Now that MWC 2012 has started manufacturers have started to show-off their latest gadgets. So far we have four (that I know of) quad-core phones announced. The LG Optimus 4X HD, Huawei Ascend D quad, XL and HTC One X. Any thoughts on the initial releases?

There is also the Samsung Galaxy S 3, due to be announced later in the year, hopefully Q2.

If your looking for an upgrade, and want the best, then you certainly have quite a choice.

One draw back is the mediocre OS. Make that awesome and you have a winner.

Bought to you by iPad 2

I don't really see the point of a quad core in a phone tbh, I won't be upgrading to the iPhone 5 if that is all they add.

Please keep this thread on topic. I dont want this to turn into a apple v android thread. If you want to discuss OS's start your own thread.


Its like all tech, we dont really need it. Do we really need dual core phones? Do we really need 50" plasma tvs? We may not need, but we certainly want.

Ubuntu for android requires at least dual core phone. Can't wait to upgrade and use unbuntu.

What a strange troll. Are you saying Android is mediocre or awesome? Please explain.

Sorry, have apple announced a new quad core phone?

Brought to you by my useless iPhone 4S.....

Lol oh noes I forgot apple mad useless phones

I rEtract my last 'troll' like comment

OP.....it'll start no matter what you want...Half of them don't read anything but the title of the thread.

Back on track......IMO quad core etc is going to appeal to two camps. Those that use it and those who just brag about having it (99% of users wouldn't be a far off guess for that camp.)
Personally. I won't be rushing out to upgrade if the only upgrade is to quad core as that won't give me anything extra.
As always, the tech is outstripping the need...

Do you know what you get when you cross iOS with Android?

On the topic, I'd rather try to optimise an OS performance rather than throw more and more power on it. What's the point. It drains your battery and some kind of task manager for killing apps that don't behave becomes a necessity.

As low as 99% I wont be rushing out to upgrade either. But my Desire HD is getting on a bit. I didnt buy my Desire HD on contract, so I am not tied into a contract. My next phone, I might get on a contract, as I cant see me upgrading again for another couple of years. So wouldnt mind signing up to an 18 month contract (2 years is still way too long). I, like most people are probably waiting for the SGS3 before they decide which phone to get.


I think google do optimise the OS with each release. Manufacturers are not making quad core phones because Android needs the power. They are producing quad-core phones because they can. A bit like consumers like to show-off their gadgets. You can bet company reps, marketing people when they meet at conferences like to brag about their companies latest all singing all dancing products.

apple suck end of.

Now back on topic, Quadcore makes me tingle but if it comes down to it i will choose the xperia ion over the HTC ONE X and then of course id pick a nokia 3310 over an Iphone

I remember someone saying that quad core are actually MORE battery efficient ... that would be a very good reason to upgrade.

i have a dual core phone and everything runs very quickly. i previously had a single core phone and at first everything ran very quickly but as the newer apps came out it struggled more.

Its all about 'what is around the corner' from app developers that will determine if quad core is really required from a performace perspective.

Currently though its simply a 'willy waving' arms race to convince people to buy the 'latest and gratest gadget' ...

works on me though

I hear people complaining about "jerky" UI even on galaxy s2, which is dual core iirc. Something like that had not happened to me on wp7 phones, which all have single cores. Tech specs war in mobile computing is misguided imo. You have power consumption to consider, too. It should be about efficiency the things get done with, not about how many processors you have. If you have enough work to make 4 processors busy your battery won't last. And if you don't, well one or two cores would do, too.

You are missing my point, the only reason to have more cores in a processor is if there is software that takes advantage of it which there won't be for a while. It's like having a TV that supports 4k when there isn't any 4K content.

The only advantage of it is for geeks to brag to people who don't care.

Jerky tends to relate to live wallpapers ...... which (I believe) are unique to Android. A lot of it depends on screen resolution (ie how many pixels need pushing) to processor ratios and, more importantly, the quality of the app coding !

WP7 uses 'live tiles' but these are more restricted. I like the wp7 interface but Im not sure i wouldnt get bored of it after a while having got used to Android customisations. Of course if you never tinker with phones or have never seen Android customisations, the its probably never going to bother you.

What do people use their phones for that they would need quad core processors?

Not quite. You will find that hardware leads the way for software. You have to have quad cores before the software becomes available for it. True, current software may not efficiently make use of all the cores. However a time will come when it will.

There are other advantages, the new Tegra chip used in HTC one uses a 4 + 1 chop design. Thus process that use much power will use the "+1" core. This will improve battery life. Its not just geeks that use android, thats a common misconception. A bit like saying only idiots use apple products. The biggest advantage, will be watching the apple gang turn green with envy

Some nice looking specs, but HTC have kindof screwed up with the size of batteries they've chosen. A bit small for modern day needs, even with a quad core processor.

The only reason?

Wrong. more cores can actually lengthen battery life by a long way. Dont know why people think more core are simply used for software.....

Why wont there be any software for a while? Peoiple aren't producing this software now because there isn't anything around to run it, thus the need for Quad core.
Nothings worse than getting something and not being able to run it because of hardware restriction's, and as been the same with PC's, if the hardware is always impressive, the software dev's aren't restricted. Like Microsoft with the XBOX360 and not having a blur ray sized disc media.

Ok for starters i didn't even mention Android, that's just your paranoia, i'm sure Apple will also release a quad core phone this year.

Also is it just for geeks, ask the average joe on the street what speed the processor is in his phone and how many cores it has and he will have no clue and nor will he care.

Lengthen battery life by a long way i seriously doubt, more modern processors get more energy efficient, nothing to do with the amount of cores they use and under load 4 cores going at full pelt will use more power than current dual core processors.

As for software, there is hardly any software out ATM that needs dual core phones in order to run, in fact i can't think of any.

Aside from the cpu which can never hurt and provide longevity to the phone, Im as interested in the screen sizes and res of these new phones. some are now touching on full hd and would like something i can watch me sky go on nice and comfortably ....

The android market seems to be leaving all else in its wake at the moment ... see what windows have in store for us maybe

Flash based facebook and G+ apps. Even the S2 falls on its face with that one

I doubt Flash for android has quad core support so it will offer no advantage.