The Samsung Galaxy Camera series aimed to blend point-and-shoot simplicity with smartphone connectivity. The GC200 and K Zoom were key contenders, but which one truly delivers? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy K Zoom edges out the GC200 thanks to its hexa-core processor, optical zoom lens, and generally more refined software experience. While the GC200 has a larger sensor, the K Zoom's overall package is more compelling for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SM-C111, SM-C115 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-C111, SM-C115 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - SM-C115 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, January. Released 2014, March | 2014, April. Released 2014, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 132.5 x 71.2 x 19.3 mm (5.22 x 2.80 x 0.76 in) | 137.5 x 70.8 x 16.6 mm (5.41 x 2.79 x 0.65 in) |
| SIM | No | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 283 g (9.98 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~65.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super Clear LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.6 GHz | Hexa-core (4x1.3 GHz Cortex A7 & 2x1.7 GHz Cortex A15) |
| Chipset | - | Exynos 5260 Hexa |
| GPU | - | Mali-T624 MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB (2.8GB user available), 2GB RAM | 8GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Xenon & LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16.3 MP, 1/2.3", AF, 21x optical zoom | 20.7 MP, 1/2.3", 24-240mm, 10x optical zoom, AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, 512p@120fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 2 MP |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL 1.3 TV-out), OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | HDMI port | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 47 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 14 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2430 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Charcoal Black, Electric Blue, Shimmery White |
| Models | - | SM-C115, SM-C111, SM-C115L |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 440 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.51 W/kg (head) 1.07 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.37 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -96.0dB / Crosstalk -85.6dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 67h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.67(sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 70dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 69dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark X: 4962 |
Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 GC200
- Larger sensor (potentially better low-light)
- Traditional camera feel
- Android OS
- Slower processor
- No optical zoom
- Outdated software
Samsung Galaxy K zoom
- Hexa-core processor for better performance
- 10x optical zoom lens
- More modern software
- Slightly better display
- Smaller sensor than GC200
- Bulkier design
Display Comparison
Both devices feature a 4.8-inch Super Clear LCD display. While both boast a nominal 'infinite' contrast ratio and 3.67 contrast in sunlight, the K Zoom's slightly more modern display technology and potentially better color calibration give it a marginal edge. Viewing angles and brightness are comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both are primarily camera-focused devices. The GC200 boasts a 1.9-inch 16MP sensor, potentially offering better low-light performance in ideal conditions. However, the K Zoom's key advantage is its 10x optical zoom lens, allowing for significantly greater reach without digital degradation. Video recording capabilities are similar, both supporting 1080p resolution.
Performance
The K Zoom's Exynos 5260 Hexa processor (4x1.3 GHz Cortex A7 & 2x1.7 GHz Cortex A15) significantly outperforms the GC200's quad-core 1.6 GHz CPU. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience on the K Zoom. The GC200 can feel sluggish by today's standards.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 67 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the K Zoom's more efficient processor might provide slightly better real-world performance, especially when considering the demands of its optical zoom.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 GC200 is ideal for users prioritizing a larger sensor for potentially better low-light photography and a more traditional camera feel. The Samsung Galaxy K Zoom is better suited for those wanting a more powerful processor, optical zoom capabilities, and a more modern smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which camera has better low-light performance?
The Galaxy Camera 2 GC200's larger sensor *potentially* offers better low-light performance, but the K Zoom's image processing and software optimizations can compensate.
❓ Is the Galaxy K Zoom worth buying today?
While both devices are older, the K Zoom's superior performance and optical zoom make it a more compelling option if you can find one in good condition. However, consider modern smartphone cameras which offer similar or better features.
