LG announces the Optimus 4X HD, ahead of the MWC

LG has unveiled its first quad-core processor Android smartphone, the LG Optimus 4X HD, a few days prior to the start of the MWC. Combining NVIDIA’s latest 1.5GHz Tegra 3 with a true HD IPS display, the LG Optimus 4X HD is one of the first in what may be a whole series of smartphones that are going to be showcased at the MWC. “LG introduced the world’s first dual-core smartphone exactly one year ago and today we’re announcing the next milestone,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. “But speed in itself isn’t what makes LG Optimus 4X HD unique, it’s the benefit we’re bringing to customers with the HD multimedia experience in a mobile form factor.”

Looking good…the phone!

Here’s what the spec sheet for the LG Optimus 4X HD looks like:

• 4.7-inch True HD IPS display with a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution
• 1.5GHz quad-core processor (NVIDIA Tegra 3)
• 16GB memory, 1GB LP DDR2 RAM
• 8 megapixel BSI Sensor (Rear), 1.3 megapixel front camera
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
• 2,150mAh battery.

The NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor is the world’s only 4-PLUS-1 quad core mobile processor designed for high multimedia performance, but utilizes a fifth battery-saver core to handle less demanding tasks, such as active standby and music playback, so the 2,150 mAh battery may just be enough to power your smatphone throughout the day. We’re going to see a slew of Tegra 3-powered smartphones at the MWC, so if you’re already wowed by this phone, we’re guessing these specs might just become commonplace in a few days time. 

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The phone is equipped with a True HD IPS display and will have some brilliant viewing angles with high resolution, clarity and no colour or shape distortion. The Optimus 4X HD includes 16GB internal memory and runs on the latest version of Android OS, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, but we’re guessing we’ll have LG’s custom ROM running atop. Besides the performance bit, the Optimus 4X HD has an 8-megapixel BSI (Backside Illumination) sensor camera with LED flash. We’ll have to wait for a while, though to see how it stacks up against competition.

In terms of design, the 8.9mm slim and sleek smartphone features a “prism-edged” design with enhanced materials and finish. Additional information on the new Optimus 4X HD will be available at LG Stand (Hall 8) at MWC 2012 from February 27 to March 1.