MediaTek this week begun sampling the MT6589, a quad-core smartphone chip, integrated with multimode modem and available for mid to high-end Android smartphones and tablets.

The new quad-core SoC integrates MediaTek?s advanced multi-mode UMTS Rel. 8/HSPA+/TD-SCDMA modem, a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU subsystem from ARM, PowerVR Series5XT GPU from Imagination Technologies, and is delivered in 28nm process technology.

The MT6589 is also the first HSPA+ smartphone platform supporting Dual-SIM, Dual-Active functionality to address increasing multi-SIM demand around the world.

The MediaTek MT6589 quad-core solution supports 1080p 30fps/30fps low-power video playback and recording, a 13MP Camera with Integrated ISP, up to FHD (1920x1080) 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 and pre-integrates MediaTek?s leading 4-in-1 connectivity combo, which supports 802.11n Wi-Fi, BT4.0, GPS and FM.

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

MediaTek's quad-core SoC is being positioned to compete with Qualcomm, which announced last week two new quad-core chips, similarly integrated with a modem that works with UMTS, CDMA and TD-SCDMA. But Qualcomm's chip won't be available commercially until well into next year.