Samsung developed and utilized its Tizen operating system for a specific series of smartphones, primarily targeting emerging markets with budget-friendly devices. The Samsung Z series were the main phones to run the Tizen OS.
The Samsung Z Series: Tizen-Powered Smartphones
The Tizen operating system was Samsung's attempt to offer an alternative to Android and create a more controlled ecosystem for its devices, especially in segments where cost-effectiveness and performance optimization were key.
Here are the Samsung phones that used Tizen:
- Samsung Z1: This was the pioneering device, marking Samsung's first phone to run the Tizen operating system. It was initially released in India in January 2015, followed by Bangladesh in February 2015, and Sri Lanka in May 2015. The Z1 was designed to be an affordable smartphone for first-time smartphone users.
- Samsung Z3: Released in October 2015, the Samsung Z3 succeeded the Z1. It featured improved specifications, including a larger screen and a better camera, building upon the initial Tizen smartphone experience.
- Samsung Z2: Launched in August 2016, the Z2 brought 4G VoLTE support to the Tizen phone lineup, aiming to provide faster connectivity for users in its target markets.
- Samsung Z4: The last known Tizen-powered smartphone from Samsung, the Z4 was released in May 2017. It offered further refinements and was targeted at similar emerging markets.
Key Samsung Tizen Phone Models
The following table summarizes the main Tizen smartphones released by Samsung:
| Phone Model | First Release Date | Key Feature/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Z1 | January 2015 | First Tizen phone, targeted India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. |
| Samsung Z3 | October 2015 | Successor to Z1, improved display and camera. |
| Samsung Z2 | August 2016 | Introduced 4G VoLTE support to the Tizen phone series. |
| Samsung Z4 | May 2017 | The last known Tizen smartphone from Samsung. |
The Purpose Behind Tizen Phones
Samsung's strategy with the Tizen Z series was to:
- Offer Affordable Alternatives: Provide low-cost smartphone options in markets where Android phones might still be too expensive for many potential users.
- Diversify Operating Systems: Reduce reliance on Android and explore an in-house developed operating system.
- Tailored Experience: Deliver a streamlined and optimized user experience for entry-level hardware.
While Samsung explored Tizen for smartphones, the company eventually shifted its focus for phones back primarily to Android. However, Tizen continues to be a prominent operating system for other Samsung devices, such as smartwatches and smart TVs.
You can learn more about the Samsung Z1, the pioneering Tizen phone, by visiting its Wikipedia page.
