Skip to main content

Samsung pledges to launch a top-spec Tizen phone by end of September this year (Updated)

tizenRight now, there’s only one Samsung phone anyone cares about, but that may not be the case later this year, when the world’s first Tizen phone hits the shops. Tizen, in case you’ve forgotten, is the open-source software developed by Samsung, Intel and a gaggle of networks around the world; all of whom are hoping it’ll be seen as an alternative to Google Android.

Samsung’s vice president of mobile has been chatting with Bloomberg about the impending launch of Tizen, saying we’ll see the first phone using the OS from the manufacturer in August or September this year. This isn’t too far removed from previous information we’ve received, as a Samsung representative said in January Tizen was on track for a summer launch. The approximate date was then reiterated during Mobile World Congress in late February.

The really interesting news came when he revealed a little about the phone on which the software will make its debut, saying, “The device will be the best product equipped with the best specifications.”

Those of you with long memories will recall Samsung’s ill-fated Bada operating system, which was launched in 2010 and eventually killed off in favor of Tizen. Well, Samsung’s first phone to use Bada was the S8500 Wave, and it was very close in specification to the very first Galaxy S smartphone, the i9000. They shared the same screen technology and resolution, the same Hummingbird 1GHz processor, and the same 5-megapixel camera. The only difference was the screen size, as the Wave made do with 3.3-inches instead of the 4-inch display on the i9000.

If Samsung wants the world to take notice of Tizen, it needs an exciting flagship phone, even if the OS’s destiny doesn’t lie on such expensive hardware. While a Galaxy S4-style Tizen phone may be wishful thinking, a variation on the Galaxy S3 is a strong possibility. Samsung has shown us with the Galaxy S2 Plus that it’s not afraid to resurrect aging phones if there’s the chance of picking up a few sales.

If Tizen didn’t already have its work cut out against Android, iOS and Windows Phone, it’s one of several other new mobile platforms which will debut this year, making the need for a headlining phone when it comes to launch day all the more important.

Updated on 03/15/13 at 10:40am by Andy: Samsung’s President JK Shin has also weighed in on the subject of the firm’s Tizen phones. He told the Wall Street Journal the first phone would be out during the third quarter this year, which fits in neatly with the above report.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: Which one is best?
Renders of the Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and iPhone 15 Pro Max Digital Trends

Samsung has released its flagship 2024 smartphone lineup in a surprisingly early Galaxy Unpacked event. While the usual assortment of rumors left us with few doubts about what was coming in the Galaxy S24 lineup overall, the premium Galaxy S24 Ultra is still the most exciting update as it packs in some fascinating changes from last year’s model.

Read more
I’m a lifelong iPhone user. Here’s what I think about the Samsung Galaxy S24
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and S Pen stylus on its screen.

Samsung and Apple typically release new smartphones at different times of the year. Samsung usually does it early in the year, while Apple waits until the fall ahead of the holiday shopping season. As always, Apple tends to release new iPhones that outdo the ones Samsung released earlier, and then when the calendar changes, Samsung comes back with something to better compete with Apple, and so forth.

Samsung has recently announced its Galaxy S24 series, which has sparked the curiosity of iPhone owners like myself. Many of us are currently exploring the features of these phones and seeing which ones aren't available on our iPhones, myself included. Some are entirely new, while others have been introduced on previous Samsung Galaxy S models. Although many seem promising, some may not be as appealing to iPhone users. Here are a few of the Galaxy S24 features I like — and a few I don't.
Circle to Search looks impressive
Circle to Search Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Read more
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: don’t buy the wrong one
Renders of the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 15 next to each other.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the newest flagship phone on the market, joining its stablemates, the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra in Samsung's latest range. While not obvious from the outside, the Galaxy S24 has had some hefty upgrades — including a new, more powerful processor, an improved and larger display, and Samsung's all-new Galaxy AI. With prices starting at $800, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a strong choice if you're looking for a great flagship smartphone that doesn't cost four figures.

But it's not alone in this space. Apple's iPhone 15 also starts from $800 and has a strong processor, a great camera, battery life, and the polished iOS 17. Both devices have a lot to love, and you may be unsure which of these two suits you better.  That's why we've compared the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15, pitting the two head to head, explaining the differences, and letting you know which is better.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: specs

Read more