The honest comparison
SoluM is a Korean ESL manufacturer with strong enterprise relationships and the Samsung partnership behind them. ZKong is the Chinese-manufactured alternative we sell direct from New York. Both make solid 4-color BWRY ESLs with 5–10 year battery life across overlapping size ranges.
For US retailers under 200 stores, the practical question isn't which has marginally better hardware specs (they're close). It's how you actually buy, install, support, and scale. That's where the answer diverges sharply.
Side-by-side specs
| Retail Digitals (ZKong) | SoluM | |
|---|---|---|
| Country / HQ | USA (NY) | South Korea |
| Models in catalog | 71 | 41 |
| Size range | 1.3″ – 65.0″ | 1.0″ – 32.0″ |
| Unique sizes | 41 | 22 |
| Color tiers | 6color, BW, BWR, BWRY, LCD | 6color, BW, BWR, BWRY |
| Freezer-rated models | 2 | 5 |
| IP67+ models | 8 | 28 |
| Wireless shelf-edge bar | ✓ Arrow | — |
| Headquartered in the US | ✓ | — |
| Buy direct (no enterprise contract) | ✓ | — |
| Datasheets without sales call | ✓ Form-gated PDF | Typically via sales contact |
| Free decision tools | ROI calc + print-cut PDF | — |
Competitor data compiled from public vendor websites, September 2026.
Why a US retailer should choose us
US-based support team
Retail Digitals is in New York. Same timezone, same business hours, same language. SoluM supports the Americas from its New Jersey office.
No enterprise contract required
No minimum order — buy from 1 label; most retailers start with a 25-label demo kit. SoluM typically requires sales-engineering engagement and minimum order commitment.
Datasheets without sales call
Form-gated PDF download — instant link. SoluM datasheets typically require sales rep contact.
Free decision tools
ROI calculator + print-and-cut sizing template (PDF) — try before you buy.
Wireless shelf-edge bar (Arrow)
Wireless e-paper shelf-edge bars in 10.95″/17.06″/22.74″ — a category not in SoluM's published lineup.
Same cloud platform
One console for ESL + LCD + AI cameras.
Where SoluM legitimately wins
We won't pretend they don't have real strengths. Here's what they do better:
- Newton E-Paper 32″. SoluM has a 32″ Spectra-6 e-paper that beats Essence by 0.5″ at the largest size. Specialized signage SKU.
- Newton Pro Extreme. SoluM's -20°C to +60°C variant is a unique outdoor/extreme-environment SKU. ZKong's Shield freezer models are rated -25°C to +25°C.
- Brand recognition. Larger global enterprise footprint. If you're in a procurement process that requires "Tier 1 manufacturer," SoluM may pass procurement faster.
If any of those align with your specific need, talk to SoluM too. We'd rather you make the right choice than the convenient one.
Get the full spec comparison + ROI estimate
15-minute conversation. We compare your specific shelf size, store count, and operating environment — honestly — against any of the major brands.