After much speculation and rumors, Samsung finally released its first Tizen based smartphone Z1 for Indian market. Priced at just Rs. 5700, the budget oriented dual sim Samsung Z1 will be available in stores in India from today, January 14 2015, itself. While initial rumors suggested that the phone will be a mid or high range device rivaling Android devices, this certainly is targeted at the low end market with low end specifications and features. Going by the price range, it’s a direct rival for Android One smartphones, though the specifications are rather basic if you compare.
Specifications
Display
Size : 4.0 inches
Technology: TFT capacitive touchscreen
Resolution: 480×800 (233 ppi)
OS and Processors
OS: Tizen 2.3
Chipset: Spreadtrum SC7727S
CPU: Dual core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
GPU: Mali 400
Memory
Internal: 4 GB
RAM: 768 MB
External: Expandable up to 64 GB
Camera
Primary: 3.15 MP with LED flash
Secondary: VGA
Miscellaneous
Bluetooth: v4.1, A2DP
WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
GPS: Yes
USB: microUSB 2.0
Battery: 1500mAh Li-ion
Colors: White, Black, Red
Looking at the specifications, it’s obvious that Samsung is trying out the new OS and with a low price, they are looking to cater to more and more users. Commenting on the launch, Hyun Chil Hong, Samsung India Electronics president and CEO, said, “The smartphone market in India is rapidly evolving, with many consumers using their device as their screen of choice for content including videos, television programs, and video games, as well as a range of apps. We have customised the Samsung Z1 to meet these unique, entertainment-focused needs of local Indian consumers for a personal and reliable mobile experience.”
While if this turns out to be a successful attempt remains to be seen, they have added some non-gimmicky software features to attract customers. It features a built-in Anti-virus protection for those worried about malware from applications and Ultra Power Saving mode for an extended battery life. And there is an option to send SOS alerts to your selected contacts, who will receive a message and can track your location in an emergency by pressing the power button four times. Other things that Samsung boasted about were fast boot up time, quick app access and fast browser speed using compression. It also features a private mode to hide personal content.
With a new platform, the usual problem will be app support, but Samsung has pretty much covered the issue by enabling Tizen phones to run Android applications by installing OpenMobile’s Application Compatibility Layer from Tizen store. This means that you can run the apps which are compatible with similar Android phones
Offers given by Samsung include a free access to music and video content through Club Samsung and partners Hungama music, nexGTV and Box TV.
Reliance and Aircel have joined hands with Samsung and the subscribers will get 500 MB free 3G data each month for a period of 6 months, similar to what Airtel offered with Android One phones launched a few months back exclusively through online sites.
Sameer