MediaTek, a leading fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia solutions, has revealed the MT6589, the world’s first  quad-core system-on-a-chip (SoC) powered by extreme low-power ARM Cortex-A7 processor technology as well as PowerVR 5XT graphics tech.

The new quad-core SoC integrates four Cortex-A7 general-purpose processing cores, PowerVR 5XT-series graphics processing unit as well as MediaTek’s advanced multi-mode UMTS rel. 8/HSPA+/TD-SCDMA modem, 802.11a/b/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, FM radios  and is made using 28nm process technology. The MT6589 is also the world’s first HSPA+ smartphone platform supporting dual-SIM, dual-active functionality to address increasing multi-SIM demand around the world.

“As the world’s first quad-core ARM Cortex-A7-based SoC, the MT6589 is a strong proof point of MediaTek’s growing global presence and ambition to drive the democratization of the smartphone and reshape the mid to high-end device market. Having built a solid reputation for quality and reliability over the last 15 years, we have created a one-of-a-kind achievement with the MT6589 platform - marrying blazing performance and flexibility with surprising affordability and simplicity. It is an innovative solution that accelerates product development, simplifies differentiation, and offers the best possible experience that mid to high-end smart device owners desire,” said Jeffrey Ju, general manager of the smartphone business unit at MediaTek.

The MediaTek MT6589 solution supports 1080p 30fps/30fps low-power video playback and recording, a 13MP camera with integrated ISP, up to FHD (1920*1080) LCD displays, and enhanced picture processing for DTV-grade image quality. In addition, the MT6589 also supports MediaTek’s “cool 3D” suite, which includes support for stereo 3D cameras and displays, real-time 2D-to-3D conversion and an optimal 3D user interface. The MT6589 also supports Miracast technology for multi-screen content sharing.

“The ARM Cortex-A7 is the most power-efficient applications processor ever developed by ARM. We are pleased MediaTek is the first company to combine a quad-core Cortex-A7 and leading edge 28nm manufacturing with TrustZone for system-level security. The MT6589 system-on-chip brings the performance and features associated with high-end mobile devices to mass-market smartphones and tablets,” said Laurence Bryant, director of mobile solutions at ARM.

The MediaTek MT6589 is currently being incorporated into smart devices by MediaTek’s leading global customers, and the first models based on this new chipset are expected to ship commercially in Q1 2013.

Tags: Mediatek, ARM, Cortex, ImgTec, PowerVR