Samsung has announced that it worked with Qualcomm to improve data transfer speeds on 5G cellular networks. The companies have used 3GPP Release 17’s new 1024 QAM feature to improve 5G speeds by up to 20%, bringing faster download speeds on smartphones.
Samsung and Qualcomm achieve fastest ever 5G download speeds with 20MHz bandwidth
As a part of this collaboration, the companies used Samsung Network’s 5G vRAN equipment running on 2.1GHz (FDD) and 3.5GHz (TDD) and a test smartphone using Qualcomm’s X75 5G modem. They achieved download speeds of 485Mbps with a 20MHz bandwidth. This is 20% faster than 256 QAM that is usually used on 5G networks. It is near theoretical download speed.
This is the first time these speeds have been achieved on an FDD band. Since this test was done on a single 20MHz band, a lot more speed can be achieved as most modern phones can combine several bands together through CA (Carrier Aggregation). The companies are also testing this technology on a network with traditional RAN equipment.
This technology is expected to be commercially available for network operators by the end of this year. Last year, Qualcomm and Samsung tested 4x downlink and 2x uplink carrier aggregation on FDD spectrum. Samsung Networks is among the world’s biggest cellular network equipment manufacturer, and it develops 5G Core, 5G vRAN, and AI-powered automation tools.
Samsung Networks VP Ji-Yun Seol, said, “We believe enhancing spectral efficiency is essential in developing next-generation solutions. This achievement underscores Samsung’s ongoing commitment to push forward the frontiers of mobile technology. Our collaborative efforts with Qualcomm Technologies have once again yielded impressive results, and we look forward to harnessing our combined expertise to drive network innovation.“
The Galaxy S24 series uses a new processor (Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 depending on the model and country) featuring faster 5G modems, resulting in faster download and upload speeds on cellular networks. In fact, the Galaxy S24 series is faster than the iPhone 15 in median 5G download and upload speeds in most countries worldwide.
Galaxy S24 with Exynos and Snapdragon chips faster than iPhone 15 in 5G download and upload speeds
Ookla, the company behind the famous SpeedTest.net website, has shared its insights on the fastest 5G smartphones worldwide. It compared all the speed test results it received on its platform and found that the Galaxy S24 series outdid the iPhone 15 in fifteen countries/regions worldwide.
In France, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Qatar, Spain, Thailand, the Philippines, the UAE, the UK, and the US, the Galaxy S24 had a faster median download and upload speeds than the iPhone 15 and previous-generation Galaxy phones. The iPhone 15 displayed faster 5G performance in Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea.
The Galaxy S24 was better than the Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15 family in latency tests as well. These tests were done from February 1 to March 24, 2024. The median download speeds of the Galaxy S24 ranged from as low as 55Mbps to as high as 971Mbps, depending on the market. As you know, cellular data speeds vary greatly depending on the carrier, cellular technology, and signal reception.
If you’re using an older phone, you should upgrade to the Galaxy S24 to get the best possible 5G speeds. Watch our full Galaxy S24 review in the video below. Click the button below the video to buy the Galaxy S24.
You can now ensure that you’re not going to be hit by hidden fees and taxes before you sign up with an internet service provider (ISP). Starting today, big ISPs with more than 100,000 subscribers will be required to display “nutrition labels” both in store and online under a new FCC rule. Those labels have to show the companies’ plans, fees and any additional costs, such as activation fees and upfront or rental fees for modems and other equipment.
They also have to show whether a particular amount that’s being advertised is an introductory or a discounted rate and how long you can enjoy that lower rate. Plus, the labels have to indicate each particular plan’s download and upload speeds, as well as any early termination fee associated with it. ISPs can’t hide these labels behind multiple clicks or camouflage them with other elements that make them hard to see. They have to be accessible from your customer account portal, and ISPs should give you a copy if you ask.
The FCC first floated the idea of nutrition labels for ISPs back in 2016, but it wasn’t until 2022 that it formally introduced rules requiring them to be displayed at the companies’ points of sale. As you can see in the image below, it resembles the nutrition labels for food and will (theoretically and hopefully) account for every dollar you pay for a wired or wireless plan. Back when the rule was announced, FCC Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel explained that the agency chose to approve and implement it as part of its efforts to “end the kind of unexpected fees and junk costs that can get buried in long and mind-numbingly confusing statements of terms and conditions.”
Based on the FCC’s website, providers with less than 100,000 subscribers will be given a bit more time to comply and have until October 10. And in case you come across any ISP that isn’t displaying any label even when they should or is showing inaccurate information, you can file a complaint with the commission through its official portal.
To cope with the demand for international bandwidth almost doubling every two years, Japanese corporations NEC and NTT have successfully trialed a revolutionary submarine cable technology set to drastically enhance internet speeds under the sea.
The transoceanic-class experiment transmitted hundreds of terabits across a staggering 7,280km, a feat made possible through a sophisticated algorithm.
NEC and NTT’s innovative solution uses a 12-core multicore fiber, comprising of 12 optical signal transmission paths within a standard outer diameter optical fiber, a significant enhancement from existing single-core fiber used in submarine cables.
(Image credit: NEC/NTT)
MIMO technology
However, the addition of more cores to an optical fiber presents its own challenges. Interference, or crosstalk, occurs when optical signals leak from one core to another, leading to a degradation in communication quality. This is amplified in long-distance transmission where non-uniformity of delay and loss between signals makes accurate reception difficult.
To overcome these issues, NEC developed an algorithm for demodulating received signals using MIMO technology. This enabled accurate separation and demodulation of high-speed received signals. Concurrently, NTT developed the coupled 12-core multicore fiber optical transmission line which mitigates the effects of non-uniformity in signal delay and loss.
Moving forward, NEC and NTT say they aim to commercialize their research, potentially contributing to the realization of a high-capacity optical submarine cable system and terrestrial core network.
The research team, which recently presented its findings as a highly scored paper at the Technical Conference of OFC 2024 in San Diego, estimates that such systems could operate at hundreds of terabits per second, depending on specific cable designs, potentially heralding the advent of petabit per second class submarine cables.
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The Samsung 990 EVO steps into the spotlight following the well-received Samsung 990 Pro, setting the stage for an SSD to carry forward the EVO series’ legacy of performance and reliability.
The 970 EVO Plus, this SSD’s predecessor, was one of the best SSD picks when it was released a couple of years back, and it’s still celebrated as one of the best cheap SSDs you can get even now, despite lacking the kinds of data rates you’ll get with a modern PCIe 5.0.
That leaves the 990 EVO with the ambitious task of following up a beloved budget model while introducing a hybrid PCIe 4.0/5.0 interface aimed at carving out a niche in an increasingly competitive SSD arena, and in that, it kind of succeeds – but also disappoints.
Right out the gate, the 990 EVO distinguishes itself with an interface capable of toggling between x4 PCIe 4.0 and x2 PCIe 5.0, which gives PC users a decent amount of wiggle room for their PCs if they’ve got a lot of drives plugged in. Coupled with a newly minted 5nm controller designed to enhance efficiency, the 990 EVO should be set up for success.
The drive opts for a DRAM-less configuration, however, that somewhat tempers expectations with its more modest bandwidth, leading to speeds that clock below what the best PCIe 4.0 drives are capable of.
Despite this, the single-sided 2TB variant I reviewed presents a versatile option for both PC enthusiasts and PlayStation 5 owners, a nod towards the growing standardization of high-capacity, single-sided drives. It lacks a heatsink, so PS5 users especially will want to look at an add-in heatsink just to be safe, but given the speeds involved, this drive doesn’t really get hot enough that you’ll need to be too concerned.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Targeted primarily at the laptops, OEM, and pre-built PC markets, the 990 EVO promises to deliver sufficient performance for gaming and everyday use, and positions itself as a compliment to the far more robust 990 Pro. It’s a more cost-effective solution for gamers and others while still benefiting from Samsung’s solid software support and reliability, and the option to toggle between PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 is a real value add for this drive.
Price-wise, the 990 EVO entered the market with a recommended retail price of $149.99 for the 1TB model and $239.99 for the 2TB variant, according to Samsung’s website, but even there, these prices have been marked down quite a bit, and you can find the 1TB model for about $90/£100/AU$219, depending on where you look.
This pricing strategy places it in a good balance with its Pro sibling and other competitors, especially in a market where SSD prices are on the rise.
Performance specifications for the 990 EVO boast up to 5,000 MB/s and 4,200 MB/s in sequential reads and writes, respectively, alongside impressive random read and write IOPS. These figures are complemented by a standard five-year warranty and support for TCG Opal 2.0 encryption, making it an attractive option for security-conscious laptop users.
In terms of real-world performance, I more or less achieved these speeds across the board, and the drive’s flexibility to operate across both PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 interfaces is a highlight. Despite the drive’s low-ish 5,000MB/s advertised sequential read speed (which doesn’t come close to maxing out the PCIe 4.0/5.0 lanes available to it), the drive does at least hit or exceed this claimed speed.
Despite these technical intricacies, the 990 EVO’s broader challenge lies in its identity within the highly competitive SSD market. It seeks to offer a balance between performance, efficiency, and price – a task complicated by the competitive pricing and superior performance of PCIe 4.0 alternatives like the 990 Pro, PNY XLR8 CS3140, or Patriot Viper VP4300.
All together then, the Samsung 990 EVO represents a solid addition to the SSD market. It doesn’t bring you the kind of PCIe 5.0 speeds we see with the Crucial T705, but it’s not meant for full-on performance. If you want that, you’ll be better off investing in a ‘real’ PCIe 5.0 SSD, but for what it is, the 990 EVO hits the mark it needs to hit.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Samsung 990 EVO: Price & availability
How much does it cost? MSRP starting at $149.99/£100/AU$219
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
The Samsung 990 EVO starts at $149.99/£100/AU$219 for 1TB and maxes out at 2TB for $239.99/£169/AU$359, at least officially.
This doesn’t include a heatsink, but given the rather modest speeds and energy usage of this SSD, your motherboard’s heatsink will be more than enough since you really don’t even need the extra heat spreader for this drive.
While the above are retail prices for this SSD (according to Samsung’s website), even Samsung can be found offering these drives for up to 40% off, making this one of the best cheap SSD options out there if you’re hoping to find a good balance between price and performance.
Samsung 990 EVO: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell – Column 0
Samsung 990 EVO 1TB
Samsung 990 EVO 2TB
Price
$149.99/£100/AU$219
$239.99/£169/AU$359
NAND
Samsung V-NAND TLC
Samsung V-NAND TLC
Heatsink?
N
N
Form factor
M.2 2280
M.2 2280
Interface
PCIe 5.0 x2 | PCIe x4
PCIe 5.0 x2 | PCIe x4
Max Sequential Read
5,000MB/s
5,000MB/s
Max Sequential Write
4,200MB/s
4,200MB/s
Active power (Read/Write)
4.9W | 4.5W
4.9W | 4.5W
Endurance rating
600TBW
1200TBW
Warranty
5-year
5-year
Should you buy the Samsung 990 EVO?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Samsung 990 EVO Scorecard
Value
At its MSRP, there are far better PCIe 5.0 SSDs that will get you better performance, but thanks to recent price drops, this SSD is a much better value.
4 / 5
Design
The single-sided design makes this a good potential SSD for PS5’s, especially thanks to its lower power-usage and more manageable thermal performance.
4 / 5
Performance
This is an EVO-branded SSD, so it’s more about balance than pure performance, and for that, it comes out as a pretty solid performer.
4 / 5
Average rating
While not the best PCIe 5.0 SSD you can get at this price, the improved power efficiency and single-sided form factor makes this ideal for mobile devices like laptops. But at it’s MSRP, you can do better.
4 / 5
Buy the Samsung 990 EVO if…
Don’t buy it if…
Samsung 990 EVO: Also consider
If my Samsung 990 EVO review has you looking for other options, here are two more SSDs to consider…
How I tested the Samsung 990 EVO
I spent about two weeks testing the Samsung 990 EVO
I used it as my main system drive on my workstation PC
I used my standard battery of benchmark tests along with content creation and general use
I spent about two weeks testing the Samsung 990 EVO, using it as my primary system drive on my workstation PC that I used for content creation, general work use, and some light gaming.
Primarily, though, this drive is best reserved for mobile devices like laptops and possibly PC gaming handhelds that can better benefit from its improved energy efficiency.
I’ve been reviewing PC hardware for several years, in addition to earning my Master’s Degree in Computer Science in 2024, so I know very well how a drive like this should perform with its given architecture and price point — knowledge I leverage to ensure you find the best SSD for your needs and budget, whether it’s the Samsung 990 EVO or a competing drive.
We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained – regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it’s on our radar.
March 19, 1990: The ultra-fast Macintosh IIfx makes its debut, sporting a hefty price tag appropriate for such a speedy machine.
The fastest Macintosh of its day, it boasts a CPU running at a “wicked fast” 40 MHz. It gains an additional speed bump from a pair of Apple-designed, application-specific integrated circuits. Prices start at $9,870 and run up to $12,000 — the equivalent of $23,434 to $28,492 in 2024 money!
Macintosh IIfx: A powerhouse Mac
The 16th Mac model released, the Macintosh IIfx revealed just how drastically personal computing power had increased in the few short years since the original Mac’s launch in 1984.
In addition to the CPU, the IIfx got a speed boost from its two dedicated I/O processors, referred to as “peripheral interface controllers.” These were a pair of 10 MHz 6502 CPUs, the same CPU family used in the Apple II. They managed the low-level I/O tasks on the Apple bus, floppy disk drive and serial ports that the 68030 microprocessor previously handled.
The IIfx’s high speed made it the fastest Mac available until Apple released the Quadra 900 in October 1991.
With Macintosh IIfx, Apple says goodbye to Snow White design language
Designer Hartmut Esslinger of Frog Design came up with the Snow White look. He utilized design flourishes such as vertical and horizontal stripes to create the illusion that the computer was smaller than it really was.
Mac IIfx is not enough to crack big business
Despite its power, the Macintosh IIfx did not break into the professional workstation world the way Apple hoped. Cupertino envisioned the computer finding a place in the engineering and medical imaging world. Apple even dreamed of winning over power users on Wall Street.
This didn’t exactly happen. A September 10, 1990, article in Computerworld observed, “Mac IIfx: Not yet to be feared.” It described how, months after the computer’s release, the IIfx still struggled to become a serious contender in the workplace.
The main reason? Apple “underestimated the ferocity of the workstation market.”
While undeniably powerful, the IIfx lagged behind top-of-the-line workstations made by IBM and Digital Equipment Corp. Still, it found favor with its core audience of power Macintosh users. It particularly appealed to people working in creative fields who required serious graphics firepower.
If you used a Mac in 1990, it didn’t get much better than this! Apple sold the Macintosh IIfx through April 1992.
The base model 13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM has significantly faster SSD speeds compared to the equivalent model with the M2 chip, according to benchmark results shared today by YouTube channel Max Tech.
Max Tech’s teardown video confirms that Apple has returned to using two 128GB storage chips for the new 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage, compared to a single 256GB chip in the equivalent model with the M2 chip. This change results in faster SSD read and write speeds in tests, as the two chips can process requests in parallel.
Max Tech ran Blackmagic’s Disk Speed Test tool with a 5GB file size test on both the M2 and M3 models of the 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, and they found the SSD in the M3 model achieved up to 33% faster write speeds and up to 82% faster read speeds compared to the SSD in the M2 model.
The change very likely extends to the base model 15-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip, although Max Tech has yet to tear down that model.
Apple’s decision to switch to a single 256GB chip for the base model MacBook Air in 2022 was controversial, even though the slower SSD speeds are unlikely to be noticed by the average MacBook Air user working on common day-to-day tasks. Nevertheless, customers who purchase an M3 model no longer need to worry about configuring the laptop with at least 512GB of storage in order to avoid the slower speeds.
Two 128GB storage chips in the new base model 13-inch MacBook Air (via Max Tech)
The new MacBook Air models with the M3 chip launched Friday. Apple continues to sell a 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip and 256GB of storage for $999, so customers who want maximum SSD performance should avoid that model.
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Samsung Electronics has just announced the release of two new microSD cards that are set to change the way we think about portable storage. These cards are not only fast but also come with a storage capacity that’s hard to beat, making them perfect for anyone who needs to store and access large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a professional working with high-resolution videos or someone who enjoys capturing life’s moments in stunning detail, these microSD cards are designed to keep up with your demands.
At the forefront of this new lineup is the 256 GB SD Express microSD card, which boasts an impressive sequential read speed of up to 800 MB/s. This is not just a step up in speed; it’s a leap that brings the performance of a solid-state drive (SSD) into the palm of your hand. Imagine being able to transfer a full-length HD movie in just seconds – that’s the kind of speed we’re talking about. This card is the first of its kind in the industry, setting a new standard for data transfer rates and leaving traditional UHS-1 microSD cards in the dust. It even rivals the performance of some SATA SSDs, giving you quick access to your files and making it an indispensable tool for anyone who needs their data fast and on the move.
For those who need even more space, Samsung has also introduced a 1 TB UHS-1 microSD card. This card takes advantage of Samsung’s latest 8th generation 1-terabit V-NAND technology, allowing you to store an enormous amount of data in a device that’s no larger than your thumbnail. With this card, you can carry around a whole library of 4K videos, high-resolution photos, and large applications without worrying about running out of space.
Portable Storage with Read Speeds up to 800 MB/s
Durability is another standout feature of these new microSD cards. The 1 TB card, for example, is built to withstand water, extreme temperatures, drops, and electromagnetic interference. This means that no matter where you are – be it on a rugged mountain trail or in the hustle and bustle of city life – your data is safe. This is especially important for those who rely on their digital content to be available and intact at all times.
The SD Express card also comes with a special feature called Dynamic Thermal Guard technology. This system actively monitors and manages the card’s temperature to ensure stable performance. This is particularly important for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as running complex AI algorithms or recording high-definition video. By preventing overheating, this technology helps maintain the card’s efficiency and reliability.
The 256 GB SD Express card is set to hit the market later this year, and the 1 TB UHS-1 card is expected to be released in the third quarter. These cards are highly anticipated by tech enthusiasts and professionals alike, who are looking to push the boundaries of what’s possible with their devices.
Samsung’s latest microSD cards are poised to elevate the standards of portable storage. With their SSD-like speeds, massive storage capacity, and comprehensive durability and thermal management features, these cards are ready to enhance your mobile computing and on-device AI applications. Keep an eye out for their release, and get ready to experience a new level of digital convenience and performance.
Samsung Electronics has unveiled two groundbreaking microSD cards that redefine the capabilities of portable storage. These cards are not just fast; they offer a level of storage capacity that is exceptional, catering to the needs of professionals and enthusiasts who require quick and expansive data storage solutions. For those dealing with high-resolution videos, these microSD cards promise to keep pace with the high demands of their work, ensuring that large files can be stored and accessed with ease.
Expansive Storage with Cutting-Edge Technology
The new 256 GB SD Express microSD card is a game-changer, offering a sequential read speed of up to 800 MB/s. This remarkable speed is akin to that of a solid-state drive (SSD), fitting this advanced technology into a compact form. The ability to transfer large files such as HD movies in mere seconds exemplifies the card’s superior data transfer rates. This innovation is not just a minor improvement but a significant leap forward, surpassing traditional UHS-1 microSD cards and even rivaling some SATA SSDs in performance.
For users who require even more storage, Samsung has introduced a 1 TB UHS-1 microSD card. This card utilizes Samsung’s advanced 8th generation 1-terabit V-NAND technology, enabling it to store a vast amount of data in a minuscule package. Users can now carry a comprehensive collection of 4K videos, high-resolution images, and extensive applications without the fear of running out of space, making it an ideal solution for content creators and data-heavy users.
The durability of these microSD cards is another significant aspect. The 1 TB card is engineered to be resilient against water, extreme temperatures, drops, and electromagnetic interference. This robust construction ensures that your data remains secure and accessible in various environments, whether you’re navigating through challenging outdoor conditions or the urban jungle.
Enhanced Performance with Thermal Management
The SD Express card is equipped with a unique feature known as Dynamic Thermal Guard technology. This innovative system actively monitors the card’s temperature, adjusting it to maintain stable performance. This feature is crucial for intensive tasks that generate significant heat, such as executing complex AI algorithms or capturing high-definition video. By mitigating the risk of overheating, the technology preserves the card’s efficiency and long-term reliability.
The 256 GB SD Express card is scheduled for release later in the year, while the 1 TB UHS-1 card is expected to become available in the third quarter. These cards are eagerly awaited by technology enthusiasts and professionals who are eager to expand the capabilities of their devices.
Samsung’s latest microSD cards are set to transform the landscape of portable storage. With their SSD-like speeds, substantial storage capacities, and robust durability and thermal management features, these cards are prepared to enhance mobile computing and on-device AI applications. As the release dates approach, users can look forward to a new era of digital efficiency and performance.
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March 19, 1990: The ultra-fast Macintosh IIfx makes its debut, sporting a hefty price tag appropriate for such a speedy machine.
