones and tablets.

High Performance and Power Efficiency with ARM® Big.LITTLE™

The Exynos 5 Octa is based on ARM big.LITTLE processing technology, which couples high-performance ARM® Cortex™-A15 CPU cores with more power-efficient Cortex™-A7 cores to create a powerful system that's also energy-efficient. With big.LITTLE architecture, the Exynos 5 Octa can provide maximum performance with up to 70 percent greater energy efficiency than Cortex-A15-only systems.

Big.LITTLE is all about using the right processor for the right task; by selecting the optimal CPU for each workload, this powerful chipset saves a significant amount of energy and extends battery life. Four "big" Cortex-A15 cores take on intensive tasks like 3D gaming and media-rich browsing, while four "LITTLE" Cortex-A7 cores handle less intensive workloads and routine tasks like email and texting.

What does all of this mean for users? You'll be able to do all of things you want to, for longer. Whether it's graphics-heavy mobile gaming, watching Full HD movies or multitasking across several applications, you can use your device's full bandwidth without having to constantly monitor battery life.

Realistic 3D Gaming with a Powerful GPU

Inside the Exynos 5 Octa, you'll find Imagination Technologies' PowerVR SGX544MP3 GPU. This powerful GPU drives stereoscopic 3D graphics and supports OpenGL ES 2.0, for a realistic, immersive 3D gaming experience well-suited to FPS and racing games. If you're into console-like gaming on-the-go, or you just want smoother graphical performance, an Exynos 5 Octa-powered device may be just what you're looking for.

Richer Multimedia Experience

Devices running on Samsung's newest processor will offer a noticeably richer multimedia experience because of the Exynos 5 Octa's specific Image Signal Processor (ISP) and high memory bandwidth. The advanced 13MP 30 fps internal ISP enables DSC-quality photography and zero shutter lag, so you won't miss those fleeting photo opportunities.
Full HD (FHD) WiFi display is made possible by a Multi-Format Codec (MFC) with 1080p 60fps support and a 12.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, currently the widest in the industry.

The Exynos 5 Octa also supports WQXGA, the highest display resolution available for mobile devices, making any equipped smartphone or tablet ideal for HD multimedia playback, photo editing and much more. With such a high resolution, you'll notice a significantly sharper and more legible eReading experience and a vibrant color display that makes interactive magazines pop.

Faster Data Transfer Speed with eMMC 5.0 and USB 3.0

With the implementation of eMMC 5.0 and a USB 3.0 interface for the first time in the industry, the Exynos 5 Octa offers incredibly fast data transfer speeds. This feature is increasingly important because it supports advanced mobile processing, allowing users to fully experience faster booting, web browsing and 3D game-loading. The Exynos 5 Octa doesn't just perform better; it also performs faster, all while consuming significantly less power.

To learn more about the Exynos 5 Octa, watch the Exynos 5 Octa video infographic from CES 2013, or check out thisNews Roundup of coverage focusing on the Exynos 5 Octa in the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Stay up-to-date on which devices will carry the Exynos 5 Octa by following @SamsungExynos on Twitter or LikingSamsung Exynos on Facebook.

Why write about a tablet that was released last year amidst the current hype over the Samsung Galaxy S4 announcement? Because the Google Nexus 10 brings a lot of great features to the table, including a few that you'll be seeing in the Galaxy S4 and future Exynos-powered devices. Achieving WQXGA resolution on a mobile device represents a significant achievement, so we'll be focusing on this particular specification in our review of the Nexus 10.
 

WQXGA Resolution
 

Running on an ARM® Cortex™-A15 based Exynos 5 Dual processor, the Google Nexus 10 boasts the world's highest resolution tablet display. The Exynos 5 Dual supports WQXGA resolution, or a 2560-by-1600 display at 300 ppi. It's the first processor on the market to successfully support this resolution in mobile devices, and the difference is immediately apparent. This powerful tablet provides an incredibly vivid display, with a level of picture clarity and color vibrancy ideal for high-quality multimedia.
 

Graphical Performance
 

The Exynos 5 Dual comes with an ARM® quad-core Mali™-T604 GPU, a powerful graphics processor that contributes to better overall graphical performance and the running of visual-intensive applications. The Mali-T604 delivers up to five times the performance of previous Mali graphics processors, making for an immersive, console-like gaming experience. In addition to stereoscopic 3D gaming support, you can expect faster and sharper movements in gameplay without the nuisance of FPS lag.
 

Processing Speed
 

Based on a 1.7GHz dual-core Cortex™-A15 based Exynos 5 Dual chip, the Nexus 10 is truly built for speed. The Exynos 5 Dual performs nearly twice as fast as Cortex™-A9 based dual-core processors while consuming 30% less power. Coupled with advanced MIMO WiFi, the Exynos 5 Dual enables web browsing speeds up to four times faster than normal WiFi. You'll be able to run multiple browser windows at once on top of open applications and still maintain speed and performance.
 

Movies and Multimedia
 

With WQXGA display resolution and a 10-inch display, the Google Nexus 10 was outfitted perfectly for watching HD movies and TV shows. You can instantly access movies in full HD, without waiting on downloads, and experience them in all of their high-resolution, cinematic glory.
 

Magazines & Readability
 

One of the biggest advantages of WQXGA resolution is the impact it has on readability. When you buy or subscribe to magazines on your Nexus 10, it's difficult to quantify the difference between the digital version and a hard copy. The display's clarity and sharpness make digital text significantly easier to read, meaning your reading experience is a more comfortable one. With high-resolution, interactive issues, readers can engage with their magazines on a whole new level.
 

If you want to see exactly what the Exynos 5 Dual-powered Google Nexus 10 is capable of, you're in luck. Several demos running on the Nexus 10 were featured at Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2013. Demos including Metaio, Tools, Geometrics and Havok put the Exynos 5 Dual and Google Nexus 10 through intensive performance and graphical tests that are worth checking out. Keep an eye on the Samsung Exynos YouTube channel for videos of these GDC 2013 demos in the near future.

In the wake of the recent Samsung Unpacked 2013 event in New York City, news sites and blogs have been buzzing about the new Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Exynos 5 Octa processor it's running on. We've rounded up some of the best coverage of the Galaxy S4 and the Exynos 5 Octa so you can take in all of the details. There's still more information to come, so make sure to follow @SamsungExynos on Twitter for more real-time updates.

Samsung Galaxy S4 official: 5-inch 1080p display, Octa-core Exynos chip and 13MP camera

Engadget's extensive coverage of the Samsung Unpacked 2013 event includes this Exynos-specific article detailing the Galaxy S4's many features. The long-awaited smartphone will come with a 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display with a pixel density of 441 ppi. Engadget notes that this "powerful beast" also boasts 2GB of RAM and an Exynos 5 Octa mobile processor in many variants, depending on region. Additional specs include Android 4.2.2 on-board at the time of launch, a 2,600mAh battery, WiFi 802.11ac support, Bluetooth 4.0 and a 13MP BSI camera.

Samsung shines the spotlight on the new 8-core Galaxy S4

Ars Technica provides a straight-forward explanation of the Galaxy S4's important features, covering many of the same aspects as Engadget. The article notes that the handset's eight-core Exynos 5 Octa uses ARM® big.LITTLE™ processing technology "to meld together four fast CPU cores with four slower but more power-efficient cores." Efficiency is a key focus of the chipset, so you can expect to see extended battery life in the Galaxy S4 in most use cases. Check out the post for an extensive list of the smartphone's features - both fun and functional.

SlashGear 101: The Samsung Exynos 5 Octa Processor

SlashGear's article centers on the technology inside the Exynos 5 Octa processor, the industry's first ARM® big.LITTLE™-enabled system-on-chip (SoC). In addition to explaining big.LITTLE architecture and its applications, the news source highlights the technology's role in providing both extreme energy efficiency and powerful performance in equipped mobile devices. The Exynos 5 Octa is also capable of supporting up to a WQXGA (2560 x 1600) display resolution. Despite what the article states, Samsung's Exynos 5 Dual already supports this high of a display resolution in the Google Nexus 10 tablet.

Samsung's Exynos 5 Octa: Checking out the chip inside the Galaxy S4

Ars Technica rounded out their coverage of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Exynos 5 Octa with an article that touches on the benefits of implementing ARM® big.LITTLE™ processing in mobile devices. The post explains that big.LITTLE processing is all about using the "right processor for the right job," enabling up to 70% in energy savings on common workloads. You'll find specific use cases for this architecture, information about the Exynos 5 Octa's PowerVR GPU and even an explanation for the selection of different processors for Galaxy S4 handsets in different regions.

For more information about ARM® big.LITTLE™ technology and its implementation in the Exynos 5 Octa, you can consult the Exynos at Mobile World Congress 2013 webpage.

Since its release last year, Samsung's Galaxy Note II has redefined the mobile landscape, proving that a so-called "phablet" can compete with, and even outshine, smaller handsets. There has been an endless stream of news and blog coverage of this popular device, which boasts high performance, an excellent viewing experience and numerous creative functions. In this post, we'll be highlighting the capabilities of the Galaxy Note II that are specifically enabled by the 1.6GHz Exynos 4 Quad processor inside.

Easy Multitasking with Multi Window

One of the most popular features of the Galaxy Note II is Multi Window, which allows users to perform multiple tasks on the same screen simultaneously. For life on-the-go, this can be an invaluable feature. The Exynos 4 Quad is a big part of why multitasking on the Note II is so quick and easy. The Exynos 4 Quad puts out twice the CPU performance of previous Exynos generations (45nm) while consuming 20% less power, resulting in seamless transitions between applications, web pages and social networks without undue drain on battery life. If you find yourself juggling tasks often, and prefer a multiple-window viewing experience, the high-speed Galaxy Note II may be a good fit.

Quality Viewing Experience

The spacious 5.5" HD Super AMOLED display sets the Galaxy Note II apart from much of its competition and presents a lot of viewing real estate to work with. The ARM® Mali™-400 MP GPU in the Exynos 4 Quad enables a rich, full HD 1080p multimedia display, making for a crisp viewing experience. Galaxy Note II owners can also play back almost any video format thanks to the Exynos 4 Quad's multi-format codec with full profile support. For users who are into mobile gaming or regularly use other graphic-intensive apps, a 6.4GB/s memory bandwidth offers a smoother display and less lag.

Efficient Power Performance

Alongside performance gains, one of the biggest advantages of using the Exynos 4 Quad to run the Galaxy Note II is the chipset's power efficiency. Built on a specially developed 32nm High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) low-power process that drastically reduces power consumption, the Exynos 4 Quad uses 20% less power than the Exynos 4 Dual 45nm while doubling CPU and 3D performance. Power management features include multiple power domain and dynamic voltage/frequency scaling, in addition to system-level power optimization with companion Power Management Multi-Channel IC (PMIC). The Galaxy Note II complements its power-saving processor with a hefty 3100mAh battery, so you can spend less time worrying about battery life and more time taking advantage of this handset's unique creative tools.

If you're interested in reading more processor-specific reviews of the Samsung Galaxy Note II, check out these Exynos Hack Pack reviews from well-known tech bloggers:

• Galaxy Note II: Great Innovation and the Marmite of Smartphones (James Bruce, ARM)
• Samsung Galaxy Note II (global) Written Review by Taylor (Taylor Martin, Phone Dog)

The Galaxy Note II is a popular option for millions of mobile users around the world, but when will we see the next Exynos processor implemented in a new device? You'll find out this year as exciting announcements are made about the release of next-generation, high-end smartphones and tablets.

Last week, Samsung Exynos joined mobile technology companies from around the world for Mobile World Congress 2013, the world's premier mobile industry event. From Feb. 25-28, more than 72,000 attendees from 200 countries visited the Fira Gran Via conference center in Barcelona, Spain to see the latest mobile innovations and hear announcements about what's ahead for the industry in 2013. Exynos had a strong presence at this year's event and gained a lot of attention for its focus on the performance and power efficiency of ARM® big.LITTLE™ processing in the Exynos 5 Octa application processor (AP).

Samsung Exynos Booth at MWC

The theme of ARM® big.LITTLE™ processing carried throughout the Exynos booth at MWC this year, with an entire wall of displays dedicated to the implementation of this technology in the newly announced Exynos 5 Octa, the industry's first mobile AP to utilize big.LITTLE architecture based on the Cortex™-A15 CPU. Exynos representatives stressed the power-efficiency of the big.LITTLE system, noting its ability to match the high performance of an all Cortex™-A15 system while consuming significantly less power.

Included in the display was an Exynos 5 Octa-run tablet reference platform, which offered a clear, visual representation of big.LITTLE functionality. The ARM® Cortex™-A15 and Cortex™-A7 processors comprising the big.LITTLE system share overall workload, taking on different tasks depending on performance requirements. By using the right processor for the right task, the system can achieve significantly higher power efficiency than previous processor architectures.

In addition to the Exynos 5 Octa's big.LITTLE structure, Samsung highlighted the chipset's 13MP CMOS image sensors. Thanks to these advanced sensors and a high frame rate, the Exynos 5 Octa boasts close to zero shutter lag and higher picture quality, so you'll never miss an opportunity to capture those precious moments.

The Arndale Board also featured prominently at the Exynos booth. This Exynos 5 Dual-based community platform is designed to support the mobile developer community by giving them the tools to create an array of applications and software for Exynos-equipped systems. A number of peripheral options and add-ons make the Arndale Board a well-rounded choice for interested developers.

ARM® Interview with Axel Fischer on Exynos 5 Octa and Big.LITTLE™

Early in the conference, ARM spoke with Axel Fischer, Director of Samsung System LSI Marketing, about the benefits of ARM® big.LITTLE™ processing in the Exynos 5 Octa. Axel touched on many of the same key benefits that were highlighted in the Exynos booth, including the fact that the Exynos 5 Octa is 70% more efficient than the Exynos 4 Quad processor. He reiterated the importance of the system's power-efficiency - a characteristic that drew Samsung to this particular ARM architecture.

Exynos also took the opportunity to interview Jeff Chu, Director of Segment Marketing for ARM, about this exciting new technology. One of Jeff's main points involved the misconception that the "LITTLE" Cortex-A7 processor only handles light workloads. In fact, the Cortex-A7 is capable of handling a wide range of important tasks, which is a large part of the reason big.LITTLE architecture is so efficient. In regard to the corresponding Exynos 5 Octa Cubewave demo at the ARM booth, Jeff explained that attendees were really excited to learn about the inner workings of big.LITTLE and gain a better understanding of the technology.

To find out more about Exynos' presence at the conference, visit our Exynos MWC 2013 website. You can also find a wealth of information about big.LITTLE processing on ARM's newly launched big.LITTLE website.

Samsung Exynos is largely known for its family of mobile processors, used as major components in popular mobile devices like the Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II and Google Nexus 10. While this implementation of our chips is a major focus, we also work closely with partner companies to offer Exynos-based development platforms, or community boards. These platforms are designed to support development on Exynos-based mobile systems.

Community boards can help developers become familiar with the features and capabilities of Exynos processors, facilitating the development of new application software for different operating systems, such as Android and Linux. You may already be familiar with some of the most popular development platforms running on Exynos chips - the ODROID-U2, ODROID-X2 and Arndale Board.

ODROID-U2

Hardkernel's ODROID-U2 is a more recent, performance-upgraded version of the company's original ODROID-U board. This development platform is powered by an ARM® Cortex™-A9 Exynos 4 Quad Prime running at 1.7GHz, clocked slightly higher than in the Galaxy Note II. This ultra-compact, quad-core board is smaller than a credit card and significantly less expensive than other development boards on the market, costing just $89 USD on the Hardkernel site.

Key features include 2GB of low-power DDR RAM, a 440MHz Mali™-400 quad-core 3D graphics accelerator, two high-speed USB2.0 host ports, MAXIM audio codec with headphone jack and microphone on board, a microSD and MAXIM Power Management IC, as well as Android 4.x and Ubuntu 12.10 support. The ODROID-U2 also comes with numerous accessory options such as an eMMC module, Bluetooth module and IO expansion board.

ODROID-X2

The ODROID-X2 is similar to the ODROID-U2 in a number of ways but offers improvements on some key features. Running on a 1.7GHz Exynos 4 Quad Prime processor, the ODROID-X2 is an upgraded version of Hardkernel's well-known ODROID-X board. While more expensive and slightly larger than the ODROID-U2, the ODROID-X2 remains a powerful, low-cost dev board option at $135 USD.

Key features include 2GB of low-power DDR RAM, a 440MHz Mali™-400 3D graphics accelerator, six high-speed USB2.0 host ports, MAXIM audio codec and full-sized SD slot, as well as Android 4.x and Ubuntu BSP support. The ODROID-X2 also comes with numerous accessory options depending on developers' needs.

Arndale Board

InSignal's Arndale Board is the industry's first ARM® Cortex™-A15 dual-core development board, based on the 1.7GHz Exynos 5 Dual processor. The Arndale Board boasts some impressive features, including a Mali T-604 GPU for improved 3D graphics, WQXGA (2560x1600 at 60fps) display resolution support, USB3.0 and DDR3L RAM for higher data transfer speeds, among many other specifications. Featured at ARM® TechCon™ 2012 and other industry events, the Arndale Board represents a strong effort to support open source development of applications for use on Exynos-run mobile devices.

Using this community board, developers can produce superior mobile apps optimized for the ultra-fast Exynos 5 Dual processor and its enhanced 3D graphics capabilities. Arndale supports Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, allowing developers to tailor their applications for faster and smoother performance. The availability of this platform and the related source codes means that developers can expect a faster time-to-market for their software and hardware, which in turn benefits other users.

Let’s be honest. One of the big reasons you purchased a smartphone was because of the amazing apps that make your life easier and more fun. Here are 3 Great Smartphone Apps we highly recommend you download or purchase:
 

Angry Birds Space
For those of you who might have been bored by the last few versions of Angry Birds, you are in for quite the treat. Angry Birds Space introduces a whole new dynamic with space-based physics. Experience zero gravity and trick shots using centrifugal force in 60 new levels. The Exynos Dual/Quad Core processors are more than capable of graphical requirements of this game. Some CPU’s struggle to operate Angry Birds, resulting in a choppy frame rate. The high CPU performance helps render the beautifully detailed backgrounds and make gameplay silky smooth. And the audio codec helps you hear every smash, crack, and explosion as you fling the birds towards those dastardly swine.

 

Google Maps With Navigation
Never carry a map again with this fantastic app developed by Google. Find streets, restaurants and even indoor maps for select airports, hotels, retail stores, and more. There are a lot of computations your phone has to perform to make this app function as well as it does. It has to constantly check live traffic information, render 3D buildings, and produce live turn-by-turn directions for driving, public transit, biking, and walking. Processors like the Exynos 4 Dual/Quad and Exynos 5 Dual have powerful CPU cores, which make that kind of processing easy. All that processing takes a huge toll on a phone’s battery, which is why it’s so good to have a power-efficient Exynos processor. And the GPU performance handles map graphics extremely well, helping to make sure you don’t get lost.

 

Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro?

Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro is another app that makes use of the powerful CPU core, which makes running app smoothly. This app acts as your very own personal trainer. Track time, distance, speed, calories burned, and more. Create your own interval programs, interact with graphs showing your speed and lap times, and get real time pep talks from friends following you live. GPS is also important with this app. It helps track your route or one you’ve downloaded. It even includes a Low Power Mode to increase battery standby time. Pairing this with a power-efficient Exynos processor will help make sure your phone runs longer than you.

 

You can find more great apps for your smartphone in the Android App Store as part of Google Play.

The release of the Exynos 4 Quad has been highly anticipated, with bloggers and tech news sources speculating about the new processor’s capabilities for the past several weeks. Since the product’s recent launch, people have had a lot to say about the first quad-core processor in the Exynos line.
 

Samsung announces 1.4GHz Exynos 4 Quad as basis for Galaxy S3
 

Engadget, a popular consumer electronics web magazine, chose Samsung’s launch of the Exynos 4 Quad processor as one of their top stories. The article tipped off readers about plans for the 4 Quad to be used in the Samsung Galaxy S3, which will be officially announced in May. Compared to its predecessor, the 1.4GHz 4 Quad has twice the processing power and uses 20% less energy because of its High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) low-power technology. The processor’s high-level performance and energy efficiency will take multi-tasking on the Samsung Galaxy S3 to the next level.
 

Exynos 4 Quad 1.4GHz 32nm HKMG Announced for Next Galaxy Smartphone
 

The release of the Exynos 4 Quad was one of the top stories in the pipeline at AnandTech, an online news source that focuses on the latest advances in the IT industry. The article gives a high-level, technical explanation of the processor’s features. The Exynos 4 Quad consists of 4 ARM Cortex A9s that run at a speed of up to 1.4GHz, so smartphones running on the system can support multi-tasking similar to that experienced on a PC. The 4 Quad is also “package and pin compatible” with the45 nm Exynos 4 Dual that is used in the Galaxy S II and Galaxy Note , so mobile device manufacturers can update their products without incurring high re-design costs.
 

Samsung’s Next Galaxy Phone to Pack New Quad-Core CPU
 

Wired.com, the online version of the respected magazine, also covered the Exynos 4 Quad release. The article detailed many of the same features as other news sources, but also pointed out that the 4 Quad is the first quad-core mobile processor in the world that uses low-power High-K Metal Gate (HKMG) technology to reduce power consumption. The Samsung press release described a “PC-like experience” for those with smartphones that run on the 4 Quad. Users will be able to perform more tasks in less time because the Exynos 4 Quad has more processing cores to handle different tasks, such as streaming video and updating applications.
 

The Exynos 4 Quad is brand new to the market, so keep an eye on your favorite tech and mobile blogs for more announcements. To keep up with the latest developments in mobile processors, be sure to visit the Samsung Exynos website and blog .
 

What is a Mobile Processor?
 

Just as the name implies, a processor processes instructions in order to carry out certain functions that make your device operate properly. Processors are often described as the brain of computers, smartphones and tablets because of the central role they play in the functioning of your devices.
 

All of the different components that make up your computer’s processor have to be condensed to fit in your smartphone, where they exist as a mobile application processor, or a System-on-a-Chip (SoC). These chipsets have to be particularly small in order to make room for the much larger battery that supplies energy to the system. Mobile application processors are found in many different mobile devices , such as smartphones, tablets, eReaders, netbooks, navigational devices and gaming systems.
 

Unlike computers that are plugged into a power supply, mobile devices are used on-the-go to access multimedia content and to perform other tasks that consume a lot of battery power. That’s why low power consumption is such an important feature in smartphones and tablets you use to play games, browse the Web and watch high-quality videos. Samsung specifically uses ARM cores in its processors because they consume less energy and help preserve battery life. While companies adapt their chipsets differently, ARM gives each of them a high-performance, low-power core to build on. In addition, Samsung uses its own advanced low-power process to manufacture their chipsets, making the Exynos line of mobile processors more power-efficient than others.
 

To help you understand the inner workings of a mobile application processor, we’ll go over the different elements within one: the CPU, GPU and other sub-processors.
 

CPUs and the Speed of Your Smartphone

 

The CPU, or central processing unit, is responsible for most of the functions on your smartphone, such as running the operating system and relaying touch-screen input. Some CPUs work faster than others. For example, a 500 MHz single-core processor handles certain information significantly slower than the 1.2GHz dual-core processor that you’ll find in theSamsung Galaxy S II .
 

Whether a processor is single-core, dual-core or multi-core depends on how many CPU cores it has. Processors with multiple CPU cores make it easier for a system to perform high-level functions simultaneously, meaning you can multi-task on your smartphone without sacrificing performance speed. Smartphones with multi-core CPUs allow you to browse the Web faster, watch 3D content and run applications that use advanced graphics – all while conserving battery life. Upcoming advancements in processors will lead to a new generation of smartphones that are faster and more powerful than ever.
 

How GPUs Affect What You See
 

In addition to a CPU, your mobile device’s processor has a GPU, or a graphics processing unit. This element of the processor handles graphical and visual data, so it’s responsible for displaying Web pages and 3D graphics in games. Even if you aren’t gaming on your smartphone, the GPU plays an important role in rendering the main display of your phone. Without the GPU, navigating your main screen would feel slower and the graphics would be less smooth.
 

There are also a number of sub-processors that handle other functions, such as video recording and camera operation, although the number and types of sub-processors vary across different systems. While the technology can be complicated, even understanding the basics of how mobile application processors work can help you make a more educated decision the next time you’re choosing a new mobile device.
 

To learn more about the latest Samsung mobile processors and what they can do, visit the Samsung Exynos website
 

When you think of all the reasons you love your smartphone or tablet, what do you think about? Maybe you think about its amazing graphics, or its lightning-fast speed. Maybe you love all of its great apps or enjoy spending time using it to play games and connect with friends. But, the part you probably don’t think about is the part that makes all of your favorite functions possible: its processor.
 

Here at Samsung our Exynos team spends a lot of time thinking about how to develop processors that make you love your mobile devices even more, and it has been time well spent. Since the first Exynos processor was developed, the line has grown in popularity and is now known for its outstanding performance and low power consumption.
 

You might have first heard of Exynos when the Exynos 3 Single (also known as Hummingbird) was adapted to be used in two of our most successful mobile devices: the Galaxy S smartphone and the Galaxy Tab. Next, came an even more powerful and efficient processor, the Exynos 4 Dual 45nm .
 

Mobile devices with these dual-core 1.2 and 1.4GHz processors offer quick and seamless multi-tasking, allowing you to connect with your friends and colleagues, all while playing games and watching videos and TV shows. Plus, Exynos 4 Dual 45nm features the lowest power consumption in its class, meaning you can stay connected without worrying about your device’s battery life.
 

This processor is perfect if you love using your mobile device for gaming. Amazing 3D graphics make you feel like you are a part of the game and allow you to enjoy console-like gaming wherever you go.
 

Not a gamer? Exynos 4 Dual 45nm can also play full HD videos without encoding, ever. With a 1080p playback with integrated MFC, you’ll be able to enjoy videos in nearly any video format. Love creating your own videos and photos? This processor’s native triple display allows you to share your creations on three different displays at the same time.
 

You can find this processor in the following mobile devices:
 

• Samsung Galaxy Note
• Samsung Galaxy S2 4G
• Samsung Galaxy S2
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus
• Meizu MX
 

The Exynos 4 Dual 45nm has been a huge success, but here at Samsung, we are always striving to improve the products we offer. That’s why even now we are preparing to unveil the next processor in the Exynos line up. So, be sure to check back soon for the big reveal!
 

The demand for performance from portable computing devices, such as tablet computers and smartphones, has been steadily rising.

One of the proposed solutions to increase battery life in such devices is to use CPUs with a different, power-efficient architecture.

This paper introduces the "big.LITTLE" architecture launched by ARM, and its adoption for the Exynos line of processors by Samsung.

The paper also discusses several key advantages of this architecture, compares it to other competing architectures, and demonstrates its efficiency and superiority over other architectures, especially in extending battery life in portable, handheld computing and communications devices.
 

Regarding the success of mobile devices, the right combination of application processor (AP) and cellular modem is getting important more and more.

For OEM vendors, two types of solutions are available today: a dual-chip solution with discrete AP and modem components or a single-chip solution with the AP and modem integrated together into a single chip.

To date, the concept that a single-chip solution is more cost effective and competitive than a dual-chip solution has been the industry norm. This paper offers a competitive analysis of single-chip vs.

dual-chip solutions by revealing the high-performance/low-power advantages for smartphone and tablet designs.
 

I’m pleased to see that ARM is continuing to contribute to this legacy with the announcement of its energy efficient Cortex-A7processor. Set to emerge as the most energy efficient processor of its class, ARM’s Cortex-A7offers 50 percent greater performance and energy efficiency that’s five times that of traditional application processors.
 

Equally impressive is ARM’S  big.LITTLE processing strategy, which has the potential to provide high performance, power-efficient system-on-chips (SoCs), extending the battery life for future mobile devices.
 

I’d like to congratulate ARM on the launch of its Cortex-A7 core and its innovative approach to maximizing power saving while offering high-performance processing capabilities. For the details of the announcement, I’ve posted the text of the official release below.
 

What are your thoughts on ARM’s Cortex-A7 and big.LITTLE processing strategy announcement? I’d like to hear from you.  Post your comments below.
 

ARM Unveils its Most Energy Efficient Application Processor Ever; Redefines Traditional Power And Performance Relationship With big.LITTLE Processing
 

19 October 2011
 

Addresses one of today’s industry challenges: extending consumers’ always on, always connected mobile experience with both improved performance AND longer battery life
 

Cambridge, UK – 19th October 2011 – ARM today announced the ARM® Cortex™-A7 MPCore™ processor – the most energy-efficient application class processor ARM has ever developed, and big.LITTLE processing – a flexible approach that redefines the traditional power and performance relationship. The Cortex-A7 processor builds on the low-power leadership established by the Cortex-A8 processor that is at the heart of many of today’s most popular smartphones. A single Cortex-A7 processor delivers 5x the energy-efficiency and is one fifth the size of the Cortex-A8 processor, while providing significantly greater performance. The Cortex-A7 processor will enable a rich user experience in sub-$100 entry level smartphones and help connect the next billion people in developing markets.
 

One of today’s technology most significant challenges is how to create a System on Chip (SoC) that meets the conflicting consumer demand for devices with both higher-performance AND extended battery life. Big.LITTLE processing, enabled by Cortex-A7, achieves this by pairing the best of the high-performance Cortex-A15 MPCore and ultra-efficient Cortex-A7 processors. Big.LITTLE processing allows devices to seamlessly select the right processor for the right task, based on performance requirements. Importantly, this dynamic selection is transparent to the application software or middleware running on the processors.
 

ARM Partners supporting these technologies include Broadcom, Compal, Freescale, HiSilicon, LG Electronics, Linaro, OK Labs, QNX, Redbend, Samsung, Sprint, ST-Ericsson and Texas Instruments. Quotes and video comments can be found below and at http://www.youtube.com/ARMflix
 

Mobile usage has changed significantly and today consumers are increasingly using their smartphone for the majority of their connected lives. This includes high-performance tasks, such as web browsing, navigation and gaming, and less demanding ‘always on, always connected’ background tasks, such as voice calls, social networking and email services. As a result, the mobile phone has become an indispensible compute device for many consumers. At the same time, new mobile form factors, such as tablets, are redefining computing platforms in response to consumer demand. This is creating new ways for consumers to interact with content and brings what was once only possible on a tethered device to the mobile world.
 

By developing big.LITTLE processing and the Cortex-A7 processor, ARM has addressed the challenge for technology that can deliver both high-performance, required for content creation and consumption, while also delivering extreme power efficiency for extended battery life. This is particularly pertinent as smartphones and tablets continue to evolve into the primary platforms that consumers use to interact with our increasingly connected world.
 

Cortex-A7 – extending ARM low-power leadership
The efficiency of the ARM architecture is the reason why ARM processors use less power and occupy a smaller footprint. The Cortex-A7 processor occupies less than 0.5mm2, using 28nm process technology, and provides compelling performance in both single and multicore configurations. Used as a stand-alone processor, the Cortex-A7 will deliver sub-$100 entry level smartphones in the 2013-2014 timeframe with an equivalent level of processing performance to today’s $500 high-end smartphones.
 

The ARM vision of the entry level smartphone market is to redefine usage in the developing world by helping connect the next billion people to Internet content and services over mobile devices.
 

Big.LITTLE processing – the right processor for the right job
Big.LITTLE processing combines two different, but compatible processors within the same SoC and allows the power management software to seamlessly select the right processor, or multiple processors, for the right task. The processors appear identical from an applications software perspective.
 

The ‘LITTLE’, lowest-power processor – in this case, the Cortex-A7 – runs the Operating System (OS) and applications for basic always-on, always connected tasks, such as social media and audio playback. The OS and apps can then be seamlessly migrated to the higher-performance processor as demands increase for high end tasks, such as navigation and gaming. The time for this migration is in the order of 20 microseconds.
 

This flexible approach of choosing the right processor for the right job enables highly optimized processing which results in significant energy savings for common workloads.
 

System IP and tools ensures coherency and optimization for multicore solutions
The efficient and seamless switching of workloads between the two processors is supported by advanced ARM system IP, such as AMBA® 4 ACE Coherency Extensions. This ensures full cache, I/O and processor-to-processor coherency between the Cortex-A15 and Cortex-A7, and across the complete system. Software and applications can therefore continue to run unhindered, and unnoticed by the user, as the tasks are rebalanced to provide the optimum big.LITTLE user experience.
 

Big.LITTLE power management software is developed by ARM ecosystem partners months ahead of silicon availability using ARM DS-5 tools and Fast Model virtual prototyping technology. The virtual platform, available now to lead partners, contains the Cortex-A15 and Cortex-A7 processors, as well as cache coherent interconnect System IP, allowing full system software development.
 

For more information go to:
 

• big.LITTLE processing: http://www.arm.com/products/processors/technologies/bigLITTLEprocessing.php  
• Cortex-A7: http://www.arm.com/products/processors/cortex-a/cortex-a7.php
 

Supporting ARM and ARM Partner Quotes
 

ARM
“As smartphones and tablets continue to evolve into users’ primary compute device, consumers are demanding performance as well as the always on, always connected service they expect. The challenge for our industry and the ARM ecosystem is how to deliver on this,” said Mike Inglis, Executive Vice President, Processor Division, ARM. “The introduction of Cortex-A7 and big.LITTLE addresses this challenge and extends ARM’s technology leadership by setting a new standard for energy-efficient processors and redefining the traditional power and performance relationship.”
 

Samsung:
“The race is on to put a high-performance, power-efficient supercomputer in the palm of the consumer’s hand.” said John Kalkman, vice president, Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. “We are pleased to be partnering with ARM as they redefine the power/performance equation in mobile computing. By combining innovative technology leadership from both companies, SoC designers will have the right application processor to deliver always-on, always-connected mobile computing for future devices.”
 

The Samsung Galaxy S II has finally arrived in the United States, and we here at Samsung Semiconductor couldn’t be more excited. Not only is this device beautifully designed, but it’s also powered by Samsung’s Exynos 4210 processor, making the Galaxy S II the most powerful smart phone on the market today.
 

The Exynos 4210, which powers the Sprint and AT&T versions of the Galaxy S II, is a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, based on the 32-bit RISC processor for smart phones, tablets, and netbooks. When considering processing power alone, the Exynos has the ability to put the phone on par with quite a few PCs on the market. As soon as you pick up a Galaxy S II, you’ll notice faster web browsing, seamless multi-tasking, excellent graphics quality, and an instantly responsive user interface – all thanks in large part to the Exynos.
 

And here’s some fun trivia for you: Exynos originates from the Greek words smart (exypnos) and green (prasinos). We announced this new nomenclature back in February to associate Samsung’s “smart and green” strategy for our semiconductor devices and solutions. Smart refers to the high-performance aspect and green represents the low-power features of our products.
 

While I could go on all day about how great the technology INSIDE the Samsung Galaxy S II is, we’re sure you’re curious to hear about all the great features the phone has to offer on the outside! Make sure to check out some of the pictures of the launch event, which took place in New York City on August 30. And if you want to witness the speed of an Exynos processor for yourself, be sure to stop by a Sprint or AT&T store and give the Samsung Galaxy S II a try when it hits store shelves!