Kodak puts out new camera-centric smartphone named Ektra

Kodak is hoping to catch the attention of photography enthusiasts with its new camera-centric smartphone.  Image Kodak

Despite struggling through bankruptcy back in 2013, Kodak is slowly trying to get back on its feet with a new smartphone that carries the name of one of its classic cameras.

Named after the Ektra 1941 rangefinder, its new smartphone is a camera-centric device that’s wrapped in artificial leatherette and has a curved grip on one end as well as a dedicated shutter button. It also has a very obvious lens protruding in the back with a 21-megapixel Sony sensor, reports Engadget.

Build-wise, the Kodak Ektra (2016) certainly looks like a classic camera. The company is hoping it will appeal to photography enthusiasts who would also own DSLRs or high-end compact cameras. Phone manufacturer Bullit has been tasked by Kodak to make the device more photographer-friendly. This means that it includes a camera app with a Scene Selection Dial for accessing different modes.

Snapseed has been placed as the default photo-editing app. The device will also have Kodak-curated app recommendations that include Adobe Lightroom, Prisma and VSCO.

As a smartphone, the Ektra is equipped with a deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 processor and 3GB of RAM. It has an internal storage of 32GB but can be expanded up to 128GB through a MicroSD. It also has a 3000mAh battery with “Pump Express” quick charging. It has a 5-inch 1080p display and comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box.

The Kodak Ektra (2016) will retail for £449/€499 (P26,247) in Europe this coming December. The US market will have to wait as a Kodak spokesperson says they will have to monitor market demand before making any decisions. Alfred Bayle