Two high-end Android 2.3 smartphones were unveiled in Korea by HTC and LG this week. The HTC Raider 4G features a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, a 4.5-inch IPS (in-plane switching) display, 4G LTE, and an eight-megapixel camera with a 28mm lens attachment, while the LG Optimus Q2 sports a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, a slide-out keyboard, and a four-inch IPS display with 700-nit brightness.

South Koreans embraced the smartphone concept early, with the help of a robust early implementation of 3G, and their taste in phones remain demanding. A number of smartphone breakthroughs have debuted first in Korea, including the world's first dual-core handset, the Android-based LG Optimus 2X (pictured).

This week, two more feature-rich Android 2.3 smartphones were unveiled in Seoul: the HTC Raider 4G and the LG Optimus Q2. While there were no promises of a future U.S. launch, a number of other high-end Korean phones have spread to the U.S. and elsewhere, although typically minus Korean-targeted features like T-DMB mobile television receivers. In fact, the Raider 4G is rumored to be set for an AT&T recast this fall. 

HTC Raider 4G

HTC's Raider 4G will be sold by an unnamed Korean 4G LTE carrier later this month, and features Android 2.3 running on an unnamed 1.5GHz dual-core processor, according to an Engadget report. The story, which points to an HTC Raider 4G product page [translated] and press release,  says the phone appears to be very similar to a recently tipped 1.2GHz HTC Holiday — expected to be heading for AT&T's stateside LTE and HSPA+ networks later this year.

HTC Raider 4G

The Raider 4G is said to be equipped with 1GB of RAM, along with 16GB of internal storage. Like a number of recent Android phones, the Raider 4G is pushing the size envelope with a huge 4.5-inch display. This is filled out nicely with qHD (960 x 540) resolution, as well as IPS technology that provides wide viewing angles, according to HTC.

The eight-megapixel auto-focus camera with dual LED flash appears to be the main marketing focus for HTC. The camera is touted for its 1080p video recording, F2.2 lens, quick response, and low-light support. A 28mm wide-angle lens mount accessory is said to be due in fourth quarter.

In addition, the phone supplies a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera, says the company. A wireless surround sound system is also said to be available.

The Raider 4G provides both LTE and HSPA+ support, as well as 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and GPS, according to Engadget. Progressive download services are said to let users begin to watch videos while the file is still downloading, although with touted LTE maximum download rates of 100Mbps (with 50Mbps uploads), that may not be so necessary.

HTC also mentions the presence of a separately sold Terrestrial DMB (T-DMB) receiver primed for the Korean mobile TV infrastructure.

Software includes a recent version of the HTC Sense UI layer and app suite, featuring the new lock screen display that's also found on the new HTC Rhyme phone, among others. Other features includes video trim-editing, with Facebook and Twitter integration, and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) media sharing, says HTC.

Korea-specific software includes smart dialer and phone book aps, as well as three types of virtual keyboards, says the company.

LG Optimus Q2

Since LG Electronics' Optimus 2X debuted in Korea late last year, the Korean company has quietly risen to be one of the world's major Android smartphone vendors. Most of LG's phones have sported the Optimus moniker, with Verizon's LG Revolution being one of the major exceptions.

LG Optimus Q2

The newly announced Optimus Q2 upgrades a previous Optimus Q model — apparently also known as the LG Eclipse LU2300 — and is similarly equipped with a QWERTY slider and targeted at the Korean market. The Optimus Q2 announcement in Korea this week was picked up by AndroidCommunity, which points to this LG Optimus Q2 announcement [translated].

The Optimus Q2 is equipped with a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and offers a four-inch WVGA display (800 x 480) with IPS technology and a super-bright 700 nits, says LG.

Despite the QWERTY keyboard, the phone measures a relatively svelte 0.48 inches (12.3mm), and weighs a reasonable 5.2 ounces (147 grams). The slightly thinner, lighter design includes an overhaul of the Q's keyboard layout, according to the company.

The Optimus Q2 offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi Direct support, but there's no mention of 4G. The phone supplies a five-megapixel camera, as well as a front-facing videocam.

 An Engadget report, meanwhile, says the Q2's processor is an Nvidia Tegra 2, and it is said to run Android 2.3. The phone is set to launch next week in Korea for an unstated price.

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