Samsung Galaxy K Zoom hands-on, with video

The Samsung Galaxy K Zoom has just landed on local shores, and we just recently attended the launch for the camera-centric smartphone and got a hands-on.

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom Lens

Having reviewed the Galaxy S4 Zoom, I feel that the Galaxy K Zoom is definitely a step up in terms of aesthetic design. It’s lighter and it’s also a lot slimmer, but gone here is the big and heavy grip for using it as a dedicated camera. Glad to say, even with the grip not present, it still feels okay taking photos, and the weight is quite comfortable to handle. As for the physical design itself, the gloss is gone – and while the new finish is still far from the premium feel that we have in mind, it’s a great step away from the icky plastic type.

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom Front

A lot of things here are taken from the Samsung Galaxy S5 itself, the software and the pattern on the back included. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up for you to decide, but Samsung has included more software, love it or hate it. We tried accessing the camera with the screen turned off, and it doesn’t work so that’s a minus. New features such as Pro Suggest, OIS and Selfie Alarm make it through here however.

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom Back Angled

So far, we didn’t encounter that much things that we didn’t like; no stutters, not a bad display and not even that hefty. The camera works really well as we’ve played through it, with great frame rates and good shots to be taken even in the dark with the given Xenon flash.

Samsung Galaxy K design

With the hardware and the design passing our standards as okay, good or even great – the TouchWiz software felt entirely familiar. We’re sure TouchWiz may have some fans out there, but it didn’t exactly wow us. Nevertheless, performance is good and it lives up to its specs.

benchmarks

Here are the benchmarks that we got from the Galaxy K Zoom:

Antutu – 32,107
Quadrant – 13,871
Nenamark 2 – 59.7

Samsung Galaxy K Zoom specs:
4.8-inch 720 x 1280 Super AMOLED display
1.3GHz quad-core A7 + 1.7GHz dual-core A15 Exynos 5260 CPU
Mali T624 GPU
2GB RAM
8GB internal memory, micro SD up to 64GB
20.7 megapixel auto/manual focus camera with OIS & 10x zoom, 1/2.3”
Video recording up to 1080p @ 60fps
2 megapixel front-facing camera
WiFi
Bluetooth 4.0
NFC
137.5 x 70.8 x 16.6 mm (dimensions)
200g (weight)
Android 4.4.2 KitKat with TouchWiz
2,430 mAh battery

The Samsung Galaxy K Zoom is going to retail for Php24,990USD 426INR 36,101EUR 406CNY 3,101 and is expected to be available by the first week of July.

Photos and video by Ronnie Bulaong

Bob Freking

Bob Freking occasionally contributes articles to the website. He is a UST Graduate of Commerce & Business Administration, Major in Marketing Management, and a full-time Sith Lord with three dragons.

6 Comments

Pipoy says:

10 years ago

whom needs this bulkey phone? when you puts these inside of your packet. its bulgy feeling. oakward. tsk
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grammarPO1 says:

10 years ago

There’s nothing more “oakward” than your spelling.
Kukarikapoo says:

10 years ago

Me!
-I need that phone to correct your grammar! Just kidding ^_^
Oh come on, people does not only need a phone that has a camera for a one reason (which is you, telling it is “bulkey” :P)
People use it also for a good replacement for a camera… Camera that is also bulky and is sometimes hard to bring at many places.
The phone is recommended also for a family and huge occasions. When it comes to professional use, this is a good camera-phone.
I do understand your point, though try reconsidering other good things about it than the external aspect :)
It might come in handy! For all you know it.

Abuzalzal says:

10 years ago

Fail! Fail! Fail! I want mine in bold pink! Hahahaha lol
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Ravenhunt says:

10 years ago

Good comeback from last zoom camera..
?Performance (good hexacore cpu w/ good gpu), also a gaming device
?Great Camera (10x zoom, 1020p 60 FPS recording)
?Not that bulky compared to an actual digital camera w/ optical zoom
?Bigger screen w/ Better resolution
?Updated Software

I’d say this one is very good if you are a person who always bring a camera and a phone at the same time.. With a normal phone camera, there are a lot if instances that you cannot capture a certain subject with good quality. This balances it out, and it’s android, so editing apps, camera apps, as well as instant uploads are at your fingertips
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Benchmark says:

10 years ago

Just got mine yesterday. Am happy with it, specially i got the electeic blue (which some say it is seldom sold here in Ph).

Anyway I’m still adjusting from its bulky weight since my previous phone is Motorola Droid Razr.

I have been eyeing this phone since their first release. Sa wakas nakabili na ako. Next palit would be after 4 years na ulit.
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