7 ways the Snapdragon S4 makes the Nokia Lumia 920 amazing

More magnificent reasons to get very excited about the world's most innovative smartphone.

Thanks to mind-blowing innovations from chip manufacturers like Qualcomm, we’re taking more pictures, watching higher quality video, and surfing faster than ever on our smartphones. But what does the future hold? With the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 set to hit shelves soon, we’ve taken a look at how the processor that powers them, Qualcomm’s revolutionary Snapdragon S4, will make your smartphone experience even more amazing.
1. Lower Power Consumption

First, let’s talk power consumption. The Snapdragon S4 processor has been transitioned to a 28nm process (from 45nm), which makes it smallest in the industry, yet it still packs in more transistors. This new process also reduces leakage so that the chip consumes very little energy, helping your smartphone battery last all day.

What’s more, it stays cool to the touch. To see how much cooler check out this experiment Qualcomm performed with a Snapdragon S4 and some butter. (Yeah, you heard right!)

2. Better Performance

The S4 also introduces a new CPU and GPU, which work in concert to make the Windows Phone 8 experience lightning fast. Now that Windows Phone 8 supports multi-core processing, the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 can fully take advantage of Snapdragon’s multiple Krait CPU cores.

In other words, even the most sophisticated apps and complex user interfaces will run buttery smooth. Paired with the new Adreno 225 GPU, the new Lumias also promise to bring console quality gaming and even more stunning graphics.

3. Lightning-Fast 4G Connectivity

For most of us, mobile surfing is one of the joys of owning a smartphone. With 4G LTE, you can surf the Web, video conference, or play multiplayer games at up to 10 times the speed of conventional 3G.

Although previous 4G LTE implementions used to come at the expense of battery life, that’s no longer the case with Snapdragon’s integrated LTE multimode modem. By combining the modem and application processor, having Snapdragon in your phone means better battery life no matter what the connection speed is.

4. Higher Definition

One thing that really makes a smartphone special is the quality of its graphics. Within the Snapdragon S4 processor, you’ll find the Adreno 225 GPU. This both improves overall graphics performance and saves power in the process. The proof is in how fast your web browser displays pages, how quickly your navigation app responds, and of course, how amazing your favorite game looks when playing it.

It’s the same graphics component that’ll enable the Nokia Lumia 920 and 820 to not only play the latest DirectX 3D games, but also drive HD content and support 720p displays at 60fps. If you’re a gamer, prepare to be wowed!

5. Better Security

Unfortunately, mobile hacking is becoming increasingly common, and the problem looks set to get worse. Fortunately, the Snapdragon S4 incorporates Qualcomm’s Secure MSM™. This is hardware and software-based security measures that provide features such as encrypted boot, secure code signing service, and Trustzone SEE.  

6. Cooler Camera

Thanks to PureView technology and Snapdragon’s Image Signal Processor (ISP), the Nokia Lumia 920 has an incredible camera.

Coupled with the S4’s zippy performance, you can take your video and photo experience to new heights. Get ready to enjoy silky smooth 1080p video capture and overall speed and image quality enhancements, including image stabilization.

7. Faster Location Services

Unlike some smartphones, Nokia Lumias use mapping software that you can rely on. The Snapdragon S4 makes it even more accurate by featuring support for both GPS and GLONASS.

Once you have access to both satellite networks, your phone can determine your location quicker and within a 2 meter radius. What’s more, you’ll get fewer service interruptions.