Last year Samsung introduced a series of Galaxy S4-based phones following the device's original launch. That included the Galaxy S4 Active, the Galaxy S4 Zoom (pictured above) and the Galaxy S4 mini. We're expecting a similar launch pattern following the introduction of the Galaxy S5, which is set to hit the market next month, and details around the Galaxy S5 Zoom are starting to crop up.
The Galaxy S5 will very likely take on the same role that the Galaxy S4 Zoom had – providing a more powerful camera experience with an optical zoom lens. According to data provided by GFXBench, the Galaxy S5 Zoom will ship with a 19-megapixel camera, an upgrade over the 16-megapixel shooter found on last year's model.
Other features, according to SamMobile, include a 4.8-inch display with a 720p resolution, an Exynos processor in some markets (we expect Qualcomm Snapdragon in the U.S.), 16GB of onboard storage, 2GB of RAM and Android 4.4.2 KitKat. HDR is out, according to the benchmark. Like last year, we're seeing Samsung sacrifice on some specs, likely in an effort to keep the overall costs down considering that adding the superior camera technology costs more than the standard offering on the S5.
The Galaxy S4 Zoom launched in the United States, so it seems plausible the Galaxy S5 Zoom will land in the U.S. as well. That all depends on sales of the Galaxy S4 Zoom, however – AT&T may shy away if it didn't sell very well. Considering we've never seen one in the wild, that may very well be the case.
