What's good
- Comfortable to hold.
- Good overall phone performance.
- Bright, easy to read screen.
What's bad
- Awkward microSD card location.
- Low screen resolution.
- Small onboard storage.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is not just a smaller version of the company’s flagship phone, the Galaxy S4. While it does share many traits with the S4 - such as the polycarbonate structure and camera and button locations - there are in fact more differences than similarities.
The most noticeable difference of course is size. The S4 Mini is shorter, thicker and not as wide as the S4. Engadget’s Brad Molen notes that this difference leads to “more rounded edges and a stronger grip” as a result.
In terms of hardware, reviewers agree that while the specs are a general downgrade from the S4, the phone still performs well. The Mini comes with a 1.7gHz dual-core processor, 1.5MB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage. However, all reviewers found the 8GB of storage to be extremely low with PC Advisor noting that most of the memory is filled up by the operating system and Samsung’s heavyweight software. They go on to note that “Samsung now clearly states that the Galaxy S4 mini has 5GB available to the user.”
Despite the lack of onboard storage the S4 Mini does have an expandable microSD slot. Unfortunately, Thomas Thorn of TechRadar mentions that the location is awkwardly hidden behind the battery and the card itself is “very fiddly to put...in.”
Many reviewers were also not overly impressed by the screen resolution, although PC Advisor notes that a 540 x 960-pixel resolution and 256ppi pixel density is now “quite acceptable.” Despite the low resolution, the screen itself is reasonably sharp and easy to read, including at full brightness in direct sunlight.
Despite some issues, expert consensus is that the S4 Mini is a solid phone. Perfect, Engadget says, for consumers “who love the GS4 design and firmware but are looking for a lower price point.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Chris Finnamore, Expert ReviewsThe Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is a perfectly competent mid-range smartphone, and its excellent battery life is definitely a bonus. However, it just doesn’t feel special enough. It loses out to the HTC One Mini for screen quality and operating system smoothness, and doesn’t have the Mini's g...
- Nate Swanner, Android CommunityFor fans of the Galaxy S4 who want a smaller device, this is one to look at. We like the smaller profile, and think the size has a lot to offer those who are looking for it. It’s not the monster some tech enthusiasts like to see, but it does pack a bit of a punch. Web surfing, email checking,...
- James A., GSM DomeWe give this handset a 9 for design, a 7.5 for hardware and an 8 for OS and UI, for a final grade of 8.16 out of 10, of which we deduct a point for the exaggerated price and we get 7.16 out of 10. In most places this device is still priced higher than the Galaxy S III and it’s clearly not wort...
- Brittany Hillen, SlashGearThe GALAXY S 4 Mini is a wonderful little cell phone, and is surprisingly reminiscent of the older Galaxy S 2, though bringing with it all the trimmings of a newer device. The smartphone sits well in one’s hand (the position of the power button aside), and is small enough to slip into just abo...
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopThe Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini comes close to providing the full GS4 experience in a smaller package, but there are some notable omissions.The biggest disappointment to me is the screen. I understand that Samsung needed to reduce the size in order to shrink the phone's footprint, but it dialed the resol...
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Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini user manual here.
Samsung backs up the Galaxy S4 mini with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Galaxy S4 mini has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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