Samsung Galaxy K Zoom: Neat Camera, Bulky Design

Let’s face it: we live in an era ruled by consumers. We have far more options to choose from now more than any other time in the history of the world. Best of all, American consumers don’t have to wait very long before the device of their dreams becomes available. The K Zoom – a hybrid “camera phone” with retractable optical zoom – may be one such device, made especially for camera enthusiasts.

 

This niche device highlights the fact that Samsung hasn’t given up hopes to create the perfect camera hybrid and further plunge the sales of compact cameras into a never-ending abyss. Since the Galaxy S4 Zoom, the company seems intent on creating its own niche device for those who want a hybrid camera that’s smart enough to work as a phone while boasting powerful optical zoom and other features which were previously found exclusively on point-and-shoot cameras.

 

But how well does the new Samsung Galaxy K Zoom fare as a hybrid device? Though the camera is undoubtedly powerful and the device offers a more attractive design than its S4 Zoom predecessor, the smartphone has its fair share of flaws. But for consumers who don’t mind a few compromises, the K Zoom may be worth purchasing.

 

 

A Case for Compromise: 10x Optical Zoom Equals Bulky Design

 

The cameras found on most smartphones are limited at best when compared to their compact counterparts. One of the main features lacking on most phones cameras is optical zoom which due to moving lens and sensors enables users to snap photos from a distance without compromising on picture quality.

 

What’s the solution you might ask? Consumers can purchase Sony’s compact lenses like the Sony Cyber-shot QX1 which attaches to their cell phones. But purchasing such a device comes with its own frustrations so others may consider another option, the K Zoom — a Samsung smartphone with retractable optical zoom lens. That’s if they don’t mind the bulk.

 

 

Bulky Design

 

Anyone who saw last year’s S4 Zoom will admit that Samsung’s newest attempt at creating the perfect “cameraphone” is far more appealing, especially in terms of its design. But the phone still remains much thicker than most modern phones.

 

At 137.5mm long and 70.8mm wide, the K Zoom measures 20mm at its bulkiest point and weight 200g. Though it’s smaller than its predecessor, it’s still much thicker than the likes of most flagship phones today. To puts its size in perspective, consider Samsung’s latest flagship handset, the Galaxy S5. At 142mm long and 72.5 wide, the device weights 145g and is 8.1mm at its thickest point – much thinner than the K Zoom.

 

The thickness of the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom isn’t necessarily a serious deterrent. Apart from the thickness, the Galaxy K Zoom has an overall appealing design. At the front, it looks very similar to other Samsung handsets with its smooth curves, thin bezel and HD screen.

 

The K Zoom boasts a bigger screen than the S4 Zoom. It comes equipped with a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED display with 720 x 1280 resolution. The device’s screen is sharp enough to display text and video in detail. However, it’s a far cry from the revolutionary 5.5-inch Quad HD display found LG’s latest flagship handset, the LG G3.

 

Choose a cell phone with a more advanced screen – full HD 1080p display or higher – if you want the best viewing experience while browsing the net, using apps and so forth. However, K Zoom’s AMOLED screen will do the job if you’re not obsessed with acquiring the very best screen that the mobile industry has to offer.

 

 

20.7-Megapixel Camera with 10x Optical Zoom

 

Though the relatively low resolution display or bulky frame may not be the game changer, the camera is one feature that users won’t be too lenient with. It must be good, preferably great. Otherwise, I can’t imagine which self-respecting consumer would be willing to spend their money on this hybrid.

 

The 10x optical zoom is definitely one of the phone’s most important features. It sits neatly at the back of the device – far more subtly than was the case with the S4 Zoom. The optical zoon remains retracted when not in use but can be activated when you open the camera app. Thankfully, the hideous battery grip featured on the S4 Zoom bulky is no longer present. With the bulge gone, the device feels far more comfortable to use and looks better as well. Kudos to the designers for this much needed fix.

 

Apart from an improved aesthetic, the K Zoom’s camera is also more powerful than that of the S4 Zoom. Its 20.7-megapixel camera with 10x optical zoom takes great pictures as would be expected, though I can’t quite give it the 100%.

 

What impressed me with the camera, however, was its Selfie Alarm mode. This exclusive K Zoom feature enables users to snap stunning photos with the 20.7MP rear-facing camera. Touch the screen to indicate where you want your face to appear in the picture, then position the 20.7MP rear-facing camera towards you. The phone beeps to indicate when your face appears in the right location on the screen. The great thing about the feature is the fact that it takes several high quality selfies at a time so that users get multiple options from which to choose.

 

The camera also offers several other features including HDR, burst, panorama, object tracking and Full HD videos.

 

 

Performance and Battery Life

 

With a combination of a 1.3GHz quad-core processor and a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, it’s clear that Samsung executives didn’t compromise on power while developing this hybrid device. The phone performs even better than its predecessor and runs power-intensive apps like Asphalt 8 with ease. You can swipe across the screen, open apps and multitask without experiencing lag – a fact that will please even the most casual smartphone user.

 

Since the phone runs on Android 4.4.2 Kitkat, users can expect the usual multiple home screen options, with app tray, S Voice speech control, the my Magazine app and a host of other bundled software which Samsung usually offers. Health junkies will be disappointed, however, by the fact that K Zoom lacks S Health.

 

The phone also comes equipped with a 2,430mAh battery under its hood. That enough juice to satisfy most users though it’s definitely inferior compared the Galaxy S5’s 2,800mAh battery or that of the LG G Flex.

 

 

Bottom Line

 

The Samsun Galaxy K Zoom is a unique phone that camera enthusiasts will love due to its improved design and powerful optical zoom. However, its bulk makes it awkward for everyday smartphone use and its HD screen isn’t very impressive when compared with displays found on the most recent high-end devices.

 

Purchase it if you need a phone with optical zoom and you don’t mind the bulk. Otherwise, wait until Samsung offers a better hybrid camera or check out slimmer smartphones like the Galaxy S5 or LG G3 which offer powerful camera features.

 

 

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom: Neat Camera, Bulky Design