MediaTek Announces MT6595 SoC

MediaTek has announced a new 4G LTE octa-core processor SoC that should help position the chipmaker to better compete with rival Qualcomm, maker of the Snapdragon series of processors. The MediaTek MT6595 is powered by four Cortex-A7 cores and four ARM Cortex-A17, all eight of which can be used at the same time.

The MT6595 marks several firsts for MediaTek. According to the company, it is the world’s first 4G LTE octa-core smartphone SoC powered by ARM Cortex-A17 cores and capable of delivering Ultra HD H.265 codec support. It is also the first MediaTek platform that supports the 802.11ac wireless standard, as well as both inductive and resonant wireless charging.

"MediaTek is focused on delivering a full-range of 4G LTE platforms and the MT6595 will enable our customers to deliver premium products with advanced features to a growing market," said Jeffrey Ju, general manager of the MediaTek smartphone business unit in a press statement.

 It’s unknown yet what devices will utilize the new SoC, but the MT6595 is definitely not intended for low-end phones. In addition to Ultra HD video support, the new chipset supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, global 4G LTE and a 20-megapixel camera. According to Android Authority, the MT6595 will clock its A17 cores at around 2.2 to 2.5GHz and its A7 cores at 1.7GHz.  

The MT6595 is slated for a commercial release in the first half of 2014, so you can expect to see it begin popping up in smartphones and tablets sometime in the second half of the year.

"Congratulations to MediaTek on being in a leading position to implement the new ARM Cortex-A17 processor in mobile device," said Noel Hurley, vice president and deputy general manager, ARM product division. "MediaTek has a keen understanding of the smartphone market and continues to identify innovative ways to bring a premium mobile experience to the masses."