Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom A Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is a unique blend of smartphone and camera, featuring a hybrid design that separates it from typical smartphones. The dimensions of the device are 125.5 x 63.5 x 15.4 mm, and it weighs 208 grams. This extra bulk is due to the camera capabilities integrated into the back of the phone, making it a distinctive option for photography enthusiasts. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, while the back and frame are made of plastic, ensuring durability with a touch of elegance.

Display

The Galaxy S4 Zoom features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 256 ppi, delivering sharp and vibrant images. The screen boasts vivid colors and deep blacks, a characteristic feature of AMOLED panels. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing resistance against scratches and minor impacts.

Camera

The camera is undoubtedly the standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom. It comes equipped with a 16-megapixel sensor and offers 10x optical zoom (24-240 mm). It includes features such as autofocus, optical image stabilization (OIS), xenon flash, HDR, and the ability to capture panoramas. The camera can record 1080p videos at 30fps, providing high-definition video capture. This setup caters to photography enthusiasts looking for a smartphone capable of providing DSLR-like features in a compact form.

Performance

Under the hood, the Galaxy S4 Zoom is powered by the Pega-Dual +XMM6262 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and Mali-400 GPU. It includes 1.5 GB of RAM, which, although modest by today’s standards, was adequate for the device's performance needs at launch in 2013. The internal storage stands at 8 GB, which can be expanded via a microSDXC card slot, ensuring users can store their photos, videos, and apps without constraints.

Operating System

The phone originally launched with Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), offering a user-friendly interface and access to Google’s vast marketplace of apps. It is upgradable to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), ensuring users can enjoy improved functionalities and security over time. Samsung's TouchWiz UI adds unique software features, enhancing user experience with intuitive controls and applications designed for the Galaxy ecosystem.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 2330 mAh battery. It provides adequate battery life, with up to 13 hours of talk time on a 3G network and up to 570 hours of standby. Additionally, users can enjoy up to 46 hours of music playback. The removable feature of the battery allows for convenient replacement, enhancing the device's longevity.

Connectivity

The Galaxy S4 Zoom supports a wide array of connectivity options. It includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band support, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and the ability to create a hotspot. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, LE, and aptX ensures robust wireless connectivity. The device also supports GPS with GLONASS, NFC, and an infrared port for additional communication capabilities. The absence of a radio feature is a minor drawback considering its comprehensive connectivity suite.

Audio and Sound

Samsung ensures decent audio performance with a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The loudspeaker produces clear audio, maintaining voice quality at 73dB, noise at 66dB, and ringing at 75dB. The device's audio quality reveals low noise and crosstalk levels, delivering satisfactory audio for both media playback and voice calls.

Sensors and Additional Features

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom incorporates several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, catering to an enhanced user experience. These sensors allow for interactive application use and optimized device control. The phone also features MHL TV-out via its microUSB 2.0 port, enabling users to connect it to larger displays.

Miscellaneous and Pricing

Available in White and Dynamic Black, the Galaxy S4 Zoom offers style options to suit personal tastes. It was initially priced at approximately 280 EUR, reflecting its innovative blend of camera and smartphone technology. Although discontinued, it remains a noteworthy device for those passionate about mobile photography.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom represents a unique fusion of smartphone and camera technology, delivering powerful photographic capabilities wrapped in a smartphone design. While it faced competition from other flagship devices, its dedicated camera features set it apart in the market. Despite being discontinued, it remains a memorable device for anyone looking to explore the intersection of photography and mobile technology in a single device.