Arm Announces an Open-Source Graphics Upscaler for Mobile Phones

In a significant development for mobile gaming, Arm has introduced its own upscaler designed to enhance gaming performance on mobile devices. Named Arm Accuracy Super Resolution (ASR), this technology promises to improve game visuals while reducing power consumption on smartphones. Even more noteworthy is that Arm is making this upscaling technology available to developers under an MIT open-source license.

Leveraging Temporal Upscaling

Arm's ASR is based on AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 2 (FSR 2), which utilizes temporal upscaling to enhance PC game graphics and boost frame rates. Temporal upscaling differs from spatial upscaling by using multiple frames to generate a higher-quality image, rather than relying on a single frame. This approach is particularly beneficial for lower-powered graphics cards that struggle to run games at playable frame rates.

Image: Arm

Significant Performance Improvements

Upscaling technology is well-known in the realm of desktop and laptop GPUs, with AMD FSR, Nvidia DLSS, and Intel XeSS being prominent examples. However, Arm ASR is one of the few upscalers designed specifically for mobile phones. This could lead to significant improvements in battery life, as the technology allows games to run more efficiently.

A performance comparison chart created by Arm demonstrates how ASR stacks up against AMD’s FSR 2 and Qualcomm’s GSR tech. According to Arm, ASR produced 53% higher frame rates than rendering at native resolution on a device equipped with an Arm Immortalis-G720 GPU and a 2800 x 1260 display, outperforming AMD FSR 2.

Efficient Power Consumption

Arm also tested ASR on a device using MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 chip. The results indicated that rendering at 540p and upscaling with ASR consumed significantly less power than running a game at native 1080p resolution. This efficiency is a game-changer for mobile gamers who often struggle with battery drain during extended gaming sessions.

Image: Arm

Potential Expansion to Laptops

With Arm-based processors powering Copilot Plus PCs from companies like Microsoft, Dell, Lenovo, and Samsung, there is potential for Arm's lightweight ASR upscaler to extend to laptops. These laptops currently feature Microsoft’s new Automatic Super Resolution, exclusive to Snapdragon X chips. However, Microsoft is working on another upscaling solution that will cater to a broader range of Windows devices.

Conclusion

Arm's introduction of ASR marks a significant advancement in mobile gaming technology. By providing an open-source, efficient upscaling solution, Arm is setting the stage for improved gaming experiences on mobile devices. The potential expansion to laptops further broadens the impact of this technology, promising enhanced performance and power efficiency across various platforms.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more updates on the latest advancements in mobile gaming and other cutting-edge technologies.