Design:
In its design, the Galaxy S4 Mini looks like the Galaxy S4 the original. The home, back and the menu keys are there right under the big screen, as seen in any Galaxy device. The device is made of mostly plastic. That has been the major disappointment of the Galaxy S4 customers as well.
On the rear side of the S4 Mini, there is the removable back panel. Under the panel is the battery, which is also removable. the position of the microSD card is not that attractive, we should admit. It is right under the battery, which makes it quite impossible for easy swapping. It will be a bit tricky to insert the card too. On the cons side, there is no notification light either. The sensors in the White colour variant of the smartphone are better than that in the Black colour variant of the S4 Mini.
The power/lock button is situated right opposite to the volume rocker. Both the buttons are really easy to hit. They are placed wisely, as in every Galaxy smartphones. The headphone jack is on the top of the phone and the micro USB port rests at the bottom of the phone.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini will be an apt choice for those who use cell phones with single hand. For those use it with both the hands, it will be more than pleasing. The device is really compact and easy to use.
Display:
The screen of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is far better than that of the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini smartphone. Though the screen is not full HD, the 960 x 540 resolution is bright, sharp and clear. The Super AMOLED touch screen of the smartphone allows operation with gloved hands too. It is an added advantage of the smartphone, though we hardly need such a feature in India.
OS:
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini runs on Android v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system. Though there is nothing unique in it, the operating system works as crisp and quick as in any other Android device.
Memory:
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has a RAM of 1.5 GB. Though it is lower than the 2 GB RAM of the S4, it is far better than the 1 GB RAM of most of the leading smartphones of this price range. The device has 8 GB of internal storage, which will be enough for an average user. The external memory of the device can be expanded up to 64 GB, using a microSD card.
Camera:
The S4 Mini has an 8MP primary camera on the rear side of the smartphone and a 1.9 MP front camera for video calling and self portraits. The 8MP camera is a bit scaled down one, compared to the 13 MP rear camera of the Galaxy S4 original. But it brings out awesome images. There are so many preset features too, which make the camera experience of the S4 Mini more beautiful.
The S4 Mini camera comes with LED flash light. For dim light environment, this is an added advantage. The much acclaimed Drama mode and Animated photo mode were not carried over to the S4 Mini from its big brother. In short, the primary and the secondary cameras of the S4 Mini will not disappoint you, but you can't say that it is the best available in the market. If you are that fond of cameras, you shold be buying the Galaxy Zoom instead of the S4 Mini.
Internet and connectivities:
The S4 Mini is not a single step behind in the connectivity options. It has al the connectivity supports that you'll look forward in an advanced smartphone. Wi-Fi, GPS and GLONASS, Bluetooth, NFC, 4G, all are included in the list. in addition to all these, the device has DLNA streaming and IR blaster too.
Battery:
The battery of a smartphone can decide the destiny of it. If the battery is strong, then the consumer might stick to it, even if it misses so nay other features. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has a 1900mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini smartphone has an average battery life.
Price and Verdict:
The full HD screen, quad core processor etc make the Galaxy S4 Mini's disadvantages. But we have to admit that, we feel all these as the disadvantages mainly because we compare it with the Galaxy S4. But we should realise that the S4 Mini is nit a flagship phone and it is never meant to be. So, if you take it that way, S4 Mini is a pretty good smartphone with good specs and a reasonable spec list. At 27,990/- rupees, Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is a good smartphone.
Pros:
Affordable than the S4.
Good design and good screen.
More than average camera features.
4G supports.
Cons:
Only qHD.
No quad core processor.
No notification light
Awkward microSD port placement.
