Samsung has denied claims that it tweaks its flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone to help create inflated perform scores during benchmark tests.
AnandTech claims the company set the device to yield an 11 percent performance enhancement for benchmarking applications, which does not carry over into regular apps and ‘real world’ use from customers. The idea, it is suggested, is that the changes help media that put the phone through its paces to mark it as being faster than it actually is, giving it a clock speed of 533MHz rather than the usual 480MHz.
The company initially responded via a post on its Korean blog — spotted by The Verge — but now an English-langue statement provided to TNW gives an explicit denial that there has been any meddling with the device:
Under ordinary conditions, the Galaxy S4 has been designed to allow a maximum GPU frequency of 533MHz. However, the maximum GPU frequency is lowered to 480MHz for certain gaming apps that may cause an overload, when they are used for a prolonged period of time in full-screen mode. Meanwhile, a maximum GPU frequency of 533MHz is applicable for running apps that are usually used in full-screen mode, such as the S Browser, Gallery, Camera, Video Player, and certain benchmarking apps, which also demand substantial performance.
The maximum GPU frequencies for the Galaxy S4 have been varied to provide optimal user experience for our customers, and were not intended to improve certain benchmark results.
We remain committed to providing our customers with the best possible user experience.
Samsung doesn’t directly address AnandTech, nor did it challenge the tech site’s finding of code that suggested certain apps — namely those used for benchmarking — are specifically singled out for speed enhancements of the Galaxy S4.
Earlier today, the company revealed it will introduce dual-mode LTE versions of the Galaxy S4 and the Galaxy S4 Mini to help users enjoy 4G mobile broadband worldwide.
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The Galaxy S4 racked up 10 million shipments within one month of its launch, becoming the fastest Samsung phone to do so. Reports in Korea suggested that it passed 20 million shipments earlier this month, however Samsung declined to comment on that suggestion.
Update: The statement is now on Samsung’s English blog.
Headline image via Greg Wood / AFP / Getty Images
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