Last year we heard that some of Samsung’s smartphones were capable of boosting benchmarking scores. This was done when the handset would detect certain benchmarking applications and then increase the CPU limits to boost the score.
According to a recent report by Ars Technica, Samsung’s Android 4.4 KitKat update has put an end to these practices of boosting benchmark scores.
Ars Technica has tested various Samsung devices running Android 4.3 and Android 4.4 and discovered that the devices running Android 4.4 are no longer gaming benchmarking applications to achieve a higher score.
Background on Benchmark Boosting
Benchmark boosting is a practice where smartphone manufacturers optimize their devices to perform better specifically during benchmarking tests. This is often done by increasing the CPU and GPU performance temporarily when a benchmarking application is detected. While this can result in higher scores, it does not reflect the device’s true performance during regular usage. This practice has been criticized for misleading consumers and reviewers about the actual capabilities of the device.
Samsung was one of the companies found to be engaging in this practice. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 were reported to run at higher CPU frequencies when benchmarking apps were detected, compared to when running normal applications. This led to inflated benchmark scores that did not accurately represent the device’s everyday performance.
Impact of Android 4.4 KitKat Update
The Android 4.4 KitKat update appears to have put an end to these practices. Ars Technica’s tests on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 showed that both devices are now performing normally with Android 4.4. This means that the devices no longer increase their CPU limits when running benchmarking applications, resulting in more accurate and reliable benchmark scores.
This change is significant for several reasons. First, it ensures that consumers get a more accurate representation of a device’s performance. Benchmark scores are often used by consumers to compare different devices and make purchasing decisions. By eliminating benchmark boosting, Samsung is providing more honest and transparent information to its customers.
Second, this change could influence other manufacturers to follow suit. If Samsung, one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world, is taking steps to eliminate benchmark boosting, other companies may feel pressured to do the same. This could lead to more accurate benchmarking practices across the industry, benefiting consumers and reviewers alike.
Finally, this change highlights the importance of software updates. The Android 4.4 KitKat update not only brought new features and improvements to Samsung devices but also addressed an important issue related to benchmark boosting. This demonstrates how software updates can play a crucial role in improving the overall user experience and ensuring fair practices in the industry.
In conclusion, Samsung’s decision to stop inflating benchmark scores with the Android 4.4 KitKat update is a positive step towards more accurate and reliable benchmarking practices. This change benefits consumers by providing more honest information about a device’s performance and could influence other manufacturers to follow suit. It also highlights the importance of software updates in addressing important issues and improving the overall user experience.
Source Ars Technica
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