Samsung readying rapid 6GB RAM chips for smartphones

The silicon wizards over at Samsung have announced that they’re about to mass produce the “industry’s first” 6GB RAM module crafted using a new 12-gigabit LPDDR4 standard.

If that’s just a jumble of letters and numbers, then consider this: these chips are over 30% faster than traditional 8Gb LPDDR4 RAM, and run at an astounding 4266Mbps. That’s around double the speed of DDR4 PC RAM.

Samsung also claims that it uses around 20% less power, which means that its future smartphones and mobile devices will likely be quicker and thriftier. Additionally, it suggests that its “12Gb LPDDR4 [example] brings the largest capacity and highest speed available for a DRAM chip.”

“By initiating mass production of 12Gb LPDDR4 mobile DRAM in an extremely timely manner, we now are not only helping OEMs to accelerate their moves to the next generation of mobile devices, but also providing functionality that will give mobile consumers greatly enhanced user experiences,” notes Samsung’s memory sales and marketing EVP Joo Sun Choi.

“Furthermore, we intend to closely collaborate with our global customers to move beyond premium smartphones and tablets in creating new digital markets that embrace the full potential of cutting-edge technologies like next-generation mobile DRAM.”

What this last paragraph ultimately means is anyone’s guess. Is Samsung planning to use these chips in its basement smartphones as well as its expensive flagships?

Practically speaking, the RAM chips can be manufactured in 3GB or 6GB forms, while Samsung’s uses for this high-speed RAM extends beyond tablets and smartphones to include “ultra-slim PCs, digital appliances and automotive devices.”

Simply put, your next washing machine (or Samsung Galaxy S7) could possibly have faster RAM than your newly built gaming PC. The mind boggles.

Feature image: Samsung Tomorrow