The SoC also boasts a PowerVR Series6 GPU (i.e. Rogue). The kicker comes in the form of LTE support. MediaTek says this is its first octa-core LTE part with an integrated H.265 Ultra HD decoder, which means it can handle 4K/UHD content. The chip also features support for NFC and Bluetooth 4.0 LE.
The chip is aimed at mid-range and even high-end devices, which is a bit odd as the A7/A15 combo was reserved for big.LITTLE parts destined for flagship gear (namely in the form of Exynos 5 parts). The MT6595 can use all eight cores simultaneously and the company says it is more efficient than the Exynos 5.
However, there are a couple of caveats. It is unclear when the chip will show up in actual products. Don’t expect it anytime soon. MediaTek should roll out the first production Cortex A12 in a matter for weeks, but Cortex A17 might not even show up this year. The company will officially launch the chip sometime in Q3, but devices based on the MT6595 might not show up until early 2015.
