Samsung just announced its latest Tizen OS device, introducing the new Z2 as the first 4G smartphone to run the Linux-based platform.
Tizen is a Linux-based operating system co-developed by Samsung, likely in a bid to loosen its reliance on Google's Android mobile operating system. The company's Android devices have arguably been more successful than its Tizen-based ones, but Samsung is nevertheless pushing forward with its OS and the new Samsung Z2 aims to take things to the next level.
The Samsung Z2 is designed for budget-conscious consumers looking for a decent performance and experience at an affordable price point. The handset packs a quad-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz, 1 GB of RAM and an internal locker space of just 8 GB, but that's expandable up to 128 GB via microSD.
The Tizen OS, meanwhile, is largely seen as Samsung's Android alternative, and while it powers several Samsung smartwatches, its presence in the smartphone scene has been limited to just a couple of devices.
Following the Samsung Z1 and the Z3, the new Samsung Z2 now launches as the company's third Tizen-powered smartphone, and it finally includes 4G support. Despite Tizen's somewhat limited success, Samsung keeps investing in the platform and the Z2 suggests it may finally be ready for some serious prime time.
It remains to be seen just how smooth the Samsung Z2 will perform, but it may help the company get a more notable foothold in emerging markets where consumers can't afford more expensive Android or iOS devices.
The Samsung Z2 has now made its debut in India, launching at an attractive price point of INR 4,590, which translates to roughly $68 based on current exchange rates.
"Samsung Z2 makes 4G accessible and relevant to the unique needs of feature phone users and first time smartphone buyers," says Manu Sharma, vice president of Mobile Business at Samsung India Electronics. "It brings consumers a fast and affordable mobile internet experience that will democratize 4G usage in the country."
While it's far from a powerhouse, the Samsung Z2 does make an interesting proposition with its low price tag and some neat perks for Indian customers. For instance, the smartphone bundles a 90-day free trial for a number of entertainment apps from Jio, a popular mobile operator in India. Customers will get free access to video calling, a music streaming service, as well as on-demand movies and TV shows. This trial likely aims to get consumers hooked to 4G content and turn them into paying customers once the free trial expires.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Tizen will eventually manage to play a bigger role in Samsung's mobile ambitions, but launching the first 4G smartphone running the OS marks a notable milestone. Samsung has yet to detail when or if it plans to release its Samsung Z2 in other markets globally, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear more.
