Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Case closed: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 isn't 64-bit, but its Exynos SoC is

Knowing full well it’s still going to be a while until Android devices will start benefitting from 64-bit processors, Samsung reportedly limited the Exynos 5433 chip beneath Galaxy Note 4’s hood to 32-bit mode.



Samsung, Sony, HTC, Asus, OnePlus and Huawei can mock Apple as much as they like, but beyond not-very-compact screen-to-body-size ratio, extravagant pricing, modest RAM or scanty camera megapixel count, the iPhone 6, like the 5s, hold an imposing advantage over Android rivals.

Namely, advanced 64-bit homebrewed CPUs and the ability to get the best out of them with a 64-bit-supporting operating system.

Meanwhile, KitKat’s sequel, the undated Android L, will usher in the age of 64-bit processing in Google’s camp. As long as there are 64-bit chips around to thrive under pressure, because it’s not like Samsung or HTC can just borrow A8s from Cupertino.

Unfortunately, things aren’t looking rosy despite a series of low-end, low-cost 64-bit launches, with Qualcomm barely ready to ship Snapdragon 808 SoCs in the “first half” of 2015, and Samsung’s Exynos 5433 for now restricted to 32-bit use inside the Galaxy Note 4.



That’s right, we finally have confirmation of Note 4’s CPU alternative for the Snapdragon 805, and it’s indeed a 64-bit solution. With a classic big. LITTLE configuration, meaning only four out of the eight cores will be in use at any given time, and a mind-blowing Cortex A57/A53 combo.

Only it’s not all good news, as bits and pieces of source code seem to confirm beyond the shadow of a doubt AArch64 mode is switched off on the phablet. On the bright side, the ARMv8-based SoC comes with a fair share of real-life benefits even in 32-bit form, most prominently better power management and overall beefed-up performance.

So yes, the Exynos take on the Galaxy Note 4 is technically 64-bit, no, it can’t offer “true” 64-bit processing (at least for the time being), but yes, the jumbo-sized smartphone is still a beast and likely punchier with 5433 oomph than Snapdragon 805.

Source: Anandtech



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