Broadcom challenges Qualcomm with its own dual-core 1.1Ghz chipset with integrated 21Mbps HSPA+ radio

We were wondering when the popular wireless chipset maker Broadcom will wake up to the dual-core madness, and today is the day. The company already announced a dual-core ARM-based chipset with NFC chip, but it is for budget Android phones, clocked at 600MHz. Broadcom just lifted the veil from its own dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 monster, called enigmatically BCM28150.

Despite the uninspiring name, this chipset has some neat tricks up its sleeve - two cores ticking at 1.1Ghz, VideoCore IV GPU with a Vector Processing Unit, and integrated GPS, which also supports the Russian satellite system GLONASS for better positioning.

Broadcom's dual-core 1.1GHz chipset rings in the usual niceties like Full HD 1080p video recording at 30fps, and 3D stereoscopic video, but it also brings 1080p video output simultaneously on the phone screen and on a TV up to 1080p at 60fps, including 3D graphics at 1Gpx/s. Yes, that means you can use the integrated HDMI support, and play 3D games at 1080p resolutions on your TV with 60fps via your cell phone.

There is a reference platform for the chipset that Broadcom will be demonstrating February 17th at the MWC Expo in Barcelona. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread on a 4.3" LCD display, and has a 12MP camera (the chipset supports up to 20MP shooters).

The cherry on the top - similar only to Qualcomm's Snapdragon family, Broadcom BCM28150 integrates the baseband modem in the system-on-a-chip, an HSPA+ version that allows for 21Mbps download speeds, should your carrier's network support it.

We'll keep an eye on Broadcom's reference platform presentation via our people on the ground at the MWC Expo next week.

source: Broadcom