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.

Published by Joel Willans on September 28, 2012

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™. These are hardware and software-based security measures, which 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.

All of these magnificent seven features help make the Nokia Lumia 920 the world’s most innovative smartphone. But which ones have you yee-hawing loudest? As ever, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

image credit: Kirsty Hall

Comments

  • no_soul

    All this talk about all these things but no word on when the phone’s going to be available. My 5800 is literally on it’s last breath and I’m trying to hold out for the 920 (I refuse to get the 900 at this point) but seriously if my 5800 takes it’s last breath I’ll have to just move on from Nokia (first time since my 2160).

    • Marc_Aurel

      Why wait for the Lumia 920 when the 808 PW is available right now for about the same price?

      • no_soul

        Simple… I dont want it

      • batmanuel

        One word: Symbian. Some of us find it useful to be able to copy and paste text from emails and web pages. Plus, based on comparisons I have seen, the actually 920 does low light better than the 808.

        • http://www.facebook.com/sactor Antti Kumpulainen

          FYI Symbian has never had any problems copying and pasting text.

          Symbian has some annoying performance and usability related problems but the available features are not the problem.

        • klaudio

          The Lumia 920 does better than the 808 in low light if both are set at automatic modes, if the 808 settings are well customized, 808 does way better, even thought Lumia 920 does an amazing job…

        • Marc_Aurel

          Slightly better if and ONLY if you’re shooting a stationary subject, which is where the optical image stabilization helps. For everything else the 808 is much superior with an image quality on par with high end compact cameras and providing a lossless zoom. The 920 is nice for a phone camera, but almost any mid-range (¨300€) compact camera has offered similar image quality for years.

          • no_soul

            The 808 just isn’t for me, regardless of it’s camera capabilities. I’m really not that concerned about the camera not even on the 920. From a design stand point the 920 is just far more appealing.

      • Thomas Bundgaard

        Why would anyone want to buy the 808?

    • http://www.facebook.com/gmiguel83 Jorge Miguel

      Good things come to those who wait.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1420050131 Srikanth Chowdary

      Dude….just 1 more month …. It is worth waiting for this phone..Embrace it.. The fun starts on oct 26 when MS announces its windows OS…

      • no_soul

        Waiting isn’t the problem… if my phone dies i’ll NEED a phone so the wait ends there. My Phone’s been broken since January I was going to replace it with the 900 but I just couldn’t do it knowing WP8 was coming this year as well. So now I’m just at that point where as long as the phone keeps working I’ll keep waiting.

        • obaemf

          Come on. 5800 is capable of more than you give it credit for. It won’t die in one month. The wait is worth it. & I am sure your 5800 will still be alive long after you buy 920.

          • no_soul

            Dont get it wrong.. I love that phone I mean LOOOOOVE it. IF you should see it right now you’d agree with me. Touch screen response is gone, I have replaced the screen and touch digitizer (albeit not OEM but that what I was able to find) and it went out again, The phone has fallen so many times and taken such a beating I don’t even know what’s holding it together anymore. I cant call anyone, I cant text, I pretty much can only do what the hardware buttons will allow me to do. My 5800 has been a real trooper but like 99 year old on life support it’s more than time to put it to rest.

          • obaemf

            I Agree

  • http://twitter.com/Hdrules Hdrules

    Snapdragon s4 gives same performance as some of the quad core chipsets like nvidia tegra 3 but surely snapdragon s4 pro quad core chipset is the best right now and according to leaks second wave of windows phone 8 phones will come with that chipset at mwc 2013

    • http://www.facebook.com/gmiguel83 Jorge Miguel

      Great stuff. Can’t wait to see what Nokia has in store for next year.

  • Marc_Aurel

    I raise your copy by the original (and superior):

  • Carter

    Awesome stats, thanks for sharing! But if I get any more reasons to want the 920, I’m not going to sleep nights.

    Me, channeling Kirk from Wrath of Kahn:
    WHHEEEEEENNNNNNNNN????

  • Pipould

    Yeah… and fuck st microelectronics, your oldest and european partner who makes better chips than this…

  • Hand&Stone

    Why this flagship phone don’t have the adreno 320? It’s ok the dual core but I want something more the competitors, and really new.

    • Maverick

      Snapdragon s4 gives same performance as some of the quad core chipsets like nvidia tegra. The Quad Core is not necessary as the Windows Phone 8 is very smooth and fastest that iOs or the heavy Android.

      It’s like a Formula 1 car that don’t need to have 1000hp motor to be the fastest, because it’s built to race and to be fast!

      • Hand&Stone

        i’m talkin only about the gpu, not the dual or quadcore. I wish something really new on my next device. This s4 is the same on the (nearly one year old) htc one s. And the same of the ativ s and 8x, I want more from nokia. Whatever, I will buy it.
        P.S. sorry for my english :)

        • Gaichuke

          Maybe the S4 was found sufficient for WP8? There’s no point to have more than is needed.

          • Hand&Stone

            sufficient, sufficient.. the single core on wp was sufficient too, but now we are celebrating the s4..

          • Maverick

            The WP single core is under WP7 and know we talk about WP8, dual core! Windows Phone is more ecology protector than the heavy Android that need more chip-core to catch! It’s also the reason why the new iPhone is dual-core (even if this end is overtaked)

            It Is like a Formula 1 car that don’t need to have 1000hp motor to be the fastest, because it’s built to race and to be fast!

          • Hand&Stone

            and tomorrow, when will released wp9 my lumia 920 will not updated because the low specs? It’s only a provocation ;) I still love this phone

        • Maverick

          Adreno 320 is part of Snapdragon s4 pro quadcore as mentionned before! Even if

          Adreno 225 seamed slower… WP8, Is like a Formula 1 car that don’t need to have 1000hp motor to be the fastest, because it’s built to race and to be fast!

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001748587994 Oliver Ulm

          The S4 Plus is a single Chip containing 2 Krait Cores and the Adreno 225. If you want an Adreno 320 you only have the option of using the S4 Pro Quadcore. The S4 Pro does currently not come in a variant with included modem which is highly likely to give you a much worse battery life (multi-chip-solution).

      • jenesuispasbavard

        Still doesn’t answer ‘Why not Adreno 320?’. However you put it, the Adreno 225 is slower than the Adreno 320, which will already be in some phones by the time the Lumia 920 launches.

        • Hand&Stone

          exactly

        • Maverick

          Even if Adreno 225 seamed slower… WP8, It’s like a Formula 1 car that don’t need to have 1000hp motor to be the fastest, because it’s built to race and to be fast!

          Adreno 320 is part of Snapdragon s4 pro quadcore as mentionned before!

          Read all the comments before !

    • http://twitter.com/Hdrules Hdrules

      adreno 320 is part of Snapdragon s4 pro quadcore SoC so watch out for 2nd wave of windows phone 8 devices in 2013 Q1 i.e at Mobile world congress 2013.

      • Hand&Stone

        S4 Pro dual core does exist, now.

        • http://twitter.com/Hdrules Hdrules

          yep it does but only seen with android….it could be that currently wp8 may not support that SoC

          • Hand&Stone

            maybe.. but is not a good thing, I think. People wants specs! ;

    • klaudio

      That would only raise its price, for the moment is simply not useful…

  • fireski

    Awesome phone and specs. Any idea what US carrier will offer the 920?

  • Savio Sebastian

    Wow… Nokia 920 sounds awesome with the Snapdragon. Thanks for writing!

  • http://twitter.com/strategyplanone Strategy Plan One

    Lower power consumption rocks !! Devices suck energy like crazy. Cheers and thanks for sharing the info

  • http://twitter.com/mbazaluk Mike Bazaluk

    managed to get my paws on one of these briefly , was doubtful it being on 2 core, but very impressive response cleared any concerns straight away. Cant wait to see what its like on 4G when it hits the uk at the end of the year

  • http://twitter.com/1Claudiu Claudiu Gabriel

    go Nokia, go !

  • Micha66

    This would be such a great device. Why oh why only Windows Phone, Nokia? Its a shame. :-(

    • Emi Cyberschreiber

      there is always an idiot who says that and hasn’t used Windows Phone os. yo know they are commited to Windows phone right? why then you check nokias phones if you know lumias are WP?…. or you are the idiots that want laggy crapdroid? oh yeah that would be better and it would sabe Nokia /s

      • Micha66

        Insulting others may feel you stronger, right?
        I’ve used a Lumia 800. It is the worst Nokia I have ever owned. Short behind is the N97, but the N97 were still able to do the job.
        Why should it be the problem of the users if Nokia is committed to Windows Phone?

        You are calling other users idiots but suggests others may want “crapdroid” from Nokia. LOL! If I want Android I would buy a Samsung. So I’m sure the true idiot are you. You are only a Windows Phone Fanboy or a payed student. You are not a Nokia Fan or you would know about the famous and great alternatives Nokia has developed and why the old Nokia fans (had only Nokia the past 16 years) are still around here, despite the company is committed only to Windows Phone and has stopped to release great devices.
        There will be hopefully a time after Microsoft when Nokia is beginning to produce again great Smartphones which are worth every cent. The hope is the last thing which dies.

        • Emi Cyberschreiber

          dude, seriously… i wont even read what you wrote because its probably not even imporant and it is really long. have a good day!

          • Kadusch

            It is unbelivable how you’re even able to post yourself on the internet. Just WOW!

          • Micha66

            If “dudes” like you are the new target user group of Nokia I’m more afraid than before.

      • Kadusch

        Such Kiddies are a shame. Nokia should block this account. Seriously.

  • http://www.freenclearstuff.com/ Amber Taylor

    Woo – that camera looks promising!

  • http://www.splitfeathers.blogspot.com Trace A. DeMeyer

    I’m impressed!

  • http://www.newsmeback.com NewsMeBack

    This is great improvement

  • http://www.facebook.com/kaspars.brivers Kaspars Brivers

    Love it or hate, but Lumia 920 is phone of the year 2012! No one introduced so many great innovations.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003530045713 Vinci Agapito

      Nokia s̶t̶i̶l̶l̶ ALWAYS INNOVATES.

    • http://www.facebook.com/gmiguel83 Jorge Miguel

      I second :)

  • http://twitter.com/mxcmxc mxcmxc

    Lumia 920 Most innovative device

  • http://twitter.com/xmesaj2 Maciej Klimas

    Will Nokia exchage my Galaxy S2 for Lumia 920?

    • MS 31684

      yes dude…Lumia rocks…

  • http://www.facebook.com/njaymaldito NJay Maldito

    I am surely getting this but one thing that concerns me is how reliable Windows 8 is when it comes to future OS updates?

    • http://www.facebook.com/ayushashokagrawal Ayush Agrawal

      From the date you purchase at least 18 months software update guaranteed by Microsoft.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/CeeGee-Borela/100000183782060 CeeGee Borela

    i LOVE number 7

    “some smartphones” hahahaha

  • http://www.facebook.com/nutu.florin Nutu Florin

    nice!

  • http://www.facebook.com/nutu.florin Nutu Florin

    I want this phone!

  • yASSER

    When is the release name? CAN’T WIT

  • LBL

    Too much PR. SELL IT !!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Aasys Sresta

    “Unlike some smartphones, Nokia Lumias use mapping…” Clever NOKIA

  • http://www.salesdrive.com.au/ Ivor Kellock

    I’m all for lower power consumption, longer battery life & easier use……..thanks nokia & snapdragon

  • Endijs

    6. Cooler Camera! Image is fake! Not taken with Lumia 920

  • http://twitter.com/U_SAF Yousaf

    Super… my love with Nokia is further strengthen!

  • http://www.facebook.com/anesm Anes Mulalic

    A stupid article.

  • JackLloyd.

    I (reluctantly) went with an iPhone 4 after the N95 got just a little too old to keep, and I did like it at first, but I am fed up with Apple and the iPhone 5 is frankly disappointing at best. Cannot wait to try out the Lumia 920 and WP8, I hope it’s as good as it sounds!!! Long live Nokia and Microsoft.

    • http://www.allthatgamingstuff.com/ JasonGW

      I switched from iPhone to Windows Phone 7 almost 2 years ago, and I’m never looking back :). WP makes iOS look like an antique!

      • JackLloyd.

        Glad you said that as although I’m looking forward to try WP8 I’m a little scared to leave iOS’s app store, installous and cydia etc. But I’m sure it will be worth it! :)

  • hot_spare

    An outdated processor. Exactly what WP deserves.

    • JackLloyd.

      What are you on about?

  • Ravi

    All phones are like son infront of the father lumia 920

  • http://www.facebook.com/sharkezo Muhammad El Sharkawy

    “Unlike some smartphones, Nokia Lumias use mapping software that you can rely on.”

    sneaky : D

  • http://twitter.com/calster1 Calster1 L.

    Still would be nice if smartphones allowed for removable batteries again. Always nice to have a spare battery!

  • http://www.facebook.com/alex.zigante.56 Alex Žigante

    sorry for my bad english. Is posible that if i show you our 6 nokia telophones i will get a -60% of nokia lumia price discount.

  • http://www.facebook.com/hady.tawk Hady Tawk

    Waiting for the Nokia Lumia 920 . I’ve always been a Nokia fan and I always trusted Nokia in delivering the best handsets in the world!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1148564638 Borys Bozzor Pawliw

    After 4 years of iPhones, I have held off on the iPhone 5 just to see how the 920 pans out: so far am more than impressed and very keen to read the first reviews and see the thing myself. Most likely will be going for it. Nokia, it will be great to have you back where you belong – leading the pack!

  • Conor Raypholtz

    end of the month 8D

    • Conor Raypholtz

      but you should have went for 8 ways and added in game performance.

  • Julian

    Not going to hate. Nokia have nailed it here.
    But they still don’t have that feel (premium?) of the iPhone.
    Just saying.
    Personally think that Apple innovated more in the iPhone 5: Apple-designed chipset, amazing appearance, iOS 6. Brilliant.

  • Chase Cole

    The HTC 8x has snapdragon too, but will all this stuff be on it??

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Bharath-Ambati/100000331164825 Bharath Ambati

    Great Innovation really!

    but what matters is the “time to market”. Whats the point in announcing a product with unknown availability and price? And you see millions of devices from competition already sold before even the innovative product is on stands

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1156805760 Sam Insomniac

    :”) Its great to be around Nokia guys

  • muvig

    i hope it has FM radio so that i can upgrade

  • http://www.facebook.com/rajgandhi1 Raj Gandhi

    SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

  • muvig

    My advice to nokia, Follow microsoft’s way of doing business (customer care). No nothing was dropped by MS since win95 to Win7, even windows 7 has Ex mode to carter for those that have their applications which doesn’t run on Win7,

    And look at what you did Nokia, from nokia n8 to lumias, what is only common is the name nokia & just 1 or 2 features, the rest were dropped and replaced by new features.

    very soon we will be upgrading to win 8 becoz there is nothing to fear, it obvious all features which were on win 7 are there + new ones

  • http://twitter.com/brownruth361 11spartans

    reduce battery consumption with these simple tips of your lumia 920.