Samsung Launches Z1, First Tizen-Powered Smartphone

(RTTNews) - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (SSNLF.PK) on Wednesday launched Samsung Z1 in India, the first smartphone powered by its own mobile platform -- Tizen. The Tizen-powered smartphone was launched after years of delay and postponement, as the South Korean giant looks to end its dependence on Google's Android operating system.

The Samsung Z1 is available in India from Wednesday at 5,700 rupees, about $92, in White, Black and Wine Red colors. With the low-end specs of the Z1, Samsung expects to target low-end, cost conscious smartphone buyers in one of the largest smartphone markets in the world.

Z1 features a four-inch WVGA screen and is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor and 768 MB RAM. The smartphone sports a 3.1 MP rear-camera and a VGA camera on the front for video-calling. It has an internal storage memory of 4 GB that can be expanded up to 64 GB using a micro SD card. The phone is powered by a 1500 mAH battery, which the company claims gives 7 hours of non-stop video playback and 8 hours of talk time.

In order to gain a market share in India, the Z1 would have to take head-on other low-cost Android variants available in the country, which boasts of similar or better hardware specs and competitive prices. Limited number of apps and developers for Tizen phones will also be a drawback for the Z1, as Google's Play Store offers about a million apps, a significant feature that adds glamor to Android-based phones. Unfamiliarity with the Tizen operating system will also affect customers decision while buying a new smartphone or switching to the new OS.

In order to help the sales of Z1, Samsung has tied up with Indian service providers Aircel and Reliance Communications, offering up to 500 MB per month of 3G data free for six months and also offers free subscriptions to music and movie-streaming services.

Hyun Chil Hong, President and CEO, Samsung India Electronics, said, "We have customized the Samsung Z1 to meet these unique, entertainment-focused needs of local Indian consumers for a personal and reliable mobile experience."

The smartphone market is dominated by the duopoly of Apple's iOS and Anroid operating platform, with Apple's iPhone's catering the high-end customers while Android being more popular with mid-range smartphone users.