The Nvidia Tegra 4 processor has been unveiled at the CES where the company’s CEO Jen-Hsun Huang, claimed it to be the world’s fastest SoC. It will be rolled out for not only smartphones and tablets, but also gaming devices, auto systems and PCs.
Similar to its predecessor, Tegra 4 is a quad core SoC accompanied by a fifth battery-saver core. But what sets the two CPUs apart, is that the latest one comes with the first 4-Plus-1 application of the ARMv7A architecture known as Cortex A15. This is said to boost tasks like web browsing and accessing apps up to 2.6 times faster.
The manufacturer’s 4-Plus-1 architecture includes a 2nd generation battery saver core. It is also known as a companion core and it manages low-priority tasks like active standby, music and video. This lifts the workload off of the remaining cores and leads to a reduction in power consumption.
With the same intention, the chipset also employs the Prism 2 Display technology to cut down the backlit power while rendering high resolution visuals. It takes up roughly 45 percent less energy in comparison to the previous version and delivers up to 14 hours of HD video playback time on phones.
The Computational Photography Architecture, as the California-based company puts it, renders photos and videos in HDR. This is made possible by merging together the processing power of the GPU, CPU and the camera’s image-signal processor.
A GeForce GPU with 72 cores has been included to make graphics 6 times faster than in devices running Tegra 3. The fifth-generation Icera i500 modem enables data access through 4G LTE networks, but this chipset is optional.
Even though the Nvidia Tegra 4 has been revealed at the CES 2013 in all its glory, it is still unclear as to when it will make its way into the market. On the other hand, it feels like it might just be worth the wait. In the mean time, take a look at what the processor can do when fitted into a handheld gaming console, in the video attached below.
Let’s run through the key highlights of the SoC:
– GeForce GPU with 72 cores
– Quad core ARM Cortex A15, plus 2nd generation battery saver core
– Computational photography architecture
– LTE capability with optional Icera i500 chipset
– 4K ultra-HD video support