Samsung Galaxy K zoom Pro Reviews

Given that the smartphone has already made the traditional compact camera an endangered species, a smartphone with an optical zoom lens should theoretically push such cameras into extinction. Last year’s Galaxy S4 Zoom proved there’s certainly a market for smartphones packing a zoom lens, but it’s limited to those who are prepared to carry a larger, heavier device. The Galaxy K Zoom is noticeably slimmer and less bulky than its predecessor though, meaning it should appeal to a wider audience. It’s still around double the thickness and 25% heavier than a Galaxy S5, but if you want a smartphone with 10x optical zoom, that’s a price you’ll have to pay and it’s certainly a lot easier than carrying a separate camera. Losing the ergonomic bulges of the Galaxy S4 Zoom is another sacrifice which must be made in the quest for increased portability. The larger, higher resolution screen is a welcome upgrade for the Galaxy K Zoom. It’s not the crispest screen in the smartphone market, but it’s easily good enough for the money and impressively clear compared to most compact cameras. It’s a pity the outright brightness isn’t higher though, and colour accuracy could be improved. Despite having more megapixels to play with, image quality is at best equal to that of the 16MP Galaxy S4 Zoom, and arguably worse at higher ISO sensitivities due to overzealous noise reduction processing. Images are still crisp and vibrant though and stand up well to shots from many compact cameras. Ultimately you could get a better dedicated smartphone for the money, or a dedicated camera with better image quality. Combining the two will always be a compromise, but the Galaxy K Zoom strikes a good balance between price, performance and portability.

One chief cause for concern with a phone that carries 10x optical zoom lens, is a potentially bulky chassis, and unfortunately the Galaxy K zoom is not an exception. It's still as butch and hefty as its predecessor, yet the dimensions are bearable, especially if you are used to carrying large handsets. With that caveat aside, knowing that you have 10x optical zoom in your pocket at all times is a very strong incentive for photo enthusiasts to get the handset, as no amount of “lossless zoom” can near the tricks you can do with Samsung's hybrid device. Discounting the lack of 4K abilities, the Galaxy K zoom can also be considered one of the best phones for video recording, as OIS and 60fps footage stack on top of the optical zoom lens. If you have no need for the optical zoom, though, the difference in picture quality with the current Android flagships doesn't warrant the purchase of the K zoom. This fact, together with the phone's bulk, make it more of a niche device, suitable for photogs, or for a second phone you would use when on vacation, rather than a daily driver.

By no means the perfect combination of a smartphone and zoom lens, the K Zoom isn’t half bad. It’s capable of great photos and videos in the right conditions. This isn’t a device for everyone, but if the “zoom camera with a built-in smartphone” concept appeals to you and you don’t mind the size and weight, it’s currently your best option.