Over the past few years, Microsoft has used Snapdragon processors in all of their Windows Phones. Inside every Window Phone 7 handset was either a Snapdragon S1 or S2 processor. The close collaboration between Microsoft and Qualcomm has resulted in a sea of fast and powerful smartphones with great battery life. So fast, in fact, that Microsoft invited anyone to come into a Windows Store to get “Smoked by Windows Phone.”
Today Microsoft announced the next version of this OS –Windows Phone 8. You can see a recap of all the exciting new features here. And as you know, there are many components within the Snapdragon S4 processor that are tied to and powering many of these Windows Phone 8 features. Below is a breakdown of what Snapdragon S4 is capable of doing from a component level to assure that Windows Phone 8 will be the best Windows Phone version yet:
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. To prove our point, check out how cool-running an S4 processor can be with this whimsical experiment .
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.
Stay tuned for Windows Phone 8 devices from Nokia, Huawei, Samsung, and HTC. Click here for more information on Windows Phone 8.
