Samsung has officially announced its latest Exynos 9810 mobile processor expected to power the next-generation Galaxy S9 series, indicating that its next flagships will boast iPhone X-like features.
The company's new CPU is based on its second-generation 10-nm FinFET architecture, and it's not only faster and more power-efficient, but it also comes with advanced artificial intelligence and deep learning capabilities. This should translate to improved facial recognition and object detection in photos.
"The Exynos 9 Series 9810 is our most innovative mobile processor yet, with our third-generation custom CPU, ultra-fast gigabit LTE modem and, deep learning-enhanced image processing," says Ben Hur, Samsung Electroncs' VP of System LSI marketing. "The Exynos 9810 will be a key catalyst for innovation in smart platforms such as smartphones, personal computing and automotive for the coming AI era."
Samsung Exynos 9810 Power
The octa-core Samsung Exynos 9810 will be faster than its predecessor, reaching top speeds of 2.9 GHz. Samsung also touts twice as much single-core performance and roughly 40 percent more powerful multi-core performance. A 1.2 Gbps LTE modem baked into the chip will allow for "ultra-fast" LTE speeds, as well up to 6x carrier aggregation.
While such improvements in speed and performance were expected, the highlight of the new Exynos 9810 lies in its AI features and deep learning capabilities based on neural networks, aiming to take smartphones to the next level.
Face Detection And Object Recognition
Samsung says that the advanced AI and deep learning features enable the Exynos 9810 to accurately recognize faces or objects from images, which should come in handy for search or categorizing as well as from depth sensing, which would involve scanning a user's face for facial recognition. Hybrid face detection would rely on both software and hardware to tap advanced face-tracking filters and enhance security for devices with facial recognition locks.
Speaking of enhanced security, the Exynos 9810 also comes with a separate security processing unit designed to keep biometric data (such as fingerprint, iris, and facial scans) safe and out of reach.
Face ID Rival?
Simply put, it looks like Samsung is working on its own technology that would rival Apple's Face ID, but a solid implementation will likely not be ready in time for the Galaxy S9 series. While the current Samsung Galaxy flagships already support 2D facial recognition, the technology is considered less secure compared to Apple's Face ID.
Samsung also promises improved photography and video recording, better stabilization, and an enhanced experience overall compared to its predecessor. The Exynos 9810 is a CES 2018 Innovation Awards Honoree in the category called Embedded Technologies and will be showcased at the event starting next week.
