NVIDIA Tegra 3 vs. TI OMAP4460

Attribute	NVIDIA Tegra 3	TI OMAP4460
Processor	Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9	Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9
Graphics	ULP GeForce	PowerVR SGX540
Manufacturing Process	40nm	45nm
Clock Speed	Up to 1.4 GHz	Up to 1.5 GHz
Memory Support	LPDDR2	LPDDR2
Maximum Display Resolution	1920x1200	1280x800
Camera Support	Up to 12 MP	Up to 20 MP
Video Playback	1080p	1080p
Wireless Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Introduction

When it comes to mobile processors, NVIDIA Tegra 3 and TI OMAP4460 are two popular choices that have been widely used in smartphones and tablets. Both processors offer impressive performance and power efficiency, but they also have their unique attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the key features and capabilities of NVIDIA Tegra 3 and TI OMAP4460 to help you understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Architecture

NVIDIA Tegra 3 is based on a quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU architecture, which provides excellent multi-threaded performance. It also incorporates a fifth low-power companion core, known as the "Ninja Core," that handles less demanding tasks to optimize power efficiency. On the other hand, TI OMAP4460 features a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU architecture, which may seem inferior to Tegra 3's quad-core setup at first glance. However, OMAP4460 compensates for this with its higher clock speed, allowing it to deliver competitive performance in single-threaded applications.

Graphics Performance

When it comes to graphics performance, NVIDIA Tegra 3 takes the lead with its powerful 12-core GeForce GPU. This GPU offers exceptional gaming capabilities and supports advanced features like dynamic lighting, realistic physics, and high-resolution textures. It ensures smooth gameplay and stunning visuals, making Tegra 3 an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. On the other hand, TI OMAP4460 incorporates a PowerVR SGX540 GPU, which is also capable but falls slightly behind Tegra 3 in terms of raw graphics processing power. However, OMAP4460 still delivers a satisfactory gaming experience and can handle most modern games with ease.

Power Efficiency

Power efficiency is a crucial aspect of mobile processors, as it directly impacts battery life. NVIDIA Tegra 3's companion core plays a significant role in optimizing power consumption. By intelligently switching between the companion core and the main cores based on the workload, Tegra 3 ensures efficient power usage. This feature is particularly beneficial during light usage scenarios, such as web browsing or reading emails, where the companion core can handle the workload while conserving battery life. On the other hand, TI OMAP4460 lacks a similar companion core, which may result in slightly higher power consumption during light usage. However, OMAP4460 still offers decent power efficiency overall, thanks to its efficient CPU and GPU architectures.

Connectivity and Multimedia

Both NVIDIA Tegra 3 and TI OMAP4460 provide comprehensive connectivity options. They support various wireless standards, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. However, Tegra 3 offers an additional advantage with its integrated 4G LTE modem, which enables faster mobile data speeds. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who rely heavily on mobile internet connectivity. In terms of multimedia capabilities, both processors support high-definition video playback and can handle demanding multimedia tasks. However, Tegra 3's powerful GPU gives it an edge in terms of video decoding and encoding performance, resulting in smoother playback and faster video processing.

Camera and Imaging

When it comes to camera and imaging capabilities, both processors offer similar features. They support high-resolution cameras, image stabilization, and advanced image processing algorithms. However, Tegra 3 has an advantage with its dedicated Image Signal Processor (ISP), which enhances image quality and enables features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography. This dedicated ISP ensures better image processing performance and improved image quality compared to OMAP4460, which relies on the CPU for image processing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both NVIDIA Tegra 3 and TI OMAP4460 are powerful mobile processors that offer impressive performance and power efficiency. Tegra 3 excels in graphics performance, power efficiency, and connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts and users who require fast mobile data speeds. On the other hand, OMAP4460 compensates for its dual-core architecture with higher clock speeds and delivers competitive performance in single-threaded applications. It also offers decent power efficiency and multimedia capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between these processors depends on the specific requirements and priorities of the device and its users.