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Samsung Debuts 1 GHz Version of Processor Found in iPhone 3GS

Tuesday July 28, 2009 1:07 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
Samsung yesterday introduced a new 1 GHz mobile processor core, code-named "Hummingbird", utilizing the Cortex-A8 implementation found in the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS currently uses a version of the chip running at 600 MHz. As noted by CNET, the new processor core could theoretically be dropped into the existing iPhone 3GS design with very few other changes required.

"Samsung could drop Hummingbird into the existing S5PC100 design with few or no changes," Halfhill said in response to an e-mail query, referring to the S5PC100 processor now used in the iPhone 3GS. "Bingo! A next-gen iPhone that could run at speeds up to 1.0GHz," he said.

Apple has, however, in the past underclocked such chips to address heat and power concerns in its mobile devices, so it remains unclear whether a "drop-in" upgrade to 1 GHz would be feasible.

Furthermore, given Apple's product cycle that typically sees new iPhone launches in June or July each year, it is possible that even more advanced chips will be available by the time the iPhone is ready for its next refresh. Previous reports have pointed to delivery of dual-core mobile chips utilizing next-generation Cortex-A9 technology in 2010, although whether such chips will be shipping in quantity in time for a mid-2010 iPhone launch is also unknown.
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ventro
Posted: 37 months ago
Introducing the new iPhone with Sure-Melt technology. Once it melts, it'll be sure to fit like a glove in the palm of your hand. Forever.
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SFStateStudent
Posted: 37 months ago
Next they're gonna' put a couple of FANS in the 3GS.....:p:p:p
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iCantwait
Posted: 37 months ago
3gss
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iphones4evry1
Posted: 37 months ago
Competition is a very good thing.

So then, is it safe to say that the new iPhone 3GSS that is coming in June 2010 will have a 1 GHz processor?

Looks like all of the people that skipped the 3GS and are waiting for the next iPhone, are in for a dual-core 1.0GHz+ treat in June 2010. And with the rate of RAM and flash memory prices plummeting, the next iPhone could be a heck of a lot more like a real full-size computer.

Apple's answer to the netbook will finally be here ... in June 2010, as the dual-core, DDR2 RAM, iPhone 3.5G-SS !!!!!!
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wizard
Posted: 37 months ago
I could see this going into Touch no problem. Even more so if Apple could order it with a better GPU. I don't think Apple would bother with a 2GS update as it would confuse the marketplace. The power savings would be nice though even at 600 MHz.

What is obvious is that these process shrinks offer a lot to the potential future devices. In other words we should have 1 GHz devices in the palm of our hands soon. It is also good news if Samsung is going to be PA Semi / Apples foundry. It means Apple could be delivering products on 45nm tech real soon.

Just imagine a quad core ARM SoC running at let's say 800MHz. That should produce a very competitive tablet when compared to what is possible with Intel Atom.


Dave
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wizard
Posted: 37 months ago

So then, is it safe to say that the new iPhone 3GSS that is coming in June 2010 will have a 1 GHz processor?


The problem is it might make more sense to add more cores to ease the problem of power management. So we might get two cores at 800MHz or four at 600MHz. Like current desktop processors you have tobyrade off clock rate aganst cores and come up with a mix that offers optimal user experiences. Since clock rate means power in a portable device I'd expect more cores before we hit extremely high clocks. Even with single cores Apple gas been opting for slower than max clock rates in iPhone.

Plus by that time they might have OpenCL for iPhone running. If the GPU picks up even more work from the CPU yet lower clock rates could be justified. It all depends on how agressive they want to be power management wise. Which by the way could vary from device to device.

This revelation just gives Apple another ingredient to throw into the iPhone batter.


Thanks Dave
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wonderbread57
Posted: 37 months ago
I wonder if at some point Apple will need to separate apps intended for next gen hardware from the older ones or if it will be like the rest of the software market place where there is suggested specs on the game/app and it's up to the user to decide their acceptable quality of experience based on their generation of hardware (iphone/touch).
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bboucher790
Posted: 37 months ago
I doubt Apple will use this chip or something like it. There were rumors that Apple is moving a multi-core design, which offers faster performance and even less power usage. That seems more in line with what Apple would want in a processor. I'm confident next year's iPhone will see a significant boost in battery life. LED screen, faster and more efficient processor, etc etc.....I mark this as very, very unlikely.
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kironin
Posted: 37 months ago
Kick ass! till it melts.
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noone
Posted: 37 months ago
I bet that Safari would feel snappier. ;)
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