Samsung Denies That The GALAXY S4 Is "Benchmark-friendly"
Samsung today tried to clarify issues regarding certain GALAXY S4 GPU benchmark results, following accusations that the company was "cheating."
Samsung was accused of optimizing CPUs and GPUs of the the Samsung Galaxy S4
smartphones to perform well on benchmark tests while not necessarily delivering
a better overall user experience.
Other reviewers claimed that Samsung has set the GPU of the Exynos 5 Octa Galaxy S4 variant to run at a higher frequency when being benchmarked than during normal, day-to-day usage.
Samsung says that under ordinary conditions, the GALAXY S4 has been designed to allow a maximum GPU frequency of 533MHz. However, the maximum GPU frequency is lowered to 480MHz for certain gaming apps that may cause an overload, when they are used for a prolonged period of time in full-screen mode. Meanwhile, a maximum GPU frequency of 533MHz is applicable for running apps that are usually used in full-screen mode, such as the S Browser, Gallery, Camera, Video Player, and certain benchmarking apps, which also demand substantial performance, according to the company.
"The maximum GPU frequencies for the GALAXY S4 have been varied to provide optimal user experience for our customers, and were not intended to improve certain benchmark results," Samsung said.
In related news, Samsung earlier today announced the first commercial devices capable of TDD-LTE (Time-Division Duplex) and FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplex) seamless handover technology.
Samsung will launch TDD/FDD Dual Mode LTE versions of the Samsung GALAXY S4 and Samsung GALAXY S4 mini, which will enable continuous and seamless voice and data communications even as the devices switch between two different types of LTE networks.
While the majority of the global LTE market is based on FDD-LTE technology, TDD-LTE, the alternative LTE technology, is expected to see increased adoption in the US, China, Australia, Middle East, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Southwest Asia, and to gain a more pronounced position in the global LTE market. Seamless handover between FDD-LTE and TDD-LTE networks is a critical feature for end-users and mobile operators, especially in markets where the both technologies are deployed.
As a market pioneer in LTE technology, Samsung?s new support of seamless handover with the GALAXY S4 will enable even more convenient mobile data communications, and provide users with smooth and seamless data communication without delays or interruptions while browsing or on calls during network handover. In addition, the seamless handover will enable a true global LTE roaming solution, enabling users to enjoy fast data communication wherever they are.
Samsung will continue to launch TDD-LTE devices in other markets throughout third quarter.
Other reviewers claimed that Samsung has set the GPU of the Exynos 5 Octa Galaxy S4 variant to run at a higher frequency when being benchmarked than during normal, day-to-day usage.
Samsung says that under ordinary conditions, the GALAXY S4 has been designed to allow a maximum GPU frequency of 533MHz. However, the maximum GPU frequency is lowered to 480MHz for certain gaming apps that may cause an overload, when they are used for a prolonged period of time in full-screen mode. Meanwhile, a maximum GPU frequency of 533MHz is applicable for running apps that are usually used in full-screen mode, such as the S Browser, Gallery, Camera, Video Player, and certain benchmarking apps, which also demand substantial performance, according to the company.
"The maximum GPU frequencies for the GALAXY S4 have been varied to provide optimal user experience for our customers, and were not intended to improve certain benchmark results," Samsung said.
In related news, Samsung earlier today announced the first commercial devices capable of TDD-LTE (Time-Division Duplex) and FDD-LTE (Frequency Division Duplex) seamless handover technology.
Samsung will launch TDD/FDD Dual Mode LTE versions of the Samsung GALAXY S4 and Samsung GALAXY S4 mini, which will enable continuous and seamless voice and data communications even as the devices switch between two different types of LTE networks.
While the majority of the global LTE market is based on FDD-LTE technology, TDD-LTE, the alternative LTE technology, is expected to see increased adoption in the US, China, Australia, Middle East, Northern and Eastern Europe, and Southwest Asia, and to gain a more pronounced position in the global LTE market. Seamless handover between FDD-LTE and TDD-LTE networks is a critical feature for end-users and mobile operators, especially in markets where the both technologies are deployed.
As a market pioneer in LTE technology, Samsung?s new support of seamless handover with the GALAXY S4 will enable even more convenient mobile data communications, and provide users with smooth and seamless data communication without delays or interruptions while browsing or on calls during network handover. In addition, the seamless handover will enable a true global LTE roaming solution, enabling users to enjoy fast data communication wherever they are.
Samsung will continue to launch TDD-LTE devices in other markets throughout third quarter.