LG’s announcement of the world’s first and fastest dual-core smartphone, the Optimus 2X with a Tegra 2 processor just might sour Samsung’s big launch of the Nexus S.
America will have to wait for the LG Optimus 2X giving Nexus S a jump-start for those that want a smartphone for Christmas. Next month Korea will offer the Optimus 2X, and soon Europe and Asia. Although the press release did not mention U.S. carriers, rumors suggest T-Mobile and Verizon for this new phone.
Google will release the full Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) source code after launching Nexus S, so Android 2.2 (Froyo) will initially be on the Optimus 2X. It may take several weeks for LG to upgrade their new phone to Gingerbread. LG will beat their rival Samsung to offer the first dual-core smartphone, but Samsung has the operating system advantage of Android 2.3. Samsung won’t be too far behind as they have placed a large order for NVIDIA Tegra 2 processors.
Gaming, browsing, apps and multi-tasking will be ultra fast and oh so smooth with the Tegra 2.
If HDMI mirroring means you can play whatever is on your phone on any HD screen you connect to, well, that’s what we have all been waiting for.
Here’s the full press release:
LG LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST AND FASTEST DUAL-CORE SMARTPHONE
LG Optimus 2X with Tegra 2 Offers Top Multimedia Features for a Better User Experience
SEOUL, Dec. 16, 2010 – LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled the LG Optimus 2X, the world’s first smartphone with a dual-core processor. Along with more powerful multimedia features, the LG Optimus 2X’s high-performance Tegra 2 processor makes for faster, smoother web browsing and applications and lets users multitask with virtually no screen lag.
“Dual-core technology is the next leap forward in mobile technology so this is no small achievement to be the first to offer a smartphone utilizing this technology,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, CEO and President of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With unique features such as HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) mirroring and exceptional graphics performance, the LG Optimus 2X is proof of LG’s commitment to high-end smartphones in 2011.”
Developed by graphics processor powerhouse NVIDIA, the dual-core Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip found in the LG Optimus 2X runs at a clock speed of 1GHz and boasts low power consumption and high performance for playing video and audio. Users will experience faster web browsing and smoother gameplay compared with single-core processors running at the same speed as well as instantaneous touch response and seamless multitasking between applications.
The LG Optimus 2X offers 1080p HD video playback and recording with HDMI mirroring that expands content on external displays to full HD quality. The LG Optimus 2X can connect wirelessly to any DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible digital device such as HD TVs for a console-like gaming experience taking full advantage of the phone’s HDMI mirroring, accelerometer and gyro sensor. The smartphone also includes both rear- and front-facing cameras, microSD memory expandability, Micro-USB port and a hefty 1500mAh battery.
The LG Optimus 2X will be available in Korea next month with countries in Europe and Asia to follow. The phone will initially be released with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and will be upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The upgrade schedule will be announced in local markets in due course.
Key specifications:
ï¬ 1Ghz Dual-core Processor (NVIDIA Tegra 2)
ï¬ 4-inch WVGA screen
ï¬ 8GB memory (up to 32GB via microSD)
ï¬ 1,500 mAh battery
ï¬ 8 megapixel rear camera and 1.3 megapixel front camera
ï¬ HDMI mirroring
ï¬ 1080p MPEG-4/H.264 playback and recording
Source: Phandroid, Android and Me