Etisalat Misr, a leading telecom operator in Egypt, and Intel Corporation, have announced the launch of the Middle East’s first smartphone with an Intel Inside processor.

The new Etisalat E-20 smartphone will be available at all Etisalat stores across Egypt, and is equipped with the  Intel Atom Z2420 processor with Intel hyper-threading technology that can achieve speeds of up to 1.2 GHz.

Egypt has more than 91 million mobile subscribers and a mobile penetration that has increased to 116.94 per cent in the last year (representing an annual growth rate of 14.19 per cent compared to 2011), according to the Egyptian Ministry of Telecommunication & Information Technology.

The handset offers consumers fast web browsing, impressive multimedia capabilities and an Android applications experience.

The Intel Atom Z2420 processor enables a smooth and responsive user experience, which includes support for1080p HD video capture, and a camera with advanced imaging capabilities, including burst mode that allows people to capture seven pictures in a second in 5-megapixel quality, a statement said.

“Our new E-20 Smartphone is yet another breakthrough for Etisalat Misr as a market leader in offering the latest technology to its customers,” said Saeed AlHamli, Etisalat Misr chief executive officer.

“We always strive to partner with the best, and this is why we chose Intel to provide this superior processor for our phone. We are optimistic about this partnership, and believe it will be fruitful for both of us.”

“We are delighted to partner with Etisalat Misr to bring first smartphone with Intel Inside to Egyptian consumers,” said Mike Bell, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Mobile and Communications group.

“The new handset will extend the rich capabilities and benefits of Intel technology to more smartphone users around the world and we believe that Egyptian consumers will welcome the overall value and functionality of the device.”

“Today’s announcement builds on Intel’s growing device portfolio worldwide.” said Aysegul Ildeniz, Intel regional director of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa. “Intel has been collaborating with customers from around the world to address the growing demands of consumers seeking smartphones with higher performance capabilities, which is why we are so excited to introduce the first Intel based Smartphone in Middle East and North Africa region with Etisalat.”

The device is housed in a compact design and features a 3.5-inch touchscreen display, support for FM radio and an expandable memory slot and HSPA+ modem support with Intel’s XMM 6265 modem for global roaming. – TradeArabia News Service