Currently, the performance both when it comes to offering execution speed, as well as the improvement in battery life, have become two elements that manufacturers try to improve with each device they launch on the market. Fast processors, capable of simultaneously executing a large amount of task, are one of the parameters that users take the most into account when purchasing certain models. The leading role that tablets and smartphones have taken in the lives of millions of consumers in recent years, makes them increasingly demanding to stay connected and be able to do so for long periods of time at high speed.
Previously, we have given a series of provisional guidelines to optimize as much as possible both the device speed, whether or not they have the best quality chips, as well as a series of guidelines to get the most out of the battery despite the fact that these components also suffer the passage of time. On the other hand, we have also talked about applications that allow you to take more advantage of the functions of the terminals. However, there are other actions that can be performed almost permanently. Next we will talk about Overclocking and Underclocking, two practices widely used in Android and that they have advantages but like everything else, it also entails a series of risks.
The processor clock, the key
These two elements that we have named before share the same basis: The frequency of the processor clock. But what is it really? When the chips receive electric charge, the arrival of this current is so fast that it is measured in cycles or oscillations per second which are quantified in Hertz. However, the current components that ensure a high speed, and that are found in the majority of tablets and smartphones that are currently marketed, use the Gigahertz, GHz, as a unit of measurement since energy transfer is faster and therefore, a greater number of cycles per second occurs.
Overclocking, high speed that can derail
Once we have clarified how processors work in a basic way and how their speed is measured, it is time to talk about the first term. The overclocking is the forced increase of the number of cycles a chip can withstand. At first glance, this action can be positive since in some cases, the performance increase it can reach 30% with its impact on the number of tasks and processes that the terminals can execute simultaneously. However, it also has its risks since with it, they produce overheating, that in the medium term, may have an impact on the processor itself and also on the useful life of the battery since with Overclocking, this component is also subjected to a greater workload that causes a accelerated exhaustion. Another aspect to take into account is that the improvement cannot be observed immediately, since it is only perceived when trying to open several applications at the same time or also, with games that require a large amount of resources to function correctly.
Underclocking, a useful practice?
If Overclocking accelerated performance, Underclocking is the opposite. Thousands of Android users have carried out this action which is based on the lowering the clock of the processors both tablets and smartphones. It is a practice performed by those who use their devices for a number of basic tasks such as navigation or the use of very simple games that do not require an excessive workload or a large amount of resources to function. At first glance, this has its advantages since the terminals remain refrigerated, and also increases the average life of the batteries, which affects a greater autonomy and therefore, in more widely spaced load cycles.
Everything is relative
Both one practice and the other have their advantages and disadvantages, and neither is more beneficial or detrimental than the other. It is up to the user to decide whether to carry them out or not. For those who have fast supports but who demand more speed when dedicating their platforms to work or simply, to better enjoy the games, Overclocking will be a very interesting option. However, for those who do not use the terminals too much, Underclocking apart from contributing to a good operation of the supports in simple tasks, can help to extend the useful life of the supports.
As you have seen, these functions, which in their day originated in the first computers and which were also widely used in these media, have made the leap to tablets and smartphones with their lights and shadows. After learning more about them, do you think that these are additional elements that can improve the overall performance of the devices, and offer users a greater user experience or on the contrary, do you think that these are actions that can have an impact? in the devices and that, although they seem little harmful in the short term, later they can bring unpleasant surprises that can have negative repercussions? You have at your disposal another series of tips and guidelines with a more limited impact and that can help you get the most out of it. to your terminals both in matters such as performance and battery life and prolonging the useful life of the components.