Top cell phone vendor plans Tegra handset for Q4

Following confirmation that that Microsoft’s Zune HD will include an Nvidia Tegra system-on-a-chip when it launches this coming fall, Nvidia has revealed the platform is set to debut in the smartphone segment as well. In an interview with TheStreet.com, Michael Rayfield, the company’s general manager of mobile business said he expects Tegra to show up in a handset from “one of the top five cell-phone makers” in Q4 2009.

While Rayfield wouldn’t mention which manufacturer that might be or any other details regarding the handset, TheStreet.com points to Samsung and Motorola as likely candidates. Considering Nvidia has only shown its chip working with Android and Windows Mobile or CE operating systems, we can probably rule out Nokia, Apple, RIM and some others. Additionally, the company has also said in a discussion with CrunchGear that Tegra-based devices should reach AT&T and T-Mobile by the end of this year for about $199.