Samsung, what have you done? We
think we know what you thought you were doing. A cheaper phone for those who
want a little Galaxy S III experience, for less money, in shape that was easier
to handle. And that is the real mini Galaxy S III.
Samsung had taken a bold move when released
Galaxy S III mini. This is an Android phone that can compete with iPhone 5.
Even though the original Galaxy S III is clearly a top phone, 4.8 inch screen can
still be too much for some to handle literally. By matching with the screen
size of the Apple inch by inch, it can be advertised as a first device that can
attract people who keep neutral attitude with the iOS. However, if you look at
the specifications: dual-core 1GHz processor, WVGA screen (800x480) and a 5MP
camera, Samsung clearly has a different idea, which focus on the mid-range
customers.
Samsung
S III mini
Fast forward to the present, there is no
longer debate about how the mini would be. The phone is here, and is sold at
Europe with $450. So put the
appeal brand and experts' arguments aside, is this true that this is just a
Galaxy S III for small hands? Or is this just a budget phone wearing its
sibling's tuxedo suit? We spent some time getting to know the phone.
Hardware
If you happen to own a Galaxy S III, it
could be useful when pulling it out from your pocket or your purse and lay it
down somewhere beside you - now, if only it was possible. Many things we are
about to describe would seem very familiar. But, instead of trying to compare
with the Galaxy S III right from the start, we will give Galaxy S III mini some
individual attentions that it deserves and then we will show you how different
it is (and possibly why).
Previous Galaxy phones have been typically
pretty subdued when it comes to the design flair. They all have a plastic
rectangular shape that difficult to clarify, which are equipped with necessary
details to allow you - the user - to make phone calls, browse the web, and in
other words, to get on with your mobile life. The third version in the Galaxy S
line was the first significant deviation from this comfortable, familiar
arrangement, but it is a good deflection. The same design language - the curved
top and bottom, the metal-like accents, etc. - is fully used here.
In summary, the Galaxy S III Mini is a
pretty nice device. Our review model is a white marble version (blue quartz is
also available), which look bright and modern. The smooth line along the top
and bottom make the whole device feels like a seamless shape, almost
circle-like, which make it feel pretty much like a part of the 2012 Samsung's
lineup as known as the Galaxy Beam. Dimensions-wise, it's 2.4 inches wide by
4.7 inches tall, and just a touch over a third of an inch deep. Unsurprisingly,
this is not a large device. Those measurements are what frame this phone's
defining feature - a Super AMOLED PenTile 4inch screen which we would give you
more detail about later.
Above
this screen is a grille for the earpiece, front-facing camera and a few
sensors.
Above this screen is a grille for the
earpiece, front-facing camera (VGA) and a few sensors. Below it is the familiar
Samsung's "home" button, as well as two capacitive buttons: one for
the "menu", one for the back. Neither button is visible until the
screen is activated, and at that time its backlight will make you pay
attention. The rest of the device's personalities come from metallic details
around the home button, and around the outermost part of the bezel.
The flanks have the familiar configuration
of a volume rocker on the left-hand side, and the dual function power and
standby control on the right-hand side. Down at the bottom is micro-USB port
and mic hole, while on the opposite side, you will find a 3.5mm headphone jack
and indentations for popping open the back. In general, there is an ocean of
white plastic around here, with only 5MP camera, speaker grille, LED flash
and company's brand to change the surface of the gently white battery cover.
Beneath it is where you will find large-sized SIM slot, 1500mAh battery, and
below it is a microSD card slot for expanding internal memory (8GB or 16GB) up
to 32GB.
Large-sized
SIM slot, 1500mAh battery, and a microSD card slot.
Deeper inside, and fortunately not exposed
before eager eyes and fingers, is the dual-core NovaThor 1Ghz, 1GB of RAM and
radio GSM / EDGE (850/900/1800/1900MHz) which support for HSPA 14.4
(900/1900/2100). Other radios include dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4GHz and
5GHz), GPS, GLONASS and Bluetooth 4.0. The Android version controls the device
is Jelly Bean 4.1.1. This leads to a typical Samsung phone based on the current
language design and the quality of building. It feels reliable, without feeling
too precious to be scratch when your finger unintentionally touches it
