Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom announced with 10x optical zoom lens

Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S4 Zoom, another version of its flagship smartphone, but one which also provides point-and-shoot camera capabilities.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom has been introduced as the first smartphone in the world with a 10x optical zoom lens. The device has been leaked on the web before and it has become the world’s first mobile phone with this form factor.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is both a smartphone and a camera. It allows users to place calls and take photos like they would with a conventional compact camera.

Samsung combines the best of both worlds with the new Galaxy S4 Zoom

Upon looking at the face of the Galaxy S4 Zoom, users will claim that this is a smartphone. However, taking a closer look at its rear reveals that this is actually a compact camera. Either way, this cameraphone features a dual-core 1.5GHz processor, 4.3-inch qHD touchscreen, a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor, and a 10x optical zoom lens.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom also features a Xenon flash on its back, in order to provide sufficient illumination in dark environments. Furthermore, the smartcamera comes packed with built-in optical image stabilization, which will keep shots steady, while being useful in low-light environments, too.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom is running on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and it features a 4.3-inch qHD 960 x 540 Super AMOLED touchscreen.

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean powers the whole system and all Google Play Store apps are supported

The resolution of the Super AMOLED touchscreen is not among the highest, but the 960 x 540 format has been used by other Android devices in the past. Anyway, it is powered by Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and it supports all applications available at the Google Play Store.

This means that users will be able to play games, listen to movies, and share content on social networking devices, but not before editing photos and videos using dedicated applications. A front-facing 1.9-megapixel camera is available, as well, and it should be useful when video-chatting.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom cameraphone comes packed with the popular S Voice and S Translator apps, but 25 SMART modes are there, too, to help users capture better photos in all conditions.

Mid-level smartphone and compact camera specs do not add up too much weight

Samsung has added a 2,330mAh battery to power the shooter, which is quite decent for a smartphone. There is a built-in 8GB storage memory with only 5GB accessible by the user. However, a microSD card slot of up to 64GB is available to make room for even more high-quality imagery.

Another important thing is that the cameraphone is not so heavy and not so thick. It measures 15.4mm in thickness and weighs about 208 grams, both being respectable figures, considering its integrated specifications.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom features a 4.3-43mm f/3.1-6.3 zoom lens on its back, which will provide a 35mm equivalent of 24-240mm.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom features a 4.3-43mm f/3.1-6.3 zoom lens

The 10x optical zoom lens will be manufactured by Samsung and it offers a focal length range between 4.3 and 43mm. For the 35mm format, this will act as a 24-240mm lens.

Other notable aspects are the f/3.1-6.3 maximum aperture and an ISO sensitivity of up to 3200. However, the South Korean company takes advantage of these features thanks to a new user interface.

In poorly-lit environments, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom will get enough light thanks to a Xenon flash, while the built-in optical image stabilization technology should also help.

The new “Zoom Ring” controls the camera-related actions

The UI is now linked to a so-called Zoom Ring, which also works while being in a call. When activating the Zoom Ring, the camera will capture a photo and then use the In-Call Photo Share tool to send an MMS to the person the user is talking to.

The Zoom Ring can also be used to power the optical zoom of the lens and it can be viewed as Samsung’s version of professional dials and buttons, which can be usually found in full-sized cameras.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom features the Power, Volume, and Shutter buttons on its right side.

WiFi, GPS, 4G, Bluetooth, and a suite of sensors are available, too

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom features 4G support, allowing users to take advantage of the high data speeds of their network. The connectivity department also includes WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, and A-GPS with GLONASS support.

Beside that, regular features found in a smartphone, such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a gyroscope, are also there, while a geomagnetic sensor should help the users with their orientation.

The entire Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom specifications sheet.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom does not have a release date or a price, yet

Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom release date and price details have not been announced. Anyway, potential buyers should expect the cameraphone to become available this summer for a price around $600.