Skip to Main Content
PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S4 Zoom With 16MP Camera

Samsung on Wednesday unveiled the Galaxy S4 Zoom, a new version of its flagship smartphone that includes 10x optical zoom.

June 12, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom

Samsung on Wednesday unveiled the Galaxy S4 Zoom, a new version of its flagship smartphone that includes 10x optical zoom.

The S4 Zoom looks like a combination of the Galaxy S4 Mini and the Galaxy Camera. On one side is the familiar smartphone interface and on the other is a camera with a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, an optical image stabilizer, and Xeon flash.

"It is the ultimate smartphone and camera experience in one, and the only device you'll ever need," Samsung said in a statement.

The Galaxy S4 Zoom includes a 4.3-inch, 960-by-540 display. It runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and a 1.5-GHz dual-core processor.

The device includes a feature known as Zoom Ring. If you're on a call, for example, and spot something you want to share, twist the Zoom Ring to activate an in-call photo share feature. Then just snap a photo and send it via text to the person with whom you are talking.

Galaxy S4 Zoom

The Zoom Ring also provides access to Quick Launch and Shortcut features for instant access to features like Auto, Gallery and Smart Mode. Samsung has also replaced the traditional zoom buttons with digital controls.

A feature known as Photo Suggest will connect users to a library of public images for inspiration; it can also direct you to a better vantage point if you're at a frequently photographed site.

A number of the camera features found on the Galaxy S4 are available on the S4 Zoom, including Drama Shot, which merges continuous shots of moving objects into one; and Action Freeze, which captures high-speed action. Smart Mode will also help you pick the best option for your surroundings.

Samsung is partnering with blurb for those who want to quickly order copies of their photographs.

The 5-inch Galaxy S4 made its debut earlier this year, and since then, Samsung has introduced a 4.3-inch "mini" version of the phone, as well as the more rugged Galaxy S4 Active. For more, check out PCMag's review of the Galaxy S4, as well as the Samsung Galaxy Camera.

Newsletter Pointer

About Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor for News

I started out covering tech policy in D.C. for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage and manage our how-to content.

Read Chloe's full bio

Read the latest from Chloe Albanesius