After a long wait, Samsung launched its first Tizen based smartphone called Samsung Z1 in the Indian market for a price tag of Rs 5,700. Samsung appears to be freeing its dependence on Google for its Android based offerings with the Tizen smartphone. The handset is priced attractively in the entry level market segment as it is in an attempt to regain the lost battle. The Z1 is available right from today and it also comes with free data bundled with it for Aircel and Reliance subscribers. If you are interested in this Tizen based handset, here is a quick review on the device.
Camera and Internal Storage
The Samsung Z1 includes a basic imaging hardware comprising of a 3.1 MP primary snapper and a VGA front facing selfie snapper onboard. The primary snapper has features such as Dream Shot, Auto Face Detect and others. Of course, the photography aspects on other smartphones in the entry level segment are better in terms of resolution and capabilities. Notably, similarly priced Asus Zenfone 4 has a better primary camera whereas Xiaomi Redmi 1S comes with enhanced front and back snappers.
When it comes to the storage aspects, the Samsung Z1 bundles a paltry 4 GB of native storage space that can be expanded externally up to 64 GB with the help of a micro SD card. Well, it is annoying to see 4 GB of storage capacity when the entry level devices are drifting away from it to 8 GB, but we cannot expect anything better from a low cost Samsung offering.
Processor and Battery
The Tizen based smartphone is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual core Spreadtrum SC7727S processor that is teamed up with 768 MB of RAM for moderate multitasking. The Spreadtrum SC7727S is designed based on the 28 nm process and it is optimized to achieve high performance and low power for several applications. This processor and RAM combination should render a decent performance to the entry level smartphone.
The Samsung Z1 is stuffed with a 1,500 mAh battery that sounds pretty average, but it is teamed up with battery saver mode that will enhance the backup. Also, Samsung claims that this battery can pump in up to 7 hours of video playback and 8 hours of talk time respectively.
Display and Features
Samsung Z1 is bestowed with a 4 inch PLS LCD display with a resolution of WVGA 480×800 pixels. This screen is similar to the one used on the Zenfone 4, but it has a relatively lower resolution.
The highlight of the Samsung Z1 is its Tizen 2.3 OS that is simple and lightweight. The platform provides a fast boot time, fast browser performance using compression, quick access to applications and more. The firm has come up with an inbuilt SOS alert system that lets users to reach out to help by pressing the power button four times. Also, there is private mode feature to safeguard sensitive user content from others and preinstalled antivirus.
Otherwise, there are standard connectivity aspects such as 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth 4.1. Moreover, Aircel and Reliance are providing 500 MB of free 3G data per month for six months with the Z1. There is free subscription to Hungama Music for three months, free access to premium content through Club Samsung including over 270,000 songs and 80 live TV channels.
Comparison
The Samsung Z1 Tizen with the aforementioned specifications and a reasonable pricing will fall into rivalry with Android One smartphones, Moto E, Xiaomi Redmi 1S, Asus Zenfone 4 and others.
Key Specs
| Model | Samsung Z1 |
| Display | 4 inch, WVGA |
| Processor | 1.2 GHz Dual Core Spreadtrum SC7727S |
| RAM | 768 MB |
| Internal Storage | 4 GB, Expandable up to 64 GB |
| OS | Tizen 2.3 OS |
| Camera | 3.1 MP/ VGA |
| Battery | 1,500 mAh |
| Price | Rs 5,700 |
What we Like
- Competitive pricing
- Lightweight weighing 112 grams
What we Dislike
- Lack of enhanced screen resolution
Price and Conclusion
The Samsung Z1 running on Tizen OS is priced attractively at Rs 5,700 making it affordable. But, the entry level smartphone market is dominated by Android OS and we need to wait to see if the Tizen platform can create a dent in the sales of Android smartphones as there are advanced offerings launched by Samsung’s competitors in this segment.
