LG Optimus 2X debuts as 'world's first and fastest' dual-core smartphone

LG has unveiled the Android-powered Optimus 2X, the "world's first" smartphone with a dual-core processor. And it's fast too.

With the following specs, the Optimus 2X could almost be classified a gaming smartphone. The Tegra 2 system-on-a-chip clocks in at 1GHz, and that NVIDIA graphics processor should help bring some high-quality images up to the 4-inch WVGA screen. The DLNA-enabled LG handheld also hosts an accelerometer and gyro sensor that could virtually turn the Optimus 2X into a console controller.

The Optimus 2X is capable of full HD 1080p video playback as well as recording with HDMI mirroring. A user could store up to 8GB of content directly on the device or take advantage of the microSD card slot (expandable up to 32GB).

Other important specs include the 8-megapixel rear camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and a hefty 1500mAh battery - although there's no note about the actual battery life.

As for the operating system, the Optimus 2X ships with Android 2.2 on board, but it is upgradeable to Android 2.3. As to when the Gingerbread will be ready for this phone remains to be seen.

Another mystery of sorts is the launch timeline. The LG Optimus 2X will make its initial release in Korea next month, with other countries in Asia and Europe to follow at an unknown later date.

[UPDATE: The photo above has been changed from the one posted with the Korea Times copy of the press release to the version posted with the official LG press release.]