Qualcomm confirms S4 Snapdragon Pro SoC in LG Optimus G
Chipmaker Qualcomm has just announced a new quad-core SoC (System-on-a-Chip) chipset that promises to bring high-performance computing to smartphones and tablets will first feature in a new LG handset.
The S4 Snapdragon Pro features four 1.5GHz 'Krait' cores manufactured using the company's 28-nanometer architecture, same as the S4. This means better battery life than chips based on 32- and 40-nanometer processes, such as the Samsung Exynos and Nvidia Tegra. In benchmark tests carried out by tech site AnandTech the new processor blows away most of the competition -- with the exception of the iPad.
The S4 Pro also supports Asynchronous Symmetric Multiprocessing (aSMP), which enables each core to power up and down independently as required, allowing for maximum performance combined with good battery life.
The S4 Pro also comes equipped with the new Adreno 320 GPU. This new graphics processor is twice as fast as the Adreno 225 found in the S4 Plus and offers display support that goes above and beyond 1080p. In fact, the S4 Pro supports display resolutions greater than 1366 x 768 pixels, allowing handset makers to make use of high-resolution displays in devices.
In addition to this, the S4 Pro supports cameras up to 20 megapixel, and includes 3 camera support and stereoscopic 3D capture support. On top of that, the S4 Pro will allow seamless toggling between 3G, 4G and LTE networks, reducing dropped calls when on the move, a feature that is exclusive to the S4 Pro.
Qualcomm has confirmed that it has supplied the Snapdragon S4 Pro platform to LG to allow it to develop a powerful quad-core 4G LTE handset. This handset will be called the LG Optimus G.
According to spec sheet, the new handset will feature a 4.7-inch WXGA (1280 x 768) True HD IPS+ display with a pixel density of 320ppi. It also comes with 32 GB of internal storage, 2 GB of RAM, and a 1.3 MP front-facing camera. Connectivity will be in the form of Bluetooth 4.0, a USB 2.0 host port, Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL), DNLA protected media sharing, NFC for mobile payments, and 802.11n connectivity. The LG Optimus G will run Google's Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" operating system, but we can assume that the 4.1 "Jelly Bean" update will probably be available by the time the smartphone is on the shelves.
"LG has a well-earned reputation for offering the latest and greatest in LTE devices, and we are excited to work with them to bring this commercial quad-core CPU and LTE-compatible Snapdragon platform to the global market," said Raj Talluri, senior vice president of product management at Qualcomm. "This device is designed to deliver a superior mobile experience and powerful LTE capabilities".
"We are confident that users will have a superior experience with everything that we’re offering in the Optimus G," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "Optimus G isn’t just another high-performance phone with the latest bells and whistles. It’s a collaboration of some of the best component makers on the planet coming together for a singular cause, to develop a smartphone that stands out in a sea of me-too devices".