Why are Tablet CPU's Often Weaker or Equal to Phone CPU's?

[Chicago64]

Hello,

One question I've pondered while researching phones and tablets is why tablet CPU's are sometimes weaker than phone CPU's, or at least are equal to phone CPU power. For instance, the LTE version of the newly released Galaxy Tab S uses a Snapdragon 800 CPU, while the S5 boasts a Snapdragon 801 CPU. Why is this? Wouldn't the bigger display, having to push more pixels, require more power?

Thanks!

~chicago64

 

[Rxpert83]

I think you can look at it the other way - phone CPUs are more powerful than they need to be

 

[itsallgood]

6626743[/URL]]I think you can look at it the other way - phone CPUs are more powerful than they need to be

Here's another way to look at it. There are fare more cellphone sales then tablet sales. Also, most tablets don't have radio antenna's to make phone calls, like cellphones. (Even though some tablets do have them, but cost much more.)

 

[chanchan05]

Bigger display doesn't necessarily mean more pixels.

 

[Tsepz_GP]

Higher ROI and Margins in smartphones, so they get the best HW while its still hot, they try squeeze as much money out of the new chip as possible.
It is also easier to sell the newer chip's features in a phone e.g. 4K video recording, as people always have their smartphone with them and use it for photography, while the tablet sits in the bag.

 

[wizzrahdev]

I think it's a balance between marketing and performance. You probably want to put your best parts in the product that sells the most.