Samsung's Exynos 9810 mobile processor follows Apple's A11 chip with machine learning feat...
Samsung has launched its newest application processor for mobile devices, the Exynos 9 Series 9810, but claimed new features to the processor line, including depth-sensing face detection and deep learning capabilities, suggest Samsung may be borrowing some concepts from in Apple's A11 Bionic, used in the iPhone 8 and iPhone X.
The Exynos 9810, made using Samsung's second-generation 10-nanometer FinFET process, consists of a third-generation custom CPU with eight cores, consisting of four high-powered cores clocked at 2.9GHz combined with four others optimized for efficiency. Using an improved architecture, it is claimed to have double the single-core performance compared to its predecessor, while multi-core performance is said to be increased by around 40 percent.
Notably for this launch, Samsung is touting the chip's capabilities relating to image processing and "neural network-based deep learning," in what could be considered an attempt to match Apple and the new features introduced with the iPhone X.
"This cutting-edge technology allows the processor to accurately recognize people or items in photos for fast image searching or categorization, or through deep sensing, scan a user's face in 3D for hybrid face detection," Samsung's press release states. "By utilizing both hardware and software, hybrid face detection enables realistic face tracking filters as well as stronger security when unlocking a device with one's face."
Apple's A11 Bionic processor has a "Neural Engine" which is used to power the iPhone X's Face ID, taking data from the TrueDepth camera array and creating a depth map of the user's face and comparing it to a previously registered face. This processing and hardware combination is also used for face tracking functions in apps, such as the massively popular Animoji.
Samsung notes "for added security, the processor has a separate security processing unit to safeguard vital personal data such as facial, iris, and fingerprint information." This also sounds similar to the Secure Enclave, another well-known feature of Apple's mobile devices used for storing a user's biometric data.
While this may be seen as an attempt by Samsung to copy Apple, it is worth highlighting that Samsung introduced a facial recognition system in the Galaxy S8, though it was quickly found to be defeated by a photograph of the registered user.
The detailing of the features does suggest Samsung's moving in the same direction as Apple regarding its security, though it also does largely depend on the implementation on a future device as to how closely the two security systems line up. For example, while Apple's TrueDepth camera uses a variety of sensors, Samsung does not describe how its own "hybrid face detection" system works nor the required components used for it to function.
The Exynos 9810's image processing and use of an upgraded multi-format codec reportedly offers advanced image stabilization for photographs and UHD video, with reduced noise and motion blur, and "real-time out-of-focus photography in (a) high resolution." Video recording and playback at UHD resolution at 120 frames per second is also touted, along with 10-bit HEVC and VP9 codec support.
The included LTE modem in the Exynos 9810 is claimed to be the first 1.2 gigabits per second model, as well as the "industry's first" Cat.18 LTE modem to support up to 6 times carrier aggregation for a 1.2 gigabit downlink and 200 megabits per second uplink. The modem also supports 4x4 MIMO and 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplification Modulation) to maximize transfer rates.
Samsung advises that the Exynos 9 Series 9810 is currently in mass production, which strongly suggests it will be used in the "Galaxy S9," this year's release of the flagship product line.
The Exynos 9810, made using Samsung's second-generation 10-nanometer FinFET process, consists of a third-generation custom CPU with eight cores, consisting of four high-powered cores clocked at 2.9GHz combined with four others optimized for efficiency. Using an improved architecture, it is claimed to have double the single-core performance compared to its predecessor, while multi-core performance is said to be increased by around 40 percent.
Notably for this launch, Samsung is touting the chip's capabilities relating to image processing and "neural network-based deep learning," in what could be considered an attempt to match Apple and the new features introduced with the iPhone X.
"This cutting-edge technology allows the processor to accurately recognize people or items in photos for fast image searching or categorization, or through deep sensing, scan a user's face in 3D for hybrid face detection," Samsung's press release states. "By utilizing both hardware and software, hybrid face detection enables realistic face tracking filters as well as stronger security when unlocking a device with one's face."
Apple's A11 Bionic processor has a "Neural Engine" which is used to power the iPhone X's Face ID, taking data from the TrueDepth camera array and creating a depth map of the user's face and comparing it to a previously registered face. This processing and hardware combination is also used for face tracking functions in apps, such as the massively popular Animoji.
Samsung notes "for added security, the processor has a separate security processing unit to safeguard vital personal data such as facial, iris, and fingerprint information." This also sounds similar to the Secure Enclave, another well-known feature of Apple's mobile devices used for storing a user's biometric data.
While this may be seen as an attempt by Samsung to copy Apple, it is worth highlighting that Samsung introduced a facial recognition system in the Galaxy S8, though it was quickly found to be defeated by a photograph of the registered user.
The detailing of the features does suggest Samsung's moving in the same direction as Apple regarding its security, though it also does largely depend on the implementation on a future device as to how closely the two security systems line up. For example, while Apple's TrueDepth camera uses a variety of sensors, Samsung does not describe how its own "hybrid face detection" system works nor the required components used for it to function.
The Exynos 9810's image processing and use of an upgraded multi-format codec reportedly offers advanced image stabilization for photographs and UHD video, with reduced noise and motion blur, and "real-time out-of-focus photography in (a) high resolution." Video recording and playback at UHD resolution at 120 frames per second is also touted, along with 10-bit HEVC and VP9 codec support.
The included LTE modem in the Exynos 9810 is claimed to be the first 1.2 gigabits per second model, as well as the "industry's first" Cat.18 LTE modem to support up to 6 times carrier aggregation for a 1.2 gigabit downlink and 200 megabits per second uplink. The modem also supports 4x4 MIMO and 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplification Modulation) to maximize transfer rates.
Samsung advises that the Exynos 9 Series 9810 is currently in mass production, which strongly suggests it will be used in the "Galaxy S9," this year's release of the flagship product line.
Comments
Still, photocopying the Apple brochure is one thing, getting it to work as well is another.
Apple A10 (iPhone 7 Plus)
-Geekbench Single Core: 3,438
-Geekbench Multi Core: 5,723
-3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (Metal): 1,986
Exynos 8895 (Galaxy S8)
-Geekbench Single Core: 1,956
-Geekbench Multi Core: 6,432
-3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (OpenGL): 3,142
Apple A11 (iPhone X)
-Geekbench Single Core: 4,203
-Geekbench Multi Core: 10,103
-3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (Metal): 2,691
Exynos 9810 (expected performance)
-Geekbench Single Core: 3,912 (2x performance increase)
-Geekbench Multi Core: 9,005 (1.4x performance increase)
-3DMark Sling Shot Extreme (OpenGL): 3,770 (1.2x performance increase)
Geekbench values: https://browser.geekbench.com/
3DMark values: https://www.futuremark.com/hardware/mobile
It looks like Samsung will extend their graphics lead and start approaching Apple in single core and multi core performance. It's clear that Apple has a decent lead in CPU performance.
I don't have a clue as to what Apple needs to do to crush Samsung's smartphone business and at this point it may be too late. The tech-critics are going to heap mountains of praise for the Galaxy S9, saying how much better it is than the iPhone X and there's nothing Apple can really do about it. It will just be business as usual for Apple.
Defensive much?
Further, how could they double single core and yet manage a measly 40% multi core increase? Something doesn’t add up.
Unless...
They doubled performance of their low power cores by 2X, not their high power cores.
I don't think Apple needs to do anything to crush Samsung. They just need to stay focused on themselves and not worry about what someone else is doing....like Samsung does. Again, its not about selling the most of a product...its about selling something better. More doesn't mean better. I don't know why some correlate one with the other.
And, since when has Samsung did something better than Apple, especially on a wide scale? They're a follower, not a leader and when they do release something before Apple, such as facial recognition for example its very, very poorly engineered. First doesn't mean shit if it sucks in the end. As much as maybe you want Android to be wiped out, I don't want them to be. Apple needs competition. Same goes for Windows...I don't really want Microsoft to fail. I want them to succeed. This will keep Apple on their toes.
Try the fish…
Apple crushed Samsung years ago. Not sure what you’re on about, but you’re clearly wrong.
Geekbench Single Core:
-Exynos 8890 (Galaxy S7 - M1): 1,758
-Exynos 8895 (Galaxy S8 - M2): 1,956
The M3 is a new design. So it's not exactly year over year performance as they essentially stood still in 2017.
...
The design lifecycle for these products is measured in years, not months. In other words, Samsung was working on this stuff in parallel to Apple, not serially.
Is this some kind of backroom deal to license Qualcomm’s wireless IP for use in their Exynos?
Somebody develops a method of steering a horseless carriage with levers. Somebody else comes a long with a wheel for steering. At some point the wheel becomes everybody's choice.
Ok, that's some funny stuff right there!
Wait, he's serious ?! That's hysterically funny!
Irrelevant as to whether it’s a new design. Nobody has ever come close to 4,000 single core. Not Samsung, not Qualcomm or even ARM themselves. Likewise, neither of them has ever seen increases in performance anywhere near 2X. Ever.
To think Samsung is going to hit 4,000 in single core us just wishful thinking.
I’m more interested in the wireless tech, but it seems like everyone’s spec is a bazillion Mbps when in reality it nice to maintaining 2Mbps.
I’ll be thrilled when I can get 10Mbps, which is really what I’m paying for but not receiving now.
You're arguing with Samsung's claims. Obviously we'll see when the Galaxy S9 launches, but I don't see why Samsung would lie about their performance to such an extent.