LG Optimus 2X – the world’s first dual-core smartphone

16 Dec 2010

LG has revealed the world’s first smartphone with a dual-core processor, the LG Optimus 2. The Android 2.2 Froyo device, which will be upgradable to 2.3 Gingerbread, lets users multitask with virtually no screen lag and enables HDMI mirroring.

Developed by graphics processor player 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.

“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 utilising 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.”

HDMI mirroring and full HD

The LG Optimus 2X offers 1,080p 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. This mobile 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 of the LG Optimus 2X

·        1Ghz Dual-core Processor (NVIDIA Tegra 2)

·        4-inch WVGA screen

·        8GB memory (up to 32GB via microSD)

·        1,500 mAh battery

·        8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front camera

·        HDMI mirroring

·        1080p MPEG-4/H.264 playback and recording

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com