Intel today its next-generation series of smartphone mobile processors, one aimed at low-end devices and the second targeting mid-range devices. The Z2420 is an update to last year's Z2220 and will be used in devices for emerging markets. It features Intel Hyper-Threading and speeds up to 1.2GHz; 1080p hardware-accelerated encode/decode; and the ability to use two cameras with advanced imaging features. The Z2420 packs the XMM 6265 HSPA+ modem, which supports dual-mode SIMs. The second chip, the Z2580, is an update to the Z2460 and should appear in mainstream smartphones.

Intel said the Z2580 will deliver up to two times the performance benefits of the Z2460, while also offering competitive power and battery life. The chips will be available later this year.

In related news, Qualcomm today announced its next-generation Snapdragon processors, called the 800 and 600. The 800 is intended for use in premium smartphones and tablets, while the 600 is intended for high-end handsets. The 800 is based on Qualcomm's Krait 400 line with a 28nm processes, and in quad-core configurations can be clocked at speeds up to 2.3GHz per core while delivering a 75% improvement in power efficiency. The cores are asynchronous, so they can handle different tasks and different power levels separately. The 800 line also includes e Adreno 330 GPU, which makes improvements in graphics powers compared to the previous generations chip. The 600 uses the Krait 300 quad-core CPU with speeds up to 1.9GHz and a new speed enhanced Adreno 320 GPU. Both support the latest combo modems, including LTE 4G, and various 3G technologies. Both chips are already sampling and should be available by the middle of 2013