MediaTek has launched MT6589 System on a Chip (SoC), aimed at mid to high-end Android smartphones and tablets. It has power-efficient quad-core Cortex A7 CPU from ARM, PowerVR Series5XT GPU and multi-mode UMTS Rel. 8/HSPA+/TD-SCDMA modem. It is built on 28nm process technology. This also has Dual-SIM support with Dual-Active functionality and the MT6589 is the world’s first HSPA+ smartphone to come with this feature. MediaTek launched MT6577 dual-core processor few months back, that powers the latest Micromax, Spice and Intex devices. Reports about the quad-core MediaTek chips started back in September.
The ARM Cortex A7 consumes less power and the 28nm manufacturing is done with TrustZone for system-level security. This would also offer rich multimedia experiences with support for up to Full HD (1920×1080 pixels) LCD displays, 13MP Camera with Integrated ISP, 1080p 30fps video playback and recording and enhanced picture processing for DTV-grade image quality.
This also supports Cool Suit 3D that offers support for stereo 3D cameras and displays, real-time 2D-to-3D conversion and an optimal 3D user interface. It has Miracast technology for multi-screen content sharing and has WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and FM Radio.
The MT6589 quad-core platform is currently being incorporated into Android smartphones and tablets and are expected to ship in Q1 2013. Hope we can expect some quad-core Android devices from local OEMs such as Micromax, Spice and Intex by the first half of 2013.