Apple and Samsung Battle Over Tablet Thermal Management

Aug 10, 2023

Apple and Samsung, the giants of the mobile tech world, are engaged in a competitive race to produce exceptional products, which ultimately benefits consumers the most. While there are several similarities between the smartphones and tablets manufactured by these companies, there are also significant differences. One area where these differences become apparent is in tablet thermal management.

Heat is the enemy of electronic devices, as it not only leads to premature battery degradation but also causes stress on solder joints responsible for holding components in place. Excessive heat can even result in performance throttling. Effective thermal management not only prevents discomfort for end users but also enhances device performance and longevity.

The cooling capabilities of a device play a crucial role in its overall performance. For instance, the M2 chip used in Apple’s new iPad Pro performs about 3% slower than the same chip used in MacBook Pro, primarily due to differences in cooling efficiency.

Acknowledging the importance of cooling, Samsung has taken proactive measures with its latest tablet, the Tab S9. The device incorporates layers of Thermal Interface Materials (TIM) to efficiently transfer heat towards the display and dissipate it at the back of the case. The Tab S9 also introduces vapor chamber technology, a first for the Galaxy Tab series. This technology effectively moves heat away from critical components and dissipates it to the surrounding environment.

This emphasis on cooling is crucial for power-intensive tasks, such as running resource-demanding applications like DaVinci Resolve. Apple’s iPad Pro, though capable, could benefit from improved cooling to unlock even more performance from its M2 chip.

In conclusion, the battle between Apple and Samsung extends beyond creating innovative devices. Their different approaches to tablet thermal management have a direct impact on device performance and user experience.