The Samsung Galaxy Cameras bridged the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones, offering powerful zoom and Android functionality. The GC100 was a pioneer, and the GC200 aimed to improve upon it. But which one holds up best today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The GC200 offers a slightly faster processor and potentially improved software experience. However, the GC100's Exynos 4412 chipset remains capable, and both offer excellent zoom capabilities. Ultimately, the GC200 is a marginal upgrade, and the GC100 remains a compelling option, especially at a lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 13 - Verizon (GC120) |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE (optional) |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, March | 2012, August. Released 2012, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 132.5 x 71.2 x 19.3 mm (5.22 x 2.80 x 0.76 in) | 128.7 x 70.8 x 19.1 mm (5.07 x 2.79 x 0.75 in) |
| SIM | No | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 283 g (9.98 oz) | 300 g (10.58 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~306 ppi density) | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~306 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~67.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.8 inches, 63.5 cm2 (~69.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super Clear LCD | Super Clear LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 4412 Quad (32 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-400MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB (2.8GB user available), 2GB RAM | 4GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 16.3 MP, 1/2.3", AF, 21x optical zoom | 16.3 MP, AF, 21x optical zoom |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 512p@120fps | 1080p@30fps, 512p@120fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | - |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | HDMI port | HDMI port |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 168 h (2G) / Up to 280 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 4 h 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White, Pink, Orange, Red |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | - | 3.13 W/kg (head) 1.12 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.16 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -82.7dB / Crosstalk -80.5dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 843:1 (nominal) / 1.938:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 61dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 66dB
|
Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 GC200
- Slightly faster processor
- Potentially newer software
- Excellent zoom capabilities
- Bright display
- Marginal upgrade over GC100
- Battery life still limited
- Can be more expensive
Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100
- Excellent zoom capabilities
- Robust Android experience
- Bright display
- Generally more affordable
- Slightly slower processor than GC200
- Battery life still limited
- Older software
Display Comparison
Both the GC200 and GC100 feature a 4.8-inch LCD display with a nominal contrast ratio of 843:1 and an impressive 1.938:1 contrast ratio in sunlight. Visibility in bright conditions is a strong point for both models. While the GC200 *might* have slightly improved color accuracy, the difference is minimal and unlikely to be noticeable for most users.
Camera Comparison
Both cameras offer excellent zoom capabilities, a defining feature of the Galaxy Camera line. While both are marketed as 'Photo / Video' devices, the GC200 likely benefits from slightly improved image processing algorithms due to its newer hardware. However, image quality largely depends on lighting conditions and user skill. Both offer a wide range of shooting modes and manual controls.
Performance
The GC200 boasts a 1.6 GHz quad-core CPU, compared to the GC100's 1.4 GHz quad-core Cortex-A9. This translates to a slightly snappier feel when navigating the Android interface and launching apps on the GC200. However, the GC100's Exynos 4412 chipset is still quite capable, and performance differences in everyday use are not drastic.
Battery Life
Battery life was a known weakness for both Galaxy Cameras. While exact battery capacities are difficult to confirm definitively, both models typically offered around 2-3 hours of moderate use. The GC200 *might* offer a slight improvement, but don't expect a dramatic difference.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 GC200 is best for users who prioritize a slightly faster processor and potentially newer software. The Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100 is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a powerful zoom camera with a robust Android experience and a proven track record.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the GC200 worth the extra cost over the GC100?
The GC200 offers a slight performance boost, but the GC100 remains a very capable camera, especially if you're on a budget. Consider if the faster processor is a priority for your usage.
❓ How good is the zoom on these cameras?
Both the GC200 and GC100 offer impressive zoom capabilities, typically around 10x optical zoom, allowing for close-up shots from a distance. Image quality degrades at higher zoom levels, as with any camera.
