Samsung’s Android compact camera gets a sequel in 2014

One of the more intriguing devices Samsung has made in recent years didn’t come from last year, but rather 2012, with the Galaxy Camera, one of the better compacts based on Android. But if you were hoping for a new model, there’s good news for 2014.

Just ahead of when the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas is due to start, Samsung has announced that the next Galaxy Camera will be out this year, fittingly called the “Galaxy Camera 2.”

Like the first Galaxy Camera, this model camera will rely on a 16 megapixel sensor with 21x zoom, 8GB storage with microSD, and feature a 4.8 inch HD touchscreen on the back.

Some things have changed, however, with Samsung upgrading the chip to a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, moving the operating system to Android 4.3, upgrading the memory from 1GB to 2GB RAM, and an increase for the previous battery from 1650mAh up to 2000mAh.

Those updates should provide a little extra performance, and it’s also nice to see Near-Field Communication included in the package, too, with Samsung making use of the wireless technology to allow phones to be paired quickly with the camera for immediate transfer to the phone for uploading to the web.

Previously, you wouldn’t necessarily need that feature, as the first Galaxy Camera supported both 3G and WiFi, but the former of these looks like it’s missing in action on the new camera, with 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS all that is supported here.

Samsung has also made some changes to the design, weight, and thickness, as well as the software for taking pictures.

“Consumers love the Galaxy Camera, and this next-generation version was designed to improve on the successful predecessor, with upgraded and new features that will enhance the photography experience,” said Samsung’s Myoung Sup Han, Executive Vice President and Head of the Imaging Business Team at Samsung Electronics.

“The result is a more powerful and portable device which continues to embrace the public’s passion for the social features of smartphones, yet also provides superior image control and quality.”

No word yet on whether Samsung’s local division will deliver the camera to Australia this year, but given that we saw the first Galaxy Camera, we’d say it’s pretty likely we’ll see the sequel too. Stay tuned.