Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: Review

The idea that underlies the Galaxy S4 Mini is not new. Samsung already introduced   a restricted version of its previous top of the range smartphone, called Galaxy S3 Mini. Just like its predecessor, the Galaxy S4 Mini follows in the footsteps of the flagship Galaxy S4, alongside his other two sons, S4 and S4 Active Zoom, respectively, with reinforced body and waterproof, and with a powerful built-in camera module.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: Design

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has the same design of the founder, of course with a more compact body, easy to handle and lightweight (8.94 mm thickness and 107 g weight). The layout of the buttons and bays is identical, including the uncomfortable microSD card slot is located under the removable battery. The chassis is always in plastic material, robust and with good-quality  finishes. Only the back cover, with a glossy finish, is a receptacle for prints.

The user experience is even better than the Galaxy S4 from which it derives. From the first moments when you hold it in your hand, you feel a more secure grip, as well as greater convenience in use, with the most natural gestures without the thumb stretch excessively to reach the ends of the screen.

It is about the 4.3 ” Reality Display of S4 Mini, as Super AMOLED QHD resolution of 960 × 540 pixels. While helping to achieve a more natural size for a comfortable use, unfortunately the resolution is below the average of smartphones with the same diagonal and in the same price range.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini: Features and Functionality

Instead of the screen, not compromises have been made regarding connectivity: the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is a powerful smartphone with quad band network support 4G/LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi 5 GHz class n, Bluetooth 4.0 LE and Glonass GPS.

The computing power was reduced along with the dimensions: 400 Qualcomm Snapdragon dual core processor, 1.7 GHz, 1.5 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal memory, of which only five available for the user (about 3 GB occupied by the operating system and app). Fortunately, you can easily expand through the slot for microSD cards up to 64 GB.

The battery is obviously smaller than that of the Galaxy S4, while offering adequate reserve thanks to the remarkable capacity of 1,900 mAh. There is also a 8 megapixel rear camera with auto focus and LED flash, along with the 1.9-megapixel HD front for video calls.

The Galaxy S4 Mini leverages the enhanced version of Android 4.2.2 Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface, the reduced functionality. We find AudioFoto to record sounds and voices at the time of shooting, Photo Album to collect videos and photos in a custom album, Play Group to share music you are listening to with other compatible Samsung smartphones, WatchOn that simulates a universal remote with an attached guide TV, the instant messaging service ChatOn, S Health to keep track of the sport, as well as some personal productivity apps such as S Memo, S and S Travel Translator.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini gets along with dignity in every situation. Also because of a touch screen and precise in touch gesture, the use is satisfactory, without any lag or slowdown in opening the app or navigation between Web pages. The fact of not having to move a large number of pixels improves the experience also of use in gaming with the most demanding 3D titles for computing power.

For example, playing Real Racing 3 is a real pleasure for the great flow from the action, I just wish the resolution below average compared to penalize the visual quality screens with identical diagonal of 4.3″,  but HD resolution 1,280 × 720 pixels.

Staying in the field of play and multimedia, audio is clear and crisp, distortion-free, something that is appreciated when you turn on the speakerphone during a call, as well as dual-microphone that filters out background noise. The battery life is very good.

It is easy to get through the day with heavy usage on the phone (Web browsing, media playback, social networking, use of Wi-Fi networks and the camera). The performances of the rear camera are good, capturing images with high detail and low noise in conditions of high brightness. Too bad indoors and in low light the quality of the shots decreases drastically, appearing an annoying background noise.

Conclusion

It is true that this Galaxy S4 Mini is a smaller version of the pocket and top of the range Samsung home, even if they are the size and the weight to be lowered more than the cost. Both the hardware sector for both the services offered, both in the media, it is not so difficult to find cost-effective solutions in the increasingly crowded middle of the market. Sorry to say, but compared with its price, only those who love the aesthetics and user experience with the family house of Samsung Galaxy S can seriously consider this Galaxy S4 Mini as a viable option.

Where to Buy Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, 16GB (Verizon Wireless)

• Features: 3G Data Capable, 4G Data Capable, Internet Browser, Wi-Fi Capable,...
• MAIN DISPLAY RESOLUTION 960 x 540 Pixel, MAIN DISPLAY SIZE 4.27"
• INTERNAL MEMORY: 1.5GB RAM, 16GB ROM (Portion of memory occupied by existing...
• Cellular Band: CDMA 1x/EVDO Rev A 800/1900 EDGE/GSM 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS/HSPA/...
• Features: 3G Data Capable, 4G Data Capable, Internet Browser, Wi-Fi Capable,...

$44.95

CHECK DEAL Prices are accurate as of 2024-11-20 at 22:16

Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.