Tizen is actually happening. Today, Samsung revealed its first ever Tizen OS phone, which launches initially just in India (hat-tip to TechCrunch for spotting this).
Manu Sharma, director of product marketing at Samsung India, unveiled the Samsung Z1 at an event this morning, according to Samsung’s official blog.
The new phone, the Samsung Z1, which costs INR 5,700 (US$91), looks just like Samsung’s bazillion other phone models but does not run Android. That means no Android apps are usable on Tizen phones, which could deter many customers from buying one.
Samsung’s new Tizen Store came online today to serve those who do buy the Z1, but the current selection is limited. Samsung faces a challenge to persuade developers, many of whom have very few resources, to create a version of their app for Tizen in addition to Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.
India is emerging as the primary battleground for smartphone brands as people switch from basic mobiles to smartphones in ever increasing numbers. An estimated 23.3 million smartphones shipped to Indian retailers in Q3 2014, which was more than double the figure a year prior. Phone makers like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Motorola are rushing in to try to steal away Samsung’s early lead in Android-based smartphones. Homegrown brands like Micromax and Karbonn are also fighting hard for their home market.
Lacking specs appeal
Samsung’s budget Tizen phone is priced to compete with basic Android phones, as well as Google’s Android One series of devices that appeared towards the end of last year – also appearing first in India.
The Samsung Z1 compares quite badly on specs when placed alongside the new Micromax Canvas A1, which is an Android One phone. The Canvas A1, which costs just a few bucks more at INR 6,399 (US$103), beats the Samsung Z1 on screen size, cameras, battery size, and a number of important areas – not least of which is Android’s far superior app catalog.
Here are the main Samsung Z1 specs:
- 4-inch screen at 800×480 resolution
- 3.1MP rear camera; 0.3MP front
- 4GB storage (expandable with microSD card)
- 1500 mAh battery
- 112g in weight
- Tizen 2.3 OS
- 2G and 3G support
See: Xiaomi faces stronger, more confident homegrown rival in India
This post Samsung’s debut Tizen phone launches first in India, but lacks apps and specs appeal appeared first on Tech in Asia.
Samsung’s debut Tizen phone launches first in India, but lacks apps and specs appeal
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