Soon after Apple announced that the new A7 chip that powers the iPhone 5s will be the first 64-bit processor used in a smartphone, Samsung responded with a mighty, “Us too!” and announced that their next generation Galaxy handset will, of course, be 64-bit. Oh, and they’re going to start concentrating on China, because, well… Apple.
Samsung co-CEO Shin Jong-kyun spoke withThe Korea Times about his company’s future plans, and revealed that upcoming Galaxy-branded handsets will add 64-bit processing. The company’s current flagship Galaxy S4 and recently announced Galaxy Note 3 run 32-bit processors.
Shin did not provide a timetable for a 64-bit Galaxy debut, merely saying: “Not in the shortest time, but yes, our next smartphones will have 64-bit processing functionality.”
Shin also remarked that Samsung will expand its handset business in China, in order to better compete with Apple in that country’s smartphone market, which is the world’s largest.
“Samsung understands that Apple intends to boost its mobile business in China, as well as in Japan, meaning that we should try harder in these countries,” Shin said.
Samsung will hold a launch event for its latest Galaxy Note 3 tablet in China.
(UPDATE 9/13/13) – While Samsung may be going 64-bit in their future Galaxy handsets, they may run into one roadblock, the Android OS that Samsung uses in its devices hasn’t made the move to 64-bit support yet.
… Apple clearly has the jump on the industry here, not simply because it has built the first 64-bit smartphone, but because it has designed iOS 7 to support a 64-bit chip. Google hasn’t yet transitioned Android to 64-bit. Until it does, it makes little sense for Samsung to build a 64-bit phone.