Launch of Samsung Z1
As rapidly as the popularity of smartphones is expanding in India, about two-thirds of Indian mobile users are still using feature phones. And that is a big population. No wonder mobile companies are eager to tap into this sector by luring them through affordable entry-level smartphones. And the popularity of such smartphones shows that they are on the right track.
Samsung already has several options in entry-level smartphones. Today, on the day when India celebrated the festival of Makar Sakranti, Samsung gifted Indian consumers with yet another offering with the launch of Samsung Z1
“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,” said Mr. Hyun Chil Hong, President and CEO, Samsung India Electronics, “We have customized the Samsung Z1 to meet these unique, entertainment-focused needs of local Indian consumers for a personal and reliable mobile experience.”
Samsung Z1 is special in two ways. One, it is ‘made in india’ and two, it runs on lighter and swifter Tizen operating system. So far, we have seen Tizen based wearable devices by Samsung like Gear smartwatches. This is the first time that Samsung has launched a smartphone running on Tizen OS.
This brand new Tizen based smartphone by Samsung is called Samsung Z1. The device has been made in India, it has been launched first in India and is targeted especially at Indian youth looking for swift and stylish smartphone at an affordable price. Keeping the target user in mind, the Z1 smartphone brings with it a bundle of entertainment apps that are sure going to interest the young Indian consumer.
Let’s see what else Samsung Z1 has.
Z1, running on Tizen operating system, promises swifter performance than other entry-level smartphones. It promises a faster boot time and a swifter access to apps. It also promises a faster loading time while web browsing and decreased data usage. That is, web browsing on Z1 can be expected to be quicker and cheaper.
Z1 is a light-weight smartphone with a decent 4” WVGA PLS screen. However, when viewed under the bright lights at the launch event, the screen did appear a little dim and so might be expected to be a little hard to view in bright sunshine. However, we must keep in mind that this is an entry-level mobile and so a brightness like that of a super AMOLED display can’t be expected. In terms of looks, Z1 appears pretty decent. It is light weight, feels comfortable to hold and comes in variety of color s like White, Black and Wine Red.
Z1 is equipped with a 3.1 megapixel rear camera. Z1 also has a VGA front camera with an auto face detect feature that has been designed to make it convenient for the users to click selfies.
In terms of important specifications, Z1 is powered by 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 768 MB RAM and has 4GB internal storage. The storage is expandable up to 64GB with a microSD card. Z1 is a dual SIM smartphone. It has 1500 mAh battery capable of delivering 8 hours of talk time and 7 hours of videos. Z1 also has the useful ‘Ultra Power Saving Mode’ which can further extend the battery life by shutting down all non-essential functions and keeping only the essential features running when the battery is running low in the phone.
Z1 is targeted at young consumers that are expected to have high entertainment needs. And so, Z1 comes packed with features to keep the users entertained. It comes with a free entertainment package called ‘Joy Box‘ that gives access to various music, TV and movies. Z1 users will also have free access to premum content on Club Samsung and can stream or download songs and watch over 80 live TV channels. Not just that, Samsung has also partnered with Hungama.com, Live TV service, nexGTv and Box TV to provide the users of Z1 to stream and download various songs, movies and other content for free for a period of three months. And yes, it also has FM radio.
Other useful features of Z1 include the SOS alert which gets activated by pressing the Power button four times and sends instant Help messages to user’s pre-selected contacts, while also tracking user’s location so the necessary help can reach the user more quickly.
Z1 also has in-built AntiVirus which automatically checks not just the installed apps but also emails and SMS for any virus, smishing, phishing and pharming threat.
Z1 also has a Private Mode which can be used to keep selected data and apps private from the prying eyes.
Samsung Z1 will be available in Indian market from 14th January, 2015 and will be priced at a very affordable INR INR 5,700/- .
As a special offer, Samsung Z1 users using the 3G networks of Reliance Communications & Aircel can avail upto 500 MB of 3G data per month free for 6 months.
All in all, Z1 appears to be a pretty decent option for feature phone users desiring to switch over to an affordable smartphone. It will also interest young consumers looking for swift and dependable phone with good looks, good features and high entertainment capabilities. The fact that Z1 runs on Tizen operating system might make it more interesting for consumer desiring to try a newer system, however some may also wonder about the availability of apps for Tizen. As per Samsung, all important apps are already available for Tizen operating system, yet, the number of such apps can’t be as extensive yet as those available for other operating systems like Android, Windows or iOS.
The phone did appear swift and smooth in functions and had an easy and simple user interface which is ideal for consumers switching over from a feature phone.
Important Specifications of Samsung Z1: