The phone with two brains that's a secret speed demon

A sight for sore eyes: The Sony Xperia Arc boasts a massive 4.2 inch screen, as well as a powerful dual-core processor

Bigger brains don't automatically mean higher intelligence -- otherwise the world would be ruled by the sperm whale, which tops the animal kingdom for sheer volume of grey matter.

It's what you do with it that counts.

That's the dilemma facing the new LG Optimus 2X mobile, which is the first on the market to boast a dual-core processor.

Dual cores have been common in computers for years but only now have the boffins conquered the technical hurdles to shrink the same technology into a mobile.

Essentially, it gives the device two brains and in theory makes everything run twice as fast.

The LG 2X looks not unlike many other premium Android phones, slickly designed and with a generously proportioned four-inch screen.

Light, yet solidly built, the 2X shows little outward sign of the horsepower under the bonnet.

Switch it on and it fairly zips along -- scrolling smoothly, launching apps in a trice and rarely pausing for breath.

But there's still a sense that nothing takes dramatic advantage of that extra oomph yet -- it's as if you were driving a Ferrari on an Offaly back road.

It may be the world's fastest phone but it feels only slightly nippier than single-core rivals.

But the 2X does have other tricks up its sleeve that make it worth recommending. The phone's big screen is impressive enough, delivering crisp and colourful visuals.

However, an HDMI port enables connection to a big-screen telly, all the better to show off the 2X's ultra-high-def video-camera footage, play games or simply to watch downloaded video.

Naturally, all this electronic brawn costs the 2X battery life versus similar rivals and, unfortunately, the phone runs a slightly outdated version of Android.

The LG 2X costs €500 SIM-free but is expected to be available on contract with O2 shortly.

www.lg.com/uk

Sony Ericsson failed to translate its early success in mobiles into the competitive smartphone field, only beginning to hit its stride with the Xperia X10 last year.

The jury's still out on its new 'PlayStation phone' but it definitely has a winner in the new Xperia Arc.

So thin it must live on a diet of cigarettes and water, the Arc somehow fits in a 4.2-inch screen, a superb eight-megapixel camera and the latest Android software.

Like the LG 2X, it can connect via HDMI to your telly if that gorgeous screen isn't enough for you.

The skinny buttons are a little awkward and someone should be shot for placing the headphone jack on the side.

But otherwise this is one classy contender from the Sony Ericsson stable.

It costs about €90 on the typical cheapest contract or about €450 on pre-pay.

www.sonyericsson.ie

Irish Independent