Samsung continues to innovate and diversify their Galaxy line with the recently announced Galaxy S4 Zoom. Unlike the existing Galaxy S4, this device is more than just a phone as it also pulls double duty as a 16-megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera with 10x optical zoom. As an owner of the Galaxy Note II, I think this latest Samsung offering muddies the water a bit since mobile phone cameras are evolving at a very fast rate. The Galaxy S4 has an 8-megapixel camera that delivers amazing photos and does not have the added bulk of the S4 Zoom. Since Samsung has become top dog in the Android phone arena, they are taking quite a few risks as of late with their mobile devices. It was not that long ago that we were discussing the Galaxy camera, which while chock full of features has not caught on the way I think Samsung wanted.
But personal feelings aside, must admit the device has some pretty cool features. The camera has a zoom ring that allows the user to take a picture while on a phone call and send it to the person on the line with minimal fuss.
All the usual camera bells and whistles are present including a xenon flash, image stabilization options and the ever popular Smart Mode that determines the ideal settings for your snapshots.
The phone portion runs Jellybean Version 4.2 and is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor that holds its own against existing devices. The phone screen is a 4.3-inch qHD which is ample for phone and camera viewfinder use.
Samsung currently has no price or release date for this device, but I am sure we will hear more about it over the summer. Most phones strive to serve multiple purposes, but the main goal of most phones is to replace point-and-shoot cameras; and to some degree they are succeeding. I know more people who take photos with their phones then with DSLR cameras and these are people who love taking pictures. When I ask them why don’t they have a point-and-shoot their responses are “ the phone has as good if not a better camera then any point-and-shoot I’ve owned”. I personally snap a ton of pics with my phone. However, I think the S4 Zoom design may not be pocket friendly and Nokia has already cornered the high megapixel phone market with their Pure View phones. All these factors will make for an interesting marketing campaign by Samsung. Would any of you guys trade in your phones for a device like this? Sound off in the comments.
