Tizen OS is Samsung’s own Linux-based operating system that runs on their electronics including smart watches and smart TVs. In 2015, Samsung started using Tizen on its smartphones, specifically the Z series. Back in 2015 when they released the first Samsung Z1.
There were rumours that Samsung would switch from Android to Tizen but those rumours went with the wind. Tizen has been sort of controversial, especially since it looks a lot like Android. It was one of the reasons Google started forcing OEMs to add the “powered by Android” tag during boot.
The Samsung Z2 was the only Tizen smartphone that made it to the Kenyan market until now, this was back in October 2016. We never got the Z3 or maybe its still on the way, we don’t know.
Samsung announced that it will be releasing the Z4 later this month. The Z4 comes with a 4.5″ WVGA (480*800) display, A Quad-core 1.5 GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal memory (expandable to 128GB), dual SIM (hybrid slot), 5MP selfie and main cameras and a 2050mAh battery keeping the juice flowing. The Z4 will also be running the latest version of Tizen OS, Tizen 3.0.
Tizen 3.0 comes with support for the new “Vulkan” graphics API, a switch from the X Window System to Wayland, 64-bit support, multi-user support, Samsung’s S-Voice voice assistant (wow), among other features.
As you can see from those specs, this isn’t an impressive device. It is meant for developing markets and the first country to get this device will be India. Samsung did not announce any pricing for the Z4 but your guess is as good as mine, probably below $100.
As for making it to the Kenyan market, we will just have to wait and see.
