After launching two flagship smartphones, Panasonic today introduced two mid-range devices in the form of Eluga Z1 and Eluga Z1 Pro. Both the smartphones are powered by the MediaTek Helio P22 chipset which we have seen on other smartphones such as the Nokia 3.1 Plus, Lenovo K9 and the Xiaomi Redmi 6. As the higher price itself states, the Eluga Z1 and Z1 Pro are offline-only smartphones and can be purchased from October 31, 2018. Both the phones share a similar set of specifications, but the Z1 Pro comes with additional RAM and storage. The Eluga Z1 is priced at Rs 14,490 whereas the Eluga Z1 Pro retails at Rs 17,490.
Panasonic Eluga Z1 and Z1 Pro: Specifications and Features
As mentioned above, both the Panasonic Eluga Z1 and Eluga Z1 Pro smartphones feature similar specifications and the only difference is in the RAM and internal memory department. They sport a 6.19-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 1500*720 pixels and a notch on top. The new MediaTek Helio P22 chipset powers both the smartphones. The Eluga Z1 has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, whereas the Eluga Z1 Pro has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. Storage can be expanded up to 128GB with a microSD card.
Moving onto optics, Panasonic has added dual cameras of a 13MP+2MP on the rear side with real-time bokeh effect. On the front, they both rock an 8MP shooter. The phones measure 8.05mm in terms of thickness and run Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box with Panasonic's custom skin on top.
The new devices come with ARBO Hub, which is Panasonic's AI-powered hub that provides access to multiple apps and services on a single platform and uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to make recommendations. The platform currently has partners like Accuweather, Uber, Ola, Newspoint, Mobikwik & Gamezop. Panasonic says it will bring more services to the table in the future.
Commenting on the launch, Mr Pankaj Rana, Business Head – Mobility Division, Panasonic India, said, “Continuing with our commitment to offer supreme experience with feature-rich smartphones, the new Eluga Z1 and Z1 Pro have been built keeping in mind the technology savvy end user. Featuring a powerful 4000 mAh battery; a faster processor that supports AI capabilities and a solid camera with a metal design that is sure to catch everyone’s attention. This is in line with the underlying needs of our customers and therefore aims to deliver an experience with great power and looks.”
Connectivity options include Dual 4G, VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v5.0, GPS and a Micro USB port. The fingerprint scanner is placed on the back and sensors on the handset include Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass/Magnetometer and Ambient Light. Lastly, they are backed by a beefy 4000mAh battery.
Panasonic Eluga Z1 and Z1 Pro: Pricing and Availability
Panasonic said that both the phones would be available in Black, Gold and Blue colour options. As noted, the Eluga Z1 can be picked up for Rs 14,490, whereas the Eluga Z1 Pro will retail for Rs 17,490. They both are offline-only smartphones available for purchase starting October 31, 2018.
Panasonic Eluga Z1 and Z1 Pro: Competitors in India
The Eluga Z1 Pro will mark as the pricier smartphone with Helio P22 chipset launched till date. We have other phones such as the Redmi 6 at Rs 7,999, Nokia 3.1 Plus at Rs 11,999, Vivo Y81 at Rs 10,999 and Tecno Camon i2X at Rs 11,499 with the same Helio P22 chipset. All the four smartphones are priced on the lower side while the Panasonic devices are touching Rs 15,000 mark, which is underwhelming.
