Broadcom has announced their first qaud-core chip that is aimed at entry-level mass market customers. The Broadcom BCM23550 would directly compete with MediaTek MT6589 that is being used on most of the affordable Android smartphones. Broadcom signed up for ARMv7 and ARMv8 Architecture licenses earlier this year. The new chip uses Broadcom’s own VideoCore IV technology with support for OpenGL ES 2.0 3D graphics processing, that is used in most of their chips including the BCM28155 on the Galaxy Grand Duos.
This has 1.2 GHz quad-core ARM Cortex A7 processor, support for HSPA+ (HSPDA: 21Mbps; HSUPA 5.8 Mbps) connectivity, NFC, 12MP still imaging, Dual SIM support and 1080p HD video capture and playback. It also enables superior voice call quality with support for Wideband-AMR (HD Voice) and advanced voice call quality enhancement technologies, including dual-mic for noise cancellation.
Highlights of the Broadcom BCM23550 quad-core chip
- 1.2GHz Quad-Core A7 CPU with ARM NEON technology
- 21 Mbps HSPA+ downstream connectivity, 5.8 Mbps of upstream connectivity
- Optimized for the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
- Dual HD display support with 720p LCD and external HD panel via Wi-Fi Miracast-capable displays
- VideoCore IV GPU for enhanced 3D gaming and other graphics-rich applications
- Supports up to 12-megapixel camera
- High quality H.264 full HD (1080p 30 fps) video recording and playback
- HD voice support for high-quality voice calls with advanced dual-mic noise cancellation technology
- GPS/GLONASS, WLAN , MEMS, and Cell ID for the best indoor/outdoor location
- NFC solution supports all major NFC specifications including NFC Forum, EMVCo, and the China UnionPay QuickTap mobile wallet
- Lowest power 3G/2G dual SIM-dual standby to enable global markets
- Compliant with ARM TrustZone and GlobalPlatform for system-level security
The Broadcom BCM23550 chip is in sampling stage and the production is expected in Q3 2013.
Source: Broadcom