UK mobile brand Kazam unveils octo-core smartphones

Fed up with Apple vs, Samsung? Uninspired by HTC and LG? Then you may be interested in the latest flagship phones from fledgling UK smartphone brand, Kazam.

Kazam has unveiled its first octo-core handsets, the Tornado2 5.0 and 5.5, both of which are expected to be available across Europe from Q2, making them some of the first octo-core phones to hit the UK.

The launch comes after the fledgling company – established last year by two former senior HTC figures – announced its first LTE-enabled handset as one of three new smartphone ranges.

MORE: MWC 2014 highlights – news, phones and tablets

Kazam has released details of two octo-core handsets that will be available under the Tornado2 brand – the 5.0 (pictured below) and 5.5 (pictured above). Both smartphones will run on the Android 4.2.2 operating system.

The Tornado2 5.0 contains 1GB of RAM and its 5in screen has a HD resolution of 1280 x 720. It also comes with 8MP rear-facing and 2MP front-facing cameras and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Meanwhile, the 5.5 model has 2GB of RAM and a 1920 x 1080 Full HD display measuring 5.5in. Features include 13MP rear-facing and 5MP front-facing cameras and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Both will be Dual SIM models and charge via USB, with the 5.0 having Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity and a 1800 mAh battery. The 5.5 will incorporate Bluetooth 4.0 and a 2500 mAh battery.

"The KAZAM Tornado2 range delivers the ultimate mobile experience for those who demand a lot from their phone, it is a master of multi-tasking," said Kazam CEO Michael Coombes.

MORE: See all our Android smartphone reviews

Meanwhile, other Kazam smartphone ranges available from Q2 include the quad-core Thunder2 range, with the 4.5L model confirmed as the manufacturer's first LTE-enabled handset.

The 4.5L features a 4.5in screen with 854 x 480 display; the Android 4.3 operating system; 8MP rear-facing and 1.6MP front-facing camera; 1GB of RAM; and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity.

It will have a larger sister model – the Thunder2 5.0 (above) – that won't be LTE-enabled, but will include 13MP rear-facing and 5MP front-facing cameras and a 720 x 1280 HD display.

There will be four models released under the Trooper2 brand, with screen sizes ranging from 4in to 6in (5in version pictured), while Kazam has also announced a feature phone line-up under the Life banner.

MORE: Hands on – Samsung Galaxy S5 review

Kazam started its phased European launch in November 2013 under James Atkins and Michael Coombes' leadership, the former HTC UK head of marketing and UK head of sales respectively.

Atkins, who holds the title of CMO at Kazam, said: "Kazam is taking a fresh approach to mobile and will continue to pose difficult questions and challenge convention."

The company already lists online retailers including Amazon and Clove as stockists, but expects to make further "country specific announcements made to coincide with in-store availability".

Look out for our hands on reviews of the most interesting new Kazam phones from the UK launch next week.

MORE: Best smartphones to buy in 2014

by Pete Hayman

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

Join us on Facebook

Find us on Google+

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist. 

Latest in Smartphones
iPhone 16e in black and white on a white background
iPhone 16e vs Sony Xperia 10 VI: what are the differences?
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if, like me, movies on the move are your priority
iPhone 16e on white background
Apple officially unveils the affordable iPhone 16e complete with an OLED display and Dolby Atmos support
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: what's the difference, and which one should you buy?
Apple
iPhone SE 4: release date rumours, screen speculation, design hearsay and more
Apple
A new iPhone SE could be launching next week
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever