Just after Nokia Launched its Lumia 1020, Samsung launched its new “Galaxy S4 Zoom”. While both struggle for imaging prowess smartphone, both of these devices are really very different. Adding massive Zoom lens on the back of these smartphones isn't the most ergonomic of design decisions.
The Galaxy S4 Zoom is the latest addition to the Galaxy range, but this phone/camera leads to some confusion on what it actually is and where it sits amongst other Samsung Smartphone/Camera products.
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Despite the flagship branding, we'd have to admit that it is a fully fledged smartphone with a decent camera attached to it.
For justification of my point, following are the specs below:
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Phone
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Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom
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OS
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Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
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Camera
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16 megapixels
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Zoom
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10x optical
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Sensor size
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1/2.3-inch
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BSI CMOS
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Aperture
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F 3.1-F 6.3
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Focal range
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24-240mm
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Front-facing camera
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1.9-megapixels
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Video recording
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1080p HD rear;
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720p HD front
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Processor
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1.5GHz dual-core
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Pega-Dual +XMM6262
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Screen
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4.3-inch Super AMOLED
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Resolution
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960x540; 256ppi
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Dimensions (inches)
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5x2.5x0.61*
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Weight (ounces)
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7.3
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Battery
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2,330mAh, removable
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Internal storage
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8GB
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Expansion slot
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Yes, up to 64GB
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RAM
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Not listed
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Bluetooth version
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4
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NFC
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Yes
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On the first look, it’s a galaxy s4 mini with a huge camera attached to it. It sits best in the hand when used as a camera, but it looks a little bit awkward if you make a call without using a Bluetooth. The Galaxy S4 Zoom's is a really a bulky phone, made up of glossy plastic white/black exterior body. The built up finishing of this phone is also cheap. You really need to hold it tighter if you are playing any app or while chatting on the phone.
But if you are a Camera geekery person or a traveler, this phone might be a good choice for you.
The Zoom has all the advantage with a 10x optical zoom, as a general rule of thumb, optical zoom produces higher-quality images than digital zoom, among other things. It also has the larger sensor of 1/2.33-inch, which you find in the majority of standard compact cameras.
With Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 installed out of the box there is plenty of power and scope for customization with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom. There are lots of pre-installed software settings within the camera that allows the users to take a better picture as an expert. In short this device is ready for basic hobby photographers and travelers instead, as a sort of stepping stone between smartphone and pocket able camera.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom comes with 4.3-inch of Super AMOLED display at 960 x 540, that is 256 pixels density per inch. Inside you’ve got 8GB of storage (of which approx. 5GB is available) is unlikely to be enough. But it also supports up to 64 Gigabyte of micro SD card plenty of storage space for images.
Another major aspect of this camera/phone is its battery. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom comes with 2330mAh battery, which is removable. To access the batter you need to remove the whole back cover. The cover is easy to open too, but check whether it is securely locked in place or not when closed. But even after having the 2330mAh of battery, it doesn't last long. Just if you brows internet or movies take some calls, listen to music or play some games on 3G you can get between 7-9-hours of battery backup.
As a final Verdict Galaxy S4 Zoom has us equally as charmed as the S4 Mini - it's snappy, great to use, has plenty enough power and is a decent size. But as a camera the Galaxy S4 Zoom performs like reasonable standard compact cameras. In short if you have a compact camera you don’t require Galaxy S4 Zoom unless you want to stand out from the crowd.
