According to a recent tear down by iSuppli, the Samsung Galaxy S4 powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor, which is found primarily here in the U.S., is very much different from the International models. Reported in their findings is an extra image processor, manufactured by Fujitsu, which allows the Galaxy S4 to perform some its more process-intensive tasks such as eye tracking. In the Octa core-powered variants of the device, that extra processor is not needed. 

Beyond using separate apps processors, the devices also use entirely different wireless, GPS, WiFi, interface, Bluetooth, and FM radio subsystems. To sum it up nicely, they say the “Korean and American versions of the Galaxy S4 are as different as kimchi and coleslaw.” Very nice.

While it is a downer we still don’t have octa-core phones here in the States on our carriers, the Galaxy S4 with the Snapdragon 600 is still one of the fastest Android devices on the market. Nothing to cry over.

Via: Computer World | iSuppli

Cheers Scott!

Tear Down Reveals American Samsung Galaxy S4 Greatly Differs International Models is a post from: Droid Life

Over the last couple of years, as we have continued to see different variations of phones arrive in different parts of the world depending on the types of networks involved, one almost always immediately goes to, “Well, this chipset must not support LTE,” as the difference maker. A similar sentiment arose after Samsung announced the Galaxy S4 and the fact that the U.S. in particular would receive a variant sporting a Snapdragon 600 processor instead of their own Exynos 5 Octa. With Qualcomm leading the mobile processor and modem charge when it comes to LTE, it was easy to buy into this idea. 

According to SamMobile, that is most definitely not the case this time around, though. The official Samsung Exynos Twitter account confirmed to them today that the Exynos 5 Octa actually supports all 20 global LTE bands. And truthfully, this shouldn’t surprise anyone, as the Galaxy Note 2 launched at the end of last year with an Exynos chipset and had no issue connecting to U.S. LTE networks.

So why the Snapdragon 600 then? It likely has to do with volume, and the fact that Samsung may not have been able to make enough Octa processors in time to meet their April launch. With Qualcomm pumping out Snapdragon processors by the minute, I’m sure they were more than willing to offer up their support to one of the biggest smartphone manufacturers in the world.

At this point in the game, does it matter to you all that much when it comes to processor manufacturer? The Snapdragon line has dominated the last couple of years, but do you actively choose handsets depending on processor or are they all powerful enough at this point?

Via:  @SamsungExynos | SamMobile

Samsung Exynos 5 Octa Works on All 20 LTE Bands is a post from: Droid Life

If you needed a freshening up on what specs the new Galaxy S4 is bringing to the table, this infographic should be just the thing. Samsung placed this beauty on the Samsung Tomorrow page, giving a clean and cute look at each of the S4′s specs including processors, exact dimensions, version of Android, and more. 

And for safe measure, they even gave us the colors. I am so all about that black mist.

Via: Samsung Tomorrow

Samsung Sums Up Galaxy S4 Specs With Sweet Infographic is a post from: Droid Life

According to the Taipei Times, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s (TSMC) Q1 revenue will be up this year, all thanks to Samsung’s next move. Apparently, to solve the networking issue that stops OEM’s from releasing the same exact phone across the globe, is to simply use multiple chipsets much like we have seen in the past. For America, Samsung is now rumored to use the Snapdragon 600 that works well on our 4G LTE networks, while their in-house Exynos 5 Octa chip will be perfect for European regions. 

While it is sad news that we may not get to see the Octa come to our soil yet, we know the Snapdragon 600 is nothing to be upset about. In fact, thanks to a benchmark that we spotted earlier, this only gives more credit to this report being factual.

The Galaxy S4 is set for unveiling in just a couple of weeks, folks. We’re excited.

Via: Phone Arena

U.S. Galaxy S4 to Come With Snapdragon 600 While Euro Version Gets Exynos 5 Octa? is a post from: Droid Life

According to Korean media outlet Digital Times, Samsung may have to use a different processor in the Galaxy S4 other than the Exynos Octa processor that was unveiled during CES. Instead, they could use one of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon processors, which wouldn’t be surprising after the benchmark we saw for the Samsung SCH-I545, a device that could be Verizon’s version of the GS4. The processor listed in that benchmark was a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600, the same beast that resides in the new HTC One. By no means would this be some sort of a disappointment, you just wouldn’t be able to run around bragging to friends that your phone has a faux octa-core processor.

This report claims that the Octa is having power consumption issues that may not be resolved in time.

All is rumor or speculation until it becomes official.

Via:  Digital Times

Samsung May Go With Qualcomm Chips in Galaxy S4 Instead of the Octa is a post from: Droid Life

Here is a close up on the exterior of the new Exynos 5 Octa processor from Samsung. Not much to say, but it sure is pretty. From the rumors floating around, we can hope to see this chip in the upcoming Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 devices. But of course, nothing is confirmed until Sammy gives the word.

Until then, I will wait patiently to meet her in person.

Via: SamsungExynos

Close Look: Samsung Posts Close Up of Exynos 5 Octa Processor is a post from: Droid Life

What is being called the Galaxy S4 from Samsung appeared in two separate AnTuTu benchmarks from last night. If the benchmarks are legit, then the S4 is shaping up to be a fantastic device. For starters, the benchmarks reveal two things for certain – that the S4 will come with the all new 1.8GHz Exynos 5 Octa processor, and that the phone is being tested while running Android 4.2.1. 

Just two days ago, it was also reported that the upcoming Galaxy Note 3 would feature the Octa chip as well. If both devices come sporting the new processor, then Samsung is clearly investing quite a bit to make sure this new processor is built to last, despite what Qualcomm might think of it.

As I like to point out, these are only benchmarks and “nothing is confirmed.” We are still awaiting definite information as to when Samsung plans to reveal the S4, but for now, this at least gives us another reason to be excited. MWC is next month and if we don’t get a full look at the device, I’m sure we will at least get some tidbits of info.

Via: SamMobile | Pocket-Lint

Samsung Galaxy S4 Benchmarks Spotted, Sporting 1.8Ghz Exynos 5 Octa Processor is a post from: Droid Life

According to Unwired View, there is no doubt that the next rendition of Samsung’s popular Galaxy Note device will sport the brand new Exynos 5 Octa processor. The Galaxy Note III is said to launch sometime this year in the second half, featuring something like 6.3″ display, dwarfing the already monstrous 5.5″ Galaxy Note II. 

The Octa chip features two quad-core processors, one for high performance and one for power conservation. So, as many have said already, it should not be labeled as a true octa-core chip as the two are never running simultaneously. As for the Galaxy S4, which hasn’t been in the headlines too much yet, is still unspoken for in terms of what chipset we should expect.

As we saw last year, Samsung held their own event in London to unveil the Galaxy S3, so our money would be on them doing the same thing this year and we should plan on not seeing their new lineup at MWC or CTIA. It is a bummer we have to wait, but these next two devices should certainly be worth it, given there are rumors of flexible displays, very high-res screens, and now the Exynos 5 Octa inside.

Via: Unwired View

Samsung Galaxy Note III to Feature New Exynos 5 Octa Processor? is a post from: Droid Life

Many in the world were unable to directly attend Samsung’s keynote in CES, but thanks to the Internet, we can relive the event anytime we like. On Wednesday morning, Samsung took the stage and introduced us to the future of mobile devices – the Exynos 5 Octa processor and flexible display technology. 

In terms of innovation and forward thinking in the mobile industry, you have to give the award to Sammy. And when it comes to the company that might have us most excited in 2013, I think it’s safe to say that this is the easy choice.

For Exynos 5 Octa talk, skip to 12:34. For flexible display goodness, skip to 39:48.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Watch Samsung’s CES Keynote That Features Exynos 5 Octa and Flexible Display Prototypes is a post from: Droid Life

This morning at Samsung’s keynote, the tech giant dropped news on their newest rendition of the popular Exynos 5 processor. The new chip pairs a set of quad-core chips, giving users superior performance and better battery life. The Exynos 5 Octa chip is being based on the ARM big.LITTLE / Cortex A15 architecture, with Samsung claiming two times the performance in tests with 3D gaming compared to anything else on the market. 

So, what phone will sport the new Octa chip? Could we hope to see it in the Galaxy S4 sometime later this year? No word yet on availability from Samsung, but it’s definitely an exciting time for mobile processors given we have new chips from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and now Samsung.

Via: Engadget

Samsung Announces Eight-Core Exynos 5 Octa Chip is a post from: Droid Life