Currently, dual-core and quad-core power has been limited to top end devices on the smartphone spectrum. Qualcomm is looking to change this with its newly announced MSM8225Q and MSM8625Q Snapdragon S4 mobile application processors (APs).

According to the company, these APs have been optimised specifically for a broad range of smartphone users, which require faster running applications as well as enhanced user experiences.

Snapdragon S4 Play processors will now offer OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) both dual-core and quad-core CPUs and performance for lower tier, higher volume smartphones, with the more advanced version featuring high-resolution display support, HD video playback and recording capabilities as well as enhanced user experiences.

Qualcomm stated that its MSM8225Q and MSM8625Q processors incorporate quad-core CPUs and support for LPDDR2 memory. This enables these APs to support improved functionality, the likes of HD-Ready (720p) display as well as 720p video encoding and decoding. Both processors enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and FM Radio connectivity using the Qualcomm Atheros AR6005 and WCN2243 chipsets.

Both processors will be ready for customer sampling by the end of 2012 and are expected to ship in commercial devices during Q1 2013.

“Our broad portfolio of Snapdragon S4 mobile processors delivers the optimal balance of features and performance for the high-volume smartphone segment,” said Cristiano Amon, senior VP and co-president of mobile and computing products. “By offering both dual-core and quad-core CPU versions of the Snapdragon S4 Play processor, we are providing our OEM and operating partners a competitive and differentiated platform.”

In related news, Qualcomm recently held its Innovation Qualcomm event in Berlin, where the firm chronicled the rise of mobile and also revealed that there is a mobile revolution underway of staggering proportions.