Samsung India today launched its first 4G enabled Tizen-powered smartphone,Samsung Z2. Built on the Tizen platform, Samsung Z2 caters to the requirements of new smartphone users transitioning from a feature phone.
Samsung Z2 has been customized to offer unique value to the Indian consumers. The device comes with powerful specifications, pre-loaded essential apps and Samsung’s popular ‘Make for India’ features such as the Ultra Data Saving mode, S bike mode and the new My Money Transfer.
Ultra Data Saving Mode will be of particular benefit to many consumers. In a country still widely reliant on 2G services and restricted cell plans, an aggressive data saving feature helps users save money and avoid downloading unnecessarily large webpages and images.
Similarly, My Money Transfer fits the needs of the region. Many people do not have a bank card and find it difficult to send money to friends and family. A first of its kind initiative, users can enjoy convenient internet free banking by simply using the unique MMID which can be linked to the registered smartphone through M Pin set by the user. Money transfer to/from popular private and public banks is supported using standard IMPS. My Money Transfer enables transactions to be made between smartphone users.
Mr. Manu Sharma, Vice President, Mobile Business, Samsung India Electronics, said“Samsung Z2 makes 4G accessible and relevant to the unique needs of feature phone users and first time smartphone buyers. It brings consumers a fast and affordable mobile internet experience that will democratize 4G usage in the country.”
The phone itself is a competent budget device. It has a small four-inch screen but a relatively powerful 1.5GHz quad-core processor. It may not sound impressive for a modern Android device but it’s sufficient for the less-intensive Tizen OS.The Samsung Z2 comes fitted with a 4-inch WVGAdisplay and draws its power from the 1.5GHz quad-core processor mated with a 1GB RAM. For many people, the limiting factor of this phone is likely to be the small 1,500mAh battery, a capacity unlikely to last a day’s usage. On the storage front, the device offers 8GB of Internal memory which is expandable up to 256GB, thanks to the microSD card slot.
Samsung Z2 comes with a complimentary invitation to the Jio Preview Offer to avail free voice and data services in the trial period. Z2 users will also get complimentary access to premium Jio applications – My Jio, Jio on Demand, Jio Beats – with unlimited options of latest movies, TV shows and songs across multiple languages during the Jio Preview offer.
The Samsung Z2 launched in India today priced at 4,590INR. It equates to just $68, making it accessible to the majority of Indian consumers. Most phones sold in the country are priced under $150 with many below $70.
Competitively priced and supportive of 4G and mobile payments, the Tizen-powered Z2 could prove to be a well-equipped rival to the more costly Android devices from other manufacturers. It’s offered in three colours, Gold, Black and Wine Red. There’s no word yet on whether versions of the phone will be available in other countries.
At this price point, it is very likely that the buyer won’t mind the Tizen OS and instead will focus on the other features it has to offer. The Samsung Z2 can be purchased through the offline stores and also on PayTM.
