The Taiwanese-based MediaTek has debuted the MT6589, a quad-core System on a Chip (SoC) targeted at mid to high-end Android smartphones and tablets.

The 28nm quad-core SoC integrates MediaTek’s multi-mode UMTS Rel. 8/HSPA+/TD-SCDMA modem, an ARM-powered quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU and PowerVR Series5XT GPU (graphics) from Imagination Technologies.

Interestingly, the MT6589 also claims to be the world’s first HSPA+ smartphone platform supporting dual-SIM, dual-active functionality.

“The Cortex-A7 is the most power-efficient applications processor ever developed by ARM,” said ARM exec Laurence Bryant.

“MediaTek is the first company to combine a quad-core Cortex-A7 and 28nm manufacturing with TrustZone for system-level security. The MT6589 SoC brings the performance and features associated with high-end mobile devices to mass-market smartphones and tablets.”

As expected, the MediaTek MT6589 quad-core SoC supports 1080p 30fps/30fps low-power video playback and recording, a 13MP Camera with Integrated ISP, up to FHD (1920×1080) LCD displays and enhanced picture processing for DTV-grade image quality.

In addition, the MT6589 supports MediaTek’s “Cool 3D” suite for stereo 3D cameras and displays, real-time 2D-to-3D conversion and an optimal 3D user interface.

The MediaTek MT6589 is currently being incorporated into smart devices, with the first models based on the new chipset expected to ship in Q1 2013.