Samsung Z1 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Introduction to Samsung Z1

Launched in January 2015, the Samsung Z1 marked a notable venture into the Tizen operating system by Samsung Electronics. The device primarily targeted emerging markets, providing a feature-rich smartphone at an affordable price. While Samsung’s flagship devices dominate the premium segment of the market, the Z1 aimed to capture audiences looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising on essential functionalities.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Z1 features a compact design with dimensions of 120.4 x 63.2 x 9.7 mm, making it convenient for one-handed usage. Weighing just 112 grams, the phone is lightweight and easy to carry around. The device sports a plastic body, which is typical for phones in this price range, and it offers a user-friendly experience with its straightforward, solid build.

Display

Equipped with a 4.0-inch PLS LCD screen, the Samsung Z1 delivers vibrant colors with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The phone's display size offers a moderate screen-to-body ratio of approximately 59.8%, which, although not expansive by today's standards, was adequate for a device intended for basic daily tasks like browsing and streaming.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Z1 is powered by a Spreadtrum SC7727S chipset with a Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU. The device includes a Mali-400 GPU which supports basic graphic performance needs. The available 768MB RAM, while modest, allows for smooth operation of the Tizen OS 2.3 and the execution of everyday applications with limited multitasking capabilities.

Storage

The device offers 4GB of internal storage, which is minimal by current standards; however, users have the option to expand storage via a dedicated microSDXC slot. This extends the device's storage capabilities significantly, accommodating more apps, photos, and videos.

Camera

On the rear, the Samsung Z1 is fitted with a 3.15 MP camera that includes an LED flash to improve photo quality in low-light conditions. The camera is capable of recording 480p videos at 15fps. While this may not satisfy a photography enthusiast's needs, it proves sufficient for basic social media use and casual photography.

Selfie Camera

The front-facing VGA camera is, admittedly, quite basic, but it serves its purpose for video calls and simple selfies. During its launch period, this level of camera functionality was considered acceptable for entry-level smartphones.

Battery Life

The Samsung Z1 houses a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. This capacity was sufficient to power the device through a full day of moderate use. The phone boasts a talk time of up to 8 hours on 3G networks, which caters well to users seeking a reliable communication tool.

Connectivity

The device supports GSM and HSPA for network connectivity, equipped with dual SIM functionality, providing flexibility for users who manage multiple numbers. Additional connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, and an FM radio, although the absence of NFC is a notable limitation. Charging and data transfer are facilitated through a microUSB 2.0 port.

Operating System

Running on the Tizen 2.3 operating system, the Samsung Z1 was a pioneer in introducing this Linux-based platform to the budget segment. Although Tizen lacks the app variety available on competing systems like Android and iOS, it compensates with a smooth user interface and efficient resource management, which ensures optimal performance on limited hardware.

Miscellaneous Features

The Samsung Z1 includes an accelerometer sensor which assists with various motion detection-based functionalities. It also retains the essential 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect standard audio accessories without any hassle.

Availability and Pricing

Initially priced around 80 EUR, the Samsung Z1 was positioned to provide exceptional value for budget-conscious consumers. However, its production has been discontinued, reflecting the fast-paced evolution of mobile technology and consumer preferences over recent years.

Conclusion

The Samsung Z1 stands as a testament to the company’s strategy of capturing diverse market segments with product offerings tailored to different needs and budgets. Its introduction of the Tizen operating system to entry-level smartphones, along with practical features meant to serve essential communication and multimedia requirements, highlights Samsung’s commitment to innovation. Although the Z1 is no longer in production, its legacy endures as part of Samsung’s broader ecosystem and as a stepping stone for future developments in the affordable smartphone sector.