ZTE Planning Octo-Core Apache Smartphone for 2013 Release

While quad-core processors may be all the rage today, enter 2013 and ZTE is planning a high-end smartphone with an 8-core processor, at least according to some rumors. While the Chinese smartphone-maker has been historically known for its more affordable budget-oriented smartphones, it looks like ZTE is trying to break free of being pigeon-holed in that space and is planning some more alluring, feature-packed handsets moving forward.

The device has a codename of Apache and will be sporting an octo-core processor from Mediatek using the ARM15 design based on TSMC’s 28 nm manufacturing technology. According to a report on Unwired View, Mediatek had beat out rivals such as Qualcomm and NVIDIA for placement in the ZTE Apache.

Other features include a 1080p full HD resolution display, a 13-megapixel camera, and 4G LTE network support.

The device may be announced at either the Consumer Electronics Show in early January or at the Mobile World Congress show internationally in February. If so, the Apache may be one of the first octo-core smartphones to be released. It’s unclear when the handset will be made available in 2013, but at least we’re seeing some trends emerging for 2013 flagships: full 1080p HD displays and higher resolution cameras.

In addition to the Apache, ZTE is also rumored to be working on a Grand X Pro smartphone with an edge-to-edge glass display.