For most Android fan boys, benchmark tests have been a common standard when comparing Android-powered devices. And although a lot of people know that these benchmark tests are not the most accurate way of gauging a device’s overall performance, they are still widely used since they are the most convenient and provides the most detailed representation of smartphone computing power.
- Benchmark Booster
- Exynos 5 Octa
- Galaxy S4
For most Android fan boys, benchmark tests have been a common standard when comparing Android-powered devices. And although a lot of people know that these benchmark tests are not the most accurate way of gauging a device’s overall performance, they are still widely used since they are the most convenient and provides the most detailed representation of smartphone computing power.
However, recent reports may have tainted the reputation of benchmark tests as being reliable. According to a report by AnandTech, Samsung may have allegedly taught its Galaxy S4 some tricks to score higher in benchmark tests compared to other handsets. According to the report, Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa chip on the Galaxy S4 is instructed to run at a higher frequency when being benchmarked than during normal day-to-day activities. Specifically, the chip is set to run at 533MHz during the test instead of the normal 480MHz.
Moreover, the device is set to use the Cortex A15 cores that are clocked at 1.2GHz during benchmarking which allows it to get higher scores. Samsung has also reportedly included some code in the Galaxy S4 called “BenchmarkBooster” that instructs the device to increase its clock speed when certain apps are running.
There’s no word from Samsung yet, but the bottom line is that consumers shouldn’t base their purchases completely on benchmark scores or device’s specs sheet but more on the device’s performance in day-to-day conditions..
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