Samsung Set To Release Tizen-Powered Phone In India

Back in September, Samsung announced that its Gear S2 smartwatch will be running the Tizen OS, instead of Android Wear. Last week, the South Korean tech giant announced that it is powering a fresh smartphone release with the Linux-based OS instead of Android.

The Samsung Z3 is set to be launched in India, and, according to GSM Arena, will be available in the country by Oct. 21, 2015. It is priced at INR 8490, which is roughly $131.21 USD.

The phone in itself is sleek and beautiful, with a thin profile and rounded edges. It comes in three colors: Black, Silver, and Gold. At the price of a little over $130, it is definitely a premium-looking phone with a budget price tag.

Specs-wise, the phone is powered with hardware that is aimed at the budget to mid-range tier. With a main camera at 8 MP and a quad-core processor clocking in at 1.3 GHz, it is not expected to handle major gaming or monster multi-tasking, but is perfect for selfies, Instagram, and some Facebook updates. Samsung also indicates that the device’s camera will come with the “Automatic Selfie,” “Wide Selfie,” “Beauty Face Mode” and “Dream Shot” functions, which promise to enhance the users’ photographs, especially the selfies.

Here are the Samsung Z3’s Specs, at a glance:

Processor/Chipset: 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, Spreadtrum chipset

RAM: 1 GB

OS: Tizen OS v2.3

Internal Storage: 8 GB

Connectivity: GSM, HSPA, WCDMA, WiFi b/g/n

Expandable Storage: microSD slot up to 128 GB

Display: 5.0 inches HD Super AMOLED display with a maximum resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a ~294 ppi pixel density

Cameras: Primary: 8 MP with a maximum output of 3264 x 2448 pixels, LED flash; Secondary: 5 MP; cameras feature "Automatic Selfie, Wide Selfie, Beauty Face Mode, Dream Shot" functions

Battery: 2600 mAh Li-Ion battery

Goodies: Dual SIM

Color Options: Black, Silver and Gold

J.K. Shin, Samsung’s head of IT and mobile business, reiterates the company’s commitment to developing and promoting the OS with a statement, as posted on the Samsung Tomorrow blog:

“As a pioneer of Tizen platform, we have continuously introduced Tizen-based mobile devices, including Samsung Z1 and Samsung Gear S2, in our commitment to develop the Tizen ecosystem. We developed the Samsung Z3 to provide the features that will help consumers capitalize on the growing Tizen ecosystem and make the most out of their personal mobile experience.”

According to notes from eWeek.com, Samsung’s Tizen smartphones have done very well in the Indian market, which is probably the reason that Samsung aimed the initial release of the device in India, instead of its home base, South Korea. More than that, budget-friendly phones are definitely a hit in the country. Additionally, one of its built-in apps, the Mix Radio app, provides access to 35 million songs, including more than 10 genres of Indian music. Indeed, the phone is angled for the Indian consumer.

According to the Samsung Tomorrow blog, the phone is “specifically designed” for the Indian market. Noting the price range and customizations on the Samsung Z3, there is no doubt that Samsung painstakingly integrated details into the phone with India in mind.

While international customers may be interested in the mid-priced Tizen phone, there is no mention of possible availability outside of India. In any case, Samsung has other lines of budget-friendly smartphones for the rest of their fans and consumers.

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More on Samsung Tizen: https://www.droidreport.com/taxonomy/term/20408

The eWeek.com report by Todd R. Weiss: https://www.eweek.com/mobile/samsung-brings-the-tizen-os-to-another-smartphone.html

Samsung Tomorrow on the Samsung Z3 launch: https://global.samsungtomorrow.com/samsung-expands-tizen-ecosystem-with-the-launch-of-samsung-z3/