LG unveils Optimus 2X dual-core Android phone

Smartphone with dual-core Nvidia chip arriving early next year

LG has taken the wraps off the Optimus 2X Android smartphone, which the company claims is the world's first to sport a dual-core processor, offering better performance and an enhanced multimedia experience.

Set to be available in Korea from January, with other countries in Asia and Europe to follow, the LG Optimus 2X is based on a 1GHz Tegra 2 processor from Nvidia and runs Android 2.2 'Froyo'. An upgrade to Android 2.3 'Gingerbread' is promised at a later date.

The Nvidia Tegra 2 chip incorporates a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor, along with an ultra-low power (ULP) GeForce GPU for graphics acceleration and a video processor providing the handset with full frame rate 1080p HD video record and playback capability.

"Dual-core technology is the next leap forward in mobile technology so it is no small achievement to be the first to offer a smartphone utilising this technology," said Jong-seok Park, chief executive of LG's Mobile Communications group.

LG said the handset supports HDMI output, so video content can be displayed at full definition on an external display, while the handset's 4in touch-screen supports a lower WVGA resolution.

The Optimus 2X is also compatible with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) standards, and so can stream content wirelessly to other compatible devices such as televisions.

Other features of the Optimus 2X include 8GB memory, with microSD cards up to 32GB supported, 8-megapixel camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 1,500 mAh battery pack.