Just as fall began, we learned of the next Android device in the works from China’s Meizu, the MX. That news was worthy of some special attention because it promised that the phone would be available as one of the first quad-core Android smartphones. While we’re still waiting on the quad-core version, its dual-core sibling has just made its debut, launching before crowds of eager fans.

It’s easy to dismiss the 16GB, dual-core MX as just a hold-over, to let the phone launch now, while the 32GB quad-core model looks like it won’t be making an appearance until sometime in Q2. That would be a premature move, though, because it’s sounding like there’s plenty to enjoy with even the dual-core MX.

Meizu managed to tweak the phone’s hardware slightly in the lead-up to its launch, upgrading the camera component for better white balance and for the lens to resist fingerprints. There are also changes to the phone’s software that now make better use of the hardware, including ramping-up the default CPU clock to 1.4GHz, as well as setting the camera to default to 1080p for its video recording. The manufacturer has announced plans to release dual sets of firmware for all its phones, including the MX, so you’ll have your choice of a highly-customized Meizu build or a plain, no-frills version.

Obviously, we’re still very much interested in learning more about the quad-core MX, but for now, smartphone fans in China have a very capable-sounding handset to hold them over.

Source: Engadget