Using the Zoom App on a Samsung Device
For those asking, "Does Samsung have a Zoom app?", the important distinction is that while it's not a pre-installed, Samsung-exclusive product, it works seamlessly on any Samsung device running the Android operating system. The process is the same as installing any other third-party application.
How to download and install the Zoom app
- Open the Google Play Store: This app is the primary marketplace for Android applications and is pre-installed on all Samsung devices.
- Search for "Zoom": Type "Zoom Workplace" into the search bar and hit enter.
- Find the official app: Select the app published by "Zoom" with the blue and white icon.
- Tap "Install": Press the install button, and the app will begin downloading and installing automatically.
- Launch and sign in: Once installed, open the app, and you can either sign in with an existing account or join a meeting directly with a meeting ID.
Key features of the Zoom app on Samsung
- Host or join meetings: Participate in video conferences with colleagues, family, or friends, just as you would on a computer.
- Chat and screen sharing: Engage with other participants through text chat or share your device's screen for presentations.
- Custom backgrounds: Utilize virtual backgrounds to maintain privacy or add some flair to your video calls, a feature available on most newer Samsung models.
- Participant controls: Depending on your account type, you can mute participants, lock meetings, and perform other moderator tasks.
Understanding Samsung's Native Video Calling vs. Zoom
While Zoom is a versatile video conferencing platform, Samsung devices also have a native video calling feature built directly into the phone's dialer. This is different from the Zoom app and is primarily for one-on-one calls.
Native Samsung video calls
Samsung's native video call feature is integrated with the standard phone app. It allows you to make video calls over your carrier's network or Wi-Fi to other Android users, especially those on the same carrier. However, compatibility can be inconsistent, and for a reliable, cross-platform video calling solution, third-party apps like Zoom are more dependable.
The rise of Google Meet on Samsung devices
Since One UI 4, Google Meet has become more deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem, with the app often pre-installed or integrated into the dialer. This has largely replaced the older, more inconsistent native Samsung video calling service for many users. Google Meet offers a robust alternative to Zoom, especially for those already integrated into the Google ecosystem.
Comparison: Zoom vs. Native Samsung/Google Meet
| Feature | Zoom App | Native Samsung Video Call | Google Meet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-Platform | Yes (iOS, Android, PC, Mac) | Limited (primarily Android, depends on carrier) | Yes (iOS, Android, PC, Mac) |
| Group Calls | Yes (supports many participants) | Limited or none | Yes (supports up to 100+ participants) |
| Scheduling Meetings | Yes, full-featured scheduling | No, spontaneous calls only | Yes, integrates with Google Calendar |
| Integration | Standalone app | Built into Phone dialer | Integrated into Samsung dialer (One UI 4+) |
| Advanced Features | Screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, polling | Basic video and audio | Noise cancellation, captions, effects |
| Ease of Use | Simple download and sign-in | Simple, but inconsistent depending on carrier | Simple, especially for Google users |
Enhancing your camera for video calls
For Samsung users who want to take their video quality to the next level, especially on a Zoom call, there are several ways to improve your camera setup. High-end Samsung phones, particularly in the Galaxy S Ultra series, feature advanced camera hardware that benefits video calls and regular photography.
Tips for better quality video calls
- Use better lighting: Ensure you have proper lighting, preferably from the front, to avoid a dark or silhouetted appearance.
- Check your surroundings: A clean, neutral background will keep the focus on you and not on clutter. Consider using one of Zoom's virtual backgrounds.
- Utilize a stable position: Avoid shaky video by propping your phone up on a stable surface or using a small tripod.
- Use Expert RAW: For advanced photo and video control, the Expert RAW app from the Galaxy Store offers professional-level settings. While not for video calls directly, it can help you master your phone's camera capabilities.
Conclusion
While Samsung does not develop its own native version of the Zoom app, it fully supports and integrates with the official app available on the Google Play Store. This means any Samsung user can easily download Zoom and participate in video conferences. Furthermore, Samsung phones offer their own ecosystem of video calling, including the default dialer's video call function and the integrated Google Meet, offering robust alternatives depending on user needs. Whether for personal or professional use, Samsung users have a wide array of high-quality video conferencing options at their fingertips.
Key takeaways about Zoom on Samsung
- Official App Availability: The official Zoom app is available for free download on the Google Play Store for all Samsung Android devices.
- Third-Party vs. Native: Zoom is a third-party app, distinct from Samsung's native or carrier-specific video calling features.
- Integrated Alternatives: Samsung devices running One UI 4 or later often have Google Meet deeply integrated, providing a reliable alternative for video calls.
- Feature-Rich: The Zoom app offers a full suite of video conferencing features, including screen sharing, chat, and virtual backgrounds.
- Simple Installation: Installation is straightforward via the Google Play Store, requiring no special steps for Samsung users.
- Enhanced Experience: For high-quality visuals, users should optimize their lighting and potentially use advanced camera settings via apps like Expert RAW, especially on flagship Galaxy devices.
