Smoother multitasking, great dual-core apps, increased speed, and better gaming are just some of the features to look forward to from a dual-core smartphone existence.

More handsets packing the extra processing power are set to arrive before the end of 2011, but if you're eyeing up an upgrade right now, here's the best dual-core smartphones on offer right now.

HTC Sensation
Price: £499
WE LOVE: Refreshed version of HTC Sense. Great screen, with inset glass. Blisteringly fast Strong, premium build. HTC Watch.
WE HATE: Screen isn't as good as iPhone 4 or Galaxy SII. Paying for HDMI adaptor cable.
T3 Star rating: 5

More: HTC Sensation review | Samsung Galaxy S2 vs HTC Sensation

LG Optimus 2X
Price: £499
WE LOVE: Powerful processor. Fast at streaming. DLNA compatibility. Great screen.
WE HATE: Some software issues. Heavy on battery. Some poor LG apps.
T3 Star rating: 3

More: LG Optimus 2X review | Samsung Galaxy S2 vs Motorola Atrix vs LG Optimus 2X | Vote for the LG Optimus 2X as Phone of the Year

LG Optimus 3D
Price: £499
WE LOVE: Superbly powerful. Quick with very little slowdown Bright screen in normal use.
WE HATE: Heavy at nearly 170g. 3D fails to wow.
T3 Star rating: 3

More: LG Optimus 3D review | HTC Evo 3D vs LG Optimus 3D | LG Optimus 3D hands-on

Motorola Atrix
Price: £499
WE LOVE: Incredible versatility, once docks are added. Very powerful. Citrix compatibility is great for businesses
WE HATE: The docks push the price up. Poor-ish camera
T3 Star rating: 4

More: Motorola Atrix review | Samsung Galaxy S2 vs Motorola Atrix vs LG Optimus 2X | Vote for Motorola Atrix as Phone of the Year

Samsung Galaxy S2
Price: £499
WE LOVE: Glorious screen. Thin body. Very quick. Good camera/video mode. Decent battery performance
WE HATE: Feels plasticky. Can't play some Tegra games
T3 Star rating: 5

More: Samsung Galaxy S2 review | Samsung Galaxy S2 vs HTC Sensation | Vote for Samsung Galaxy S2 as Phone of the Year

Samsung Galaxy S2 video

HTC Sensation video

LG Optimus 2X video

Motorola Atrix video

LG Optimus 3D video

Source: T3 Tech Videos