Smartphones from Samsung have been popular for a long time. And this primarily does not depend on any advertising campaigns or marketing moves. Just quality products and easy to use. Those who are not familiar with the devices of this brand will be pleasantly surprised by the image quality, speed and reliability.
The range of such devices, without exaggeration, is able to satisfy any user's needs. For each line of models, different options are available. They can be with biases in musical qualities, with special cameras, for active people and others.
In 2013, following the leading model, a smaller variant, the Galaxy S4 mini, came out. This model differs from the older version in size and some hardware changes. This device has been specially designed for those users who would like to have good performance in a smaller device.
General impression of the device
The mini smartphone has become very popular. Almost all users who purchased this model were satisfied. After the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini went on sale, reviews about itbegan to fill forums and communities. Most of the time it was admiration and satisfaction.
During operation, the device showed good results, although its characteristics are far from S4. If we compare it with the total mass of smartphones, then it occupies the golden mean. One of the main differences is the size of the case, in particular the screen, which has a diagonal of 4.3 inches. Attributing small sizes to advantages or disadvantages is already a personal matter for everyone. But compactness has never been a hindrance to anyone's work.
To fully reveal the Galaxy S4 mini, the review should take up many pages, so it's worth highlighting the most important features.
Screen specifications
The display is traditionally made using Super AMOLED technology, which has been improved with such an innovation as PenTile. As a result, the image became even clearer and more colorful. This effect is used on many models from Samsung, and it has already become a standard. But some critics position it as unnatural compared to the colors in reality. This discrepancy has been resolved by a simple display customization feature that the user can enable at will. Due to this, the Galaxy S4 mini, whose characteristics did not suit many, became closer to its potential buyers.
Matrix and sensor
The screen matrix has a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, it is convenient to watch videos in Full HD. A capacitive sensor is installed above the matrix, which supports the multi-touch function. From above, everything is covered with armor in the form of tempered glass Gorilla Glass 2. It perfectly counteracts the appearance of scratches on the surface. Although the glass is tempered, if the smartphone hits the display when it falls on concrete, then cracks are guaranteed. However, the Galaxy S4 mini will be fully protected by a case, which can be purchased separately.
In addition to the image, the display has a light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the image, and a proximity sensor. The latter is designed to turn off the sensor when the handset is brought to the ear. A convenient function of auto-rotating the picture to a horizontal position and back is also installed.
Image quality
It is worth noting the extraordinary detail when displayed on the screen. Although this is present on the entire line of smartphones in this class, it is impossible not to mention it. It is only upon very close inspection that the pixel grid can be seen. To some extent, such characteristics depend on the software, but a good display is also indispensable. The color tones of the menu and all windows that open when calling functions are very pleasing to the eye. Some experts noted the excellent display of black. And indeed, the backlight of the pixels is almost invisible in the black picture.
Computing power and memory
On board this device has a dual-core crystal with a clock frequency of 1700 MHz. Processor type - Qualcomm Snapdragon 400. RAM in the amount of one and a half gigabytes works in tandem with it.
For GalaxyS4 mini features are quite solid, allowing you to compete with large smartphones in this regard. To accommodate user information, there is 8 GB of internal memory. Of this amount, only 5 GB is actually available. Saves an additional slot for memory cards of different formats with support for sizes up to 64 GB. With such a set, games and resource-intensive applications will work. For good image performance, there is a built-in Adreno 305 processor. It does a great job of processing complex graphic elements.
Energy indicators
Like most smartphones, this device can be classified as one-day. It is for one day that a battery with a capacity of 1900 mAh will last with the active use of functions and surfing the Internet. When compared with other similar devices, the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, which has a battery that is almost the same, will last longer. This difference will be achieved due to the smaller screen. In addition, it has a number of functions that go into economy mode when idle for a long time and save battery.
There is also a more drastic tool for extending battery life. This is a 2600 mAh high capacity battery. Due to its increased own dimensions, it comes with a special bumper cover in the kit. With such a battery, the performance is extended by approximately 40%.
Device camera
One of the things Galaxy mobile phones are famous for is the digital camera. In this model it is 8 megapixels. Though suchYou won’t surprise a modern smartphone user with data, but the quality of pictures and videos is on top. In photo mode, the resolution is 3264 x 2448 pixels. Such photos look very good on a large computer screen, and the quality begins to be lost only when zoomed in very close. The LED flash will help you shoot confidently in the dark. Its power is quite enough to capture the environment a couple of meters in front of the camera. Final files can be saved in jpg, png, gif, exif formats.
Additional features to improve your shots:
- Autofocus is designed to automatically focus on the subject in the center of the lens.
- Auto exposure allows you to select the optimal settings for shutter response and aperture.
- Also, the program can automatically recognize people's faces and focus on them.
- Available post-processing of the finished image in a special editor.
- In order to remember where and when the picture was taken, there is a geotagging function.
Onboard video camera
In video mode, the Galaxy S4 mini shoots great videos at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. When viewing the footage, you can hear excellent sound for a phone. The detail of the picture is very good. All this is possible by supporting HD video (720p) and Full HD video (1080p) formats. The recording speed reaches up to 30 frames per second. A large number of settings are available for the operator to improve the quality of shooting. Geotagging also works in this mode. The footage canadjust a little in a small editor. You can record in MPEG4 and 3GP formats.
For video calls and other purposes, an additional camera of 1.9 megapixels is installed on the side of the screen. Its quality is quite enough to take a picture on a contact. One interesting use for this camera is to turn off the alarm by holding your hand over it. There are also applications that monitor the eyes, and when the user accidentally falls asleep, the smartphone will go into energy saving mode.
Software
Galaxy S4 mini uses the Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system, in which the developed TouchWiz shell is installed. This axis is installed by many smartphone manufacturers, and it is the basic system for which programmers develop applications. The main difference between all Android devices is the user interface. TouchWiz, in turn, becomes the face of the smartphone that the user is looking at.
In the shell, it is worth noting a good study of the location of functions and adaptation to the user. For a long time of improvements and improvements, it has become one of the most convenient and stable.
Internet software
The new Galaxy S4 mini comes preloaded with a suite of apps that expand its capabilities. Most of them are designed to work on the Internet. These programs help you send an email to an email address, buy utilities from the Samsung Web Store, watch online videos, and more.
One of the useful programs is GPS-navigation. With it, you can find out your current location or get directions to any place. When downloading updates, it will be possible to view lists of hotels or restaurants by city with their location. The built-in Wi-Fi-module allows you to connect to an access point to access the Internet. And the smartphone itself can work as an access point for other similar devices. From the very beginning, a convenient browser is installed in the smartphone, which allows you to save bookmarks, passwords and add interesting pages to your favorites.
Multimedia features
There is a built-in MP3 player and video player for user's entertainment. They support a large number of popular file formats. Functions for creating your own playlists are available, as well as individual settings for video and sound. If desired, they can be configured so that they search for music that matches the results of the analysis of the tracks they listened to.
In terms of Samsung Galaxy S4 mini app support, online reviews are very positive. As users say, even resource-intensive games will work on it. All apps developed for Android OS will work on this device as well.
One or two operators
This smartphone model can be in two versions - with one or two SIM cards. In the case of a dual SIM device, you will have to make some settings and assign the main operator for calls, the Internet and other purposes. Also forconvenience, you can separately name them and select personal icons.
It should be noted that the Galaxy S4 mini Duos has one radio module. Therefore, if you talk on one SIM card, the second one will be offline, and it will be impossible to call it. This inconvenience can be solved by setting forwarding to another card if the network is unavailable. In this model, you can change one SIM card without removing the battery. But the second operator is still hidden under it.
Smartphone control
After unlocking the screen, five desktops will become available. They are selected by swiping left or right. You can add multiple widgets to each of them. This may be a display of the date, time, weather, exchange rates or other relevant information for the user. At the bottom are icons for accessing the menu, contacts, dialing, messages and the Internet. To add any element to the screen, you need to hold your finger on the sensor to display a menu of available widgets. To remove them, you need to hold your finger on the widget.
At the top, you can pull down the Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth activation panel. Also there are settings for the screen, sound profile, power consumption mode and other options. This location is convenient for quickly activating the desired function without unnecessary digging in the system.
Ergonomics of the device
Since the screen in this model is small, it is convenient to operate it with one hand. The thumb reaches the corners without effort. The sensor works with a light touch. In terms of sensor operation, the Galaxy S4 mini reviews are positive. It also turned out to be convenientdevice shape. It is already traditional for smartphones from Samsung, and was dubbed the “bar of soap” because of the smoothness of the shapes and rounded edges. And it is not surprising that the capabilities of gadgets are increasing, and their shape is copied from model to model. The screen of the device normally displays the picture at slight inclinations. But in direct sunlight, you will have to cover it with your hand.
Location of controls
All buttons for adjustment and activation remained in their original places. Anyone who has been using the Galaxy for a long time finds all the controls without the slightest discomfort. The power button and lock to the right of the screen, on the edge. The volume can be controlled from the left side. These buttons are made in the form of protrusions relative to the body. This option makes it easier to find them in the dark.
At the top edge of the Galaxy S4 mini are installed: a 3.5 mm headphone jack, an additional microphone and an infrared port for controlling stationary electronics. The bottom edge contains the microUSB port and the main microphone. At the bottom of the screen is the familiar home button. Its shape is also rounded, like the body itself.
A camera and LED flash are installed on the back side. They stand at the top, exactly in the middle. Below is a loudspeaker and a small grill to it.
Look & Design
The smartphone is available in several colors. The most popular colors are white and black, but there are also purple, pink, orange, red, brown and blue. ByAccording to statistics, men most often choose Galaxy S4 mini Black Edition. Women prefer white options. There is no main trend for other colors.
All models have a silver trim on the front. It is also a feature of Samsung smartphones. Even the home button has a smaller version of this cut.
A loudspeaker in the form of a perforated silver strip is installed at the top of the screen. Just below it is the company logo. On the right side there are two sensors - for lighting and proximity. A front camera is mounted next to them. On the white version of the device, these three sensors look like black spots, and on the Galaxy S4 mini Black, almost nothing is noticeable.
The back cover is a smooth plane on which the protective glass for the camera is visible. The company logo is drawn in the middle part.
Accessories
For this smartphone model, as well as for others, a lot of additional devices have been developed both from the parent brand and from third-party developers. For example, there are rubber cases that protect the entire device except for the screen. There are also plastic plexiglass bumpers. If the user has a Galaxy S4 mini Black Edition, then absolutely all the colors of accessories will suit him. In the case of other colors, everything is selected individually.
There are interesting docking stations for this model. They are designed to charge a smartphone with the ability to simultaneously watch movies and listen to music on additional speakers. For lovers of interesting design, rear covers withbeautiful colorful patterns. There is also such a necessary accessory for a touch phone as a protective film on the screen.
If you update the firmware of the device to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, synchronization with the Gear smart watch will become available. They allow you to perform many operations without having to take your smartphone out of your pocket.
General conclusions
If you characterize the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, reviews of which are positive in most cases, then it will be a convenient and functional gadget. Its power is definitely enough to satisfy almost all the needs of its owner - whether he is a gamer or just an advanced consumer of Internet content. It immediately wins you over with ease of use and thoughtful arrangement of functions.
This model is not to be compared with the leading product of this line, it is designed to satisfy those users who want good performance in a small size. In addition, the Galaxy S4 mini, the price of which is slightly lower (about 15,000 rubles), will be more affordable. Thus, it turned out to be a workhorse that is convenient in everyday use.
Pros and cons
Almost all the experts who reviewed the Galaxy S4 mini agreed that dual SIM support is an undeniable advantage. Also, compact dimensions should be attributed to this side.
Experts and users refer to a relative disadvantage of a design that is constantly copied. As well as glossy plastic, which quickly leaves fingerprints. But these disadvantagesrather, inherent in all smartphone models, rather than one particular one.
