ZTE unveils first smartphone to use Tegra 2 SoC and Icera baseband chip

ZTE has become the first smartphone manufacturer to utilize Nvidia’s Tegra 2 SoC and Icera baseband chip on the same handset. Nvidia acquired Icera in June 2011 for $367 million in an effort to strengthen their position in the mobile processor space.

The Mimosa X is classified as a mid-range device despite its dual-core processor and the fact that it runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Clock speeds on the Tegra 2 weren’t mentioned but we would suspect them to be at least 1GHz or higher.

Other specifications include GeForce graphics, a 4.3-inch qHD (960 x 540 resolution) display, a 5MP rear camera, front-facing shooter, Dolby sound, DLNA support, 4GB of internal storage and a memory card slot that accepts cards up to 32GB in capacity. The Icera chip will allow for HSPA+ speeds up to 21Mbps.

ZTE is planning to launch the Mimosa X sometime in the second quarter of 2012, perhaps as soon as next week at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Only time will tell which market(s) will get the handset but Nvidia spokesperson Bruce Chan noted that it will cost substantially less than what existing superphones are selling for today. Nvidia CEO Jen-Husn described the Mimosa X as having the capability of an iPhone 4 but much more affordable.  

Despite not being a cutting-edge quad-core smartphone, the Mimosa X could do really well if priced aggressively. Some sources believe it could be offered for free on contract through one of the big carriers.