LG Electronics announced what it claims to be “the world’s first smartphone with a dual-core processor,” called Optimus 2X (pictured). The Android-powered handset uses a 1GHz Tegra 2 chip from vendor Nvidia, which the company says delivers “faster, smoother web browsing and applications,” and enables multitasking with “virtually no screen lag.” It supports 1080p HD video playback and recording with HDMI mirroring that expands content to full HD quality for external displays, and can be connected wirelessly to home entertainment equipment supporting the DLNA specification. Optimus 2X will initially be available in South Korea from next month, with availability in Asia and Europe to follow. It will ship running Android 2.2 (Froyo), and will be upgradeable to Android 2.3 (Gingerbread).

While LG has been able to claim the dual-core first, it is likely that similar processors will be used in smartphones from other vendors in the near future. It was previously reported that the Samsung-made Google Nexus S would also feature a dual-core Nvidia processor, although this was not the case when the device was announced. The launch is something of a coup for Nvidia, which has beat a number of more established mobile rivals to the crown. According to a report from DigiTimes this week, Acer, Asus, Toshiba and Samsung are all set to launch Tegra 2 devices in 2011, although the focus is believed to be tablets rather than smartphones. Earlier this year, Qualcomm detailed its plans for dual-core additions to its Snapdragon portfolio, with reports stating that shipments to device makers are imminent. Not to be outdone, Marvell announced “the world’s first 1.5GHz tri-core application processor,” targeting smartphones and tablets.