Fabless semiconductor company MediaTek Inc. today announced the availability of the MT6577, a dual-core platform developed for sub-$200 smartphones.

The MediaTek MT6577 features a dual 1GHz Cortex-A9 application processor from ARM, a PowerVR Series5 SGX GPU (graphics processing unit) from Imagination Technologies, MediaTek's 3G/HSPA modem, and runs the latest Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich" operating system. By integrating a dual-core application processor architecture, the MT6577 boosts application and browser performance by up to 40% compared to single-core platforms, according to the company.

The MT6577 supports an 8MP camera, up to high-definition 1080p video playback and high-resolution displays up to HD720 (1280x720) resolution. The platform also pre-integrates MediaTek's 4-in-1 connectivity combo that provides support for dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi, BT4.0, GPS and FM. The MT6577 is pin-to-pin compatible with the previously released MT6575, allowing handset manufacturers to easily produce multiple tiers of devices leveraging a single PCBA hardware development effort.

The MT6577 dual-core platform is currently being incorporated into smartphone devices by MediaTek's customers, and the first smartphone models based on this new chipset are expected to ship commercially in Q3 2012. Some of MediaTek?s hardware partners include Lenovo, TCL/Alacatel, and other Chinese companies.