It seems that 2011 is destined to be remembered as the year in which dual core smartphones broke into the mobile market, with many of the latest releases sporting two physical processing power plants to crunch numbers like never before. Here are some of the biggest recent releases to keep your curiosity satisfied and your consumer sense well informed.

The LG Optimus 2X was the first past the post when it comes to dual core releases, outstripping its nearest rivals by getting to market earlier in the year. Running the 1GHz Nvidia Tegra 2 chip and boasting support for full HD 1080p video recording, this is no slouch when it comes to raw capabilities. With a growing number of apps optimised for dual core processors and the ability to mirror its screen on a TV via HDMI output, there is a lot to recommend about the Optimus 2X.

Of course LG`s party was relatively short lived because the Samsung Galaxy S2, arriving to much fanfare, has already outstripped it in terms of performance and desirability. In a shell that is thinner than the iPhone 4, Samsung has managed to squeeze a 1.2GHz dual core processor and a 4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus display, along with Android 2.3. Elegance of design and the bleeding edge nature of its internal components mean that the Galaxy S2 currently wears the crown as world`s most powerful mobile.

If you are looking for a similar thinness but at a lower price point then the Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc might be a better choice than the Galaxy S2. Its 4.2 inch high resolution display is large without being overbearing and its singe core processor running at 1GHz is powerful enough for most purposes. An 8.1 megapixel camera with HD video shooting is a welcome addition and like the Optimus 2X it has an HDMI output for living room viewing, although display mirroring is not an option as a result of its lower powered processor.

A direct rival to the Xperia Arc is the LG Optimus Black. With a four inch NOVA display and a single core 1GHz processor it is blow for blow a decent rival to the Xperia Arc and although it is not quite as thin its 109 gram weight will make it feel light and portable just the same. It is perhaps no surprise that most of the big names launching mobiles at the moment have chosen Google`s Android operating system.

Including laptop deals with these new mobiles is another way of getting consumers to commit to 24 month contracts and with portable web access for social networking a necessity in the modern world these smartphones are becoming increasingly attractive.