Samsung Launches Samsung Z, Its First Tizen Smartphone; Device To Go On Sale In Q3

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (KRX:005935) Monday launched a new smartphone called the Samsung Z that runs on the company’s own Tizen mobile operating system, which is expected to reduce Samsung’s reliance on Google Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Android platform.

The new Samsung Z, which will be showcased at the Tizen Developer Conference in San Francisco on Tuesday and will go on sale in Russia in the third quarter of 2014, features a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED display and is powered by a 2.3 GHz Quad-core processor. The new handset is claimed to have “a differentiated user experience,” while its Tizen platform is expected to offer “fast and powerful software performance,” according to Samsung.

“The Samsung Z integrates the power and adaptability of the Tizen platform, enabling users to browse the web faster and utilize applications more effectively,” DJ Lee, president and head of global sales and marketing office at Samsung's mobile communications division, said in a statement.

The key specifications of the Samsung Z include 2GB RAM, an 8-megapixel rear camera, a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera, 16GB of internal storage and a microSD slot, a 2,600 mAh battery and connectivity features such as LTE-A, NFC and an IR sensor.

The Tizen-powered handset, which will be available in black and gold color options, features a fingerprint sensor, and offers a faster startup time and immediate multi-tasking capabilities. The device also supports improved 2D and 3D graphic qualities, while incorporating a slim, angular form factor.

Here is a full list of specs of the Samsung Z according to the company:

Following the release of the Samsung Z in Russia, the company will expand into other markets and will also launch a Tizen store to sell software and services on the devices, the Wall Street Journal reported, adding that the move is considered as Samsung’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the software and services sectors.

Samsung is currently the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer while Google dominates the mobile operating system segment of the market.