Samsung announced its Galaxy S4 Mini just a few weeks ago, although we have yet to hear of when and were the Android smartphone will be made available. It looks like that all changes today as the Galaxy S4 Mini is now available for pre-order at two U.K. wireless carriers, Orange and T-Mobile.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is being made available on both Orange and T-Mobile for free, as long as customers sign up for a plan that costs at least £27 per month, which converts to around $42.32 per month. This is a special promotion both carriers are holding for those who pre-order the device on their respective network and will charge £49.99 for the Galaxy S4 Mini when it’s released on July 5.
Seeing how the Galaxy S4 Mini will be available in the U.K. in just a couple of weeks, we’re hoping this news means we’re one step closer for the device to make its debut in the U.S. In case you need a refresher, the Galaxy S4 Mini will feature a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, 8GB of internal storage with support for 64 microSD cards, an 8MP rear-facing camera, 1.9MP front-facing camera and will run on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
With the introduction a new range of S4-linked devices to Samsung's lineup, consumers are likely to get lost. However, this isn't as bad as it sounds. For one, the chaebol is leveraging on its positive S4 branding, which may help it sell a lot more phones than it otherwise would.
More importantly, it shows that the electronics giant is capable of sticking to the same design aesthetics for its products. This come with the risk of everything looking too similar, which can be a problem. We wonder if Samsung employees themselves have trouble identifying the handsets without close examination if they were all placed together.
The launch of yesterday's S4 Zoom means Samsung now has five S4 handsets. Here's a quick cheat sheet showing the key differences of between them.
Phone
S4/Google Edition
S4 Active
S4 Mini
S4 Zoom
Display
5-inch full-HD (Super AMOLED)
5-inch full-HD (TFT)
4.3-inch qHD (Super AMOLED)
4.3-inch qHD (Super AMOLED)
Camera
13-megapixels
8-megapixels
8-megapixels
16-megapixels
Processor
1.9GHz quad-core
1.9GHz quad-core
1.7GHz dual-core
1.5GHz dual-core
Internal storage
16GB
16GB
8GB
8GB
RAM
2GB
2GB
1.5GB
1.5GB
Battery
2,600mAh
2,600mAh
1,900mAh
2,330mAh
Samsung Galaxy S4
(Credit: Samsung)
The flagship smartphone comes with all the bells and whistles expected of Samsung's top handset. We mentioned in our review that there are likely some software features you'll probably never use, but the hardware and build of the handset is top notch, despite its plastic chassis.
If you must get Samsung's best, the S4 (available now) is really the smartphone of choice. But those seeking alternatives should look below.
Key features: It's the top end handset from Samsung, and you get all the software features Samsung has developed inside this handset.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
(Credit: Samsung)
Announced for a Q3 launch, the S4 Active seems aimed at those who lead sporty lifestyles (or really clumsy people). It's water- and dust-resistant, though not drop-proof. For those worried about accidental dunks, the phone can be submerged to a depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes.
Specs-wise, it's pretty similar to the S4, such as a quad-core 1.9GHz processor, but uses a TFT panel (rather than AMOLED) for its 5-inch full-HD display, and comes with an 8-megapixel shooter with software enhancements for taking better pictures underwater.
Key features: You never have to worry about getting your phone waterlogged, and you get almost all of the benefits of Samsung's flagship S4.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition
(Credit: Google)
Available only in the US and meant really for developers, the S4 Google Edition uses the same hardware as the original S4, but runs stock Android instead of Samsung's TouchWiz. This means OS updates will come much faster, but you lose out on the software enhancements that Samsung has put into its TouchWiz UI.
Key features: Fast Android updates.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini
(Credit: Samsung)
Like the S3 Mini, the smaller version of the S4 is meant for markets in Asia and Europe. It is expected to debut at a much more affordable price and features a 4.3-inch display and packs a 1.7GHz dual-core processor instead.
Other downsized features include an 8-megapixel camera instead of the S4's 13 as well as a smaller 1,900mAh battery. It ships with Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and may come with LTE depending on the market.
Key features: You'll get the S4 design in a compact form factor at a cheaper price.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom
(Credit: Samsung)
Remember last year's Samsung Galaxy Camera? it's now back in the form of the S4 Zoom--and this time, it can make phone calls. The LTE-capable S4 Zoom comes with 16-megapixel shooter with 10x optical zoom and built-in optical image stabilization (OIS), and runs on Android 4.2.
A dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz powers the Zoom, and you'll be able to view the shots you've taken with the 'phomera' on its 4.3-inch screen. Due in Q3, the phone isn't likely to be cheap, and we expect components such as the 10x optics and sensor will bump up the cost.
Key features: The 10x optical zoom and larger sensor should let you take much better pictures compared with normal smartphones. And you can make phone calls on this camera, too.
If Samsung's Galaxy S4 is more smartphone than you think you need, the electronics giant has just offered up the smaller, more midrange - and surely cheaper - Galaxy S4 Mini.
Samsung is hoping to give its lighter smartphone much of the same GS 4 taste with just a little less vigor. Although the Mini has stepped-down specs compared to its flagship family, like a lower-resolution screen and an 8-megapixel camera instead of a 13-megapixel shooter, it's no slouch when it comes to the Galaxy S4's core features, even a built-in TV remote control.
As with the Galaxy S3 Mini that came before, this version is aimed more toward the mass market than the high-end sector, without sacrificing too many of the superphone's more defining features.
Launch and Price
With the Samsung galaxy S3 launching for €300 (Rs 23,300), it's hard not to expect the S4 variation to launch at the same price. This could be bit too expensive given the specifications and strong competition for mid-range Android phone. We'll have to wait a bit longer to find out - UK event scheduled for June 20 likely to give us more information. According to the sources, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will be launched in India on 30th July 2013 and will be priced at Rs 24,000 (approx).
Architect
Samsung's modest Mini is a wee bit shorter, thicker, and wider than the svelte Galaxy S4 but clearly cut from the same cloth. Like the round-shouldered original, the Mini retains its curved perimeter, metallic rim, and rectangular home button, and also comes in black and white versions.
Specifically, the global GS4 Mini stands 124.6 millimeters tall (4.9 inches) by 61.3 millimeters wide (2.4 inches) by 8.9 millimeters thick (0.35-inch) and weighs a lighter 107 grams (3.7 ounces, compared to the GS4's 4.6-ounce weight.) A 3G-only, dual SIM version will weigh a hair more at 108 grams.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is expected to enter the UK market in July.
Samsung recently announced the compact version of its fourth generation Galaxy S series smartphone dubbed as Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. Samsung is yet to provide information on the pricing of the new handset which is now revealed by the UK retailers.
UK online retailer Handtech has confirmed that it will be stocking the new Galaxy S4 Mini. As the product page on the site suggests, the 8GB Black Mist variant of Galaxy S4 Mini is available for pre-order at £389.99 (including VAT in UK and Europe only). The retailer has not mentioned any definite release date for the device.
Other renowned retailers such as Three, Phones 4u, EE, O2 and Vodafone have so far confirmed that they will be stocking the new S4 Mini. Phones 4u has requested prospective buyers to register for the smartphone. Also, the retailer has given a tentative release date which is expected sometime in July. Unfortunately, none of the other retailers have disclosed their pricing as well as the release details of the Galaxy S4 Mini.
As Samsung notes, the Galaxy S4 Mini will be available in two colour options; White Frost and Black Mist. In terms of connectivity, the S4 Mini will come in 4G LTE, 3G HSPA or 3G dual-SIM variants (depending on market).
The company has also promised that the Galaxy S4 Mini will be displayed at the Samsung Premier 2013 GALAXY & ATIV media event in London, scheduled for 20 June.
As rumoured earlier, Galaxy S4 Mini indeed features a 4.3in quarter HD Super AMOLED display. It is powered by Snapdragon 400 chip featuring a dual-core processor with each core running at clock speeds of up to 1.7GHz. The Snapdragon 400 chip also integrates 1.5GB of RAM. The S4 Mini will run on the latest Jelly Bean software version, Android 4.2.2, once it comes out of the box.
The handset has an eight megapixel rear-camera and a front-facing camera of 1.9 megapixel. It will be available only in 8GB storage variant and support micro SD card for additional space of up to 64GB. The device uses a 1,900mAh battery. Besides, the Galaxy S4 Mini carries a host of native apps such as Sound&Shot, Story Album, Group Play, S Translator, WatchON, ChatON and S Health.
It’s no secret that Samsung’s got a full complement of Galaxy S 4-derived handsets trickling out over the next few months; the company just revealed the S 4 Mini, and next up we’re expecting a more rugged, full-sized device known as the Galaxy S 4 Active (codename: J Active). Active, a (self-)reported five-inch, full HD handset powered by a quad-core, 1.9GHz Snapdragon 600 chipset from Qualcomm, will attempt to muscle in on some of the territory being staked out by Sony and its Xperia Z.
On AT&T, the eight-megapixel Active will be sold under model number SGH-I537, — in dark grey as well as teal, apparently — alongside a host of other upcoming Samsung handsets tipped for the second largest US carrier: SM-G730A “Golden” (Galaxy S III mini), SGH-I527 “Melius” (Galaxy Mega 6.3), SGH-I257 “Serrano” (Galaxy S4 mini), and SGH-I217 “Zest.” With the Galaxy Note 3 also seemingly a lock for AT&T in the fall, Samsung fans seem to have a pretty clear destination in terms of American operators this year.
P.S. The date on that screenshot should be pretty telling.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is finally here! The phone rumoured much, much before the launch of the elder sibling Samsung Galaxy S4 is finally out of the box.
The compact version of Samsung Galaxy S4, the Mini comes with a 4.3-inch screen and specs that are slightly toned down. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini comes with 4.3-inch qHD S-AMOLED display and a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels.
The phone runs on the latest Android version, Jelly Bean 4.2.2. The processor is a disappointment though. Samsung has downgraded the processor to a dual-core instead of a quad-core. We were hoping Samsung would retain the quad-core variant with a smaller GPU for the Mini variant of Samsung Galaxy S4. However, Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini comes with a Dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 200 Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor.
On the software front, the phone comes with most of the features of Samsung Galaxy S4 like the S Health, Group Play, etc. However, some of the key features of these functions are not available with Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.
The phone comes with just 8 GB internal storage which is expandable using MicroSD card slot. There are no internal memory variants like the Samsung Galaxy S4 and 8 GB (5 GB user-available) is all you get. One thing we’re pretty happy about is the RAM. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini comes with a 1.5 GB RAM.
The phone comes with an 8 MP camera, once again a downgrade from Samsung Galaxy S4’s 13 MP snapper. The video-calling front cam is a 1.9 MP HD camera. Samsung has done away with most of the amazing camera features of Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. However some features like Sound and Shot are present in Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini comes with connectivity options like LTE, NFC, 3G, Bluetooth and WiFi among others. The phone comes with a 1900 mAh battery and weighs 107 grams. The phone is a relatively light phone and comes with decent specs. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will be available in Black and White colour options, just like Samsung Galaxy S4.
Samsung galaxy S4 sales broke records when Samsung shipped 10 million units of the device within the first month. Samsung might wish to recreate the same hype and success with the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini. However, there is touch competition for Samsung on multiple quarters. The phone has at best, average specs and even with Samsung Galaxy S4’s software additions, the features are not all that impressive. A lot might depend on Samsung pricing of the phone, which is still under wraps.
Samsung is rumoured to release the Samsung galaxy S4 Mini at their June 20 event.
Google’s action-packed Google I/O keynote now may include one less surprise. As details of Google’s big announcements continue to leak, Geek reports that one device set to debut on stage at I/O is a brand new version of Samsung’s popular Galaxy S4. The “Galaxy S4 Google Edition” will reportedly be a Pure Google version of Samsung’s flagship smartphone. According to the report, it will run stock Android (perhaps version 4.3, which is rumored to be unveiled at the show as well) and it will launch in June with support for T-Mobile’s network.
If the rumor pans out, the Galaxy S4 Google Edition will be the latest of five different versions of Samsung’s flagship phone. Beyond the original model and the Google version, Samsung is also reportedly prepping the Galaxy S4 Zoom with a 16-megapixel camera that supports 10x optical zoom, the ruggedized Galaxy S4 Activ, and a more manageable version of the S4 dubbed Galaxy S4 mini.
The Google I/O keynote begins at 12:00 p.m. EDT and BGR will be covering all the news as it breaks.
For the last few days, technology websites have been abuzz with reports suggesting that Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy S4 Mini soon. Recently Technodify.com has posted leaked images of Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini.
The images suggest that the design of Samsung Galaxy S4 mini resembles that of Samsung Galaxy S4 . The Technodify.com report says that Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is likely to be 4.3-inch device with a qHD Super AMOLED display. The same report suggests that Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will be powered by 1.6GHz dual core processor with 1GB of RAM.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is likely to run on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Operating System, says the report.
Recent reports also suggest that Apple is working on a less expensive model of iPhone to take on the rising popularity of low-cost Android devices.
As you may know, last year, the Samsung Galaxy S3 has been followed by a budget friendly sibling that borrowed the name and certain design cues of the flagship. This handset has been known as the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini, and apparently it’s not a one-off.
Apparently, the Galaxy S Mini series is in for the long run, as the Samsung Galaxy S4 will be getting its own smaller brother – the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (obviously).
The handset has been leaked more than a month ago and ever since then it continued to reappear, with different “inside sources” hinting on when we might get to see it arrive on shelves. Initial speculations were hinting at a launch during week 21, but that’s been scratched, and apparently, the handset has been delayed. Now, you might wonder when you’ll finally be able to buy one, and we might have the answer.
We’ve previously reported that, according to rumors and sources, the Galaxy S4 Mini might go on sale sometime in July.
New rumors have recently popped-up, and based on the latest bits of information given by Sam Mobile’s sources, both the black and white Galaxy S4 Mini models will hit the shelves during week 29 of the year. That’s somewhere between July 15 and July 21.
It’s a bit later than we would’ve liked, but nevertheless, we should not forget that these time-frames are not yet official. It remains to be seen whether or not the handset is really scheduled for the second half of July. So far though, the evidence keeps pointing towards week 29.
Would you be interested in purchasing the SGS4 Mini? If so, then what would you expect from it?
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has been rumored for quite some time and now, alleged images of the smartphone have surfaced online.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is said to sport a 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display with a pixel density of 256ppi. The device is rumored to feature a 1.6 GHz dual-core processor along with 1 GB of RAM, 8 megapixel rear camera and Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.
The mini variant of the fourth generation Galaxy S smartphone is reported to make its way to the market by the end of May.
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