What is a throttle in mobile phones?

This happened to you: your mobile phone feels slower than usual, games are required to download, applications do not answer so fast, and you think it’s time to change the device. However, there is a quiet culprit who can affect your phone performance: ThrottleThis practice, introduced by manufacturers, creates a contradiction. But what exactly is throttle and why is this happening? Here we explain it to you.

Thrust: Deliberate brake

Trembling, in the context of mobile phones, is a deliberate reduction in components, such as a processor or a graphic processor, to achieve certain goals. Although it is also used in services, for example, when your operator reduces speed on the Internet when it reaches the limit of data, here we will focus on its influence on hardware and software.

Imagine that you are playing in a difficult video game on your phone. During the first minutes, the game works without problems, but then you notice that the graphics look less smooth, and the response time worsens. This is because the device detects that the processor temperature goes too much, and automatically reduces its performance to avoid overheating of the damage. This is an example Throttle Heat in equipment.

As for the software, something similar can happen when the demanding application receives less resources, which leads to a longer load time or a slower response. These adjustments, although annoying, are preventive measures intended to protect your device.

Scandals that manufacturers regretted

Although this practice may go unnoticed, it was a source of controversy. In 2017, Apple faced the criticism of the millionaire and sanctions after he admitted that she slowed the performance of the iPhone with worsened batteries to avoid unexpected disconnects. Meanwhile, Samsung was accused in 2022 of limiting performance of more than 10,000 applications, including Netflix and Tiktok to determine the priorities of the operating system functions.

In addition, brands such as OnePlus were also indicated, manipulating the results in criteria to make their devices more powerful than they were actually during daily use. This caused a distrust of brands, as users believe that they are not informed transparently.

Why manufacturers use Throttle?

Although Throttle This may seem like a strategy to make you change your phone, manufacturers have their own reasons, some of which are reasonable:

1. Manage heat: The required applications generate high energy consumption, which increases the temperature of the device. If heat exceeds certain levels, it can damage the internal components. He Throttle Thermal reduces performance to avoid overheating and increase the service life of hardware. For example, Samsung and Google implemented these measures on recent devices such as Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 7a.
2. Take care of the battery: When applications consume less resources, they also use less energy, which helps maintain the duration and life of the battery. It was what made Apple introduce Throttle In the iPhone 6, 6s, SE and 7, although criticism for the lack of transparency has broken good intentions.
3. Drive priorities the main functions: In situations with high demand, the system can prescribe limited resources for critical functions, such as operating system or security, leaving less accessible power for games or entertainment applications.
4. Improve Tests: Some manufacturers were surprised, optimizing their phones specifically for these tests, simultaneously limiting their real performance per day. This gives misleading the impression of the power of the device and generates distrust.

Contradiction: this Throttle?

One of the biggest problems in Throttle This is that in many cases the user is implemented without notice. This gives rise to disappointment, because people expect consecutive performance when they invest in a premium device.

However, many users do not know that Throttle It also protects the equipment and improves long experience. From this point of view, manufacturers are looking for a balance between performance, safety and durability.

Transparency and performance: necessary balance in the throttle of devices

To tremble, albeit contradictory, is necessary to protect devices and provide longer experience. However, his application without prior notice generates doubts among users. To solve this, manufacturers must accept a more transparent approach, clearly informing when and why the throttle is used. In addition, it would be perfect to offer the ability to deactivate it, which will allow users to decide whether they determine the priorities of performance or protection of the device.

The goal is to find a balance between performance and transparency so that consumers have enough information to make conscious decisions. In the end, the phone should not only work well, but also inspire trust.