Samsung has previously released compact versions of Galaxy S3 and S4 phones, so the announcement of the start of sales of the Mini S5 was not a surprise. Although the mini-devices were always named after their older brother, they were all really watered-down versions of him to a large extent. The same applies to mini S5.
Main parameters
Samsung S5 Mini smartphone specifications are as follows: 4.5-inch 720p display, 4-core 1.4GHz processor, 8MP camera, 4G LTE, fingerprint scanner and heart rate sensor. The phone runs on the outdated Android KitKat OS. The S5, on the other hand, has a quad-core 2.3GHz chip, a full HD display, and a 16-megapixel camera. The younger model looks exactly like its older brother, although the smaller size makes the smartphone much more comfortable to use in one hand.
It would be more honest to say Samsung S5 Mini, specs, $240 priceand other parameters of which do not correspond to the data of the S5 smartphone, its lightweight version. An example of this approach is Sony, whose mini-phone Xperia Z3 Compact uses the same technology as the older model. Especially since the cost of the mini version of the Galaxy S5 and its older brother is almost the same.
Design
Besides the dimensions, the Samsung S5 Mini Duos has the same body characteristics as its full-sized older brother. It has the same soft-touch dotted-patterned rubberized back, "chrome" plastic edging, a home button, and the same square camera on the back with a heart rate sensor below it.
The smartphone is made from similar plastic materials, though they feel even more plastic on the smaller model, aided by its very light 120g weight. If someone is looking for luxury in a small phone, then she probably won't be encouraged by this modification of the Samsung Galaxy. Another thing is the HTC One Mini 2, which has a gorgeous all-metal design that is much nicer to hold in your hand.
At 131mm long and 65mm wide, the Samsung S5 Mini is much smaller than the full size model, making it not only easy on your pants pockets, but also much more comfortable to use in one hand. The thumb can cover all areas of the screen, which is more difficult to do on the S5.
The back panel is removable and provides access to the MicroSD card slot,which allows you to expand the built-in ROM by 16 GB, as well as replace the battery when necessary. The smartphone is available in the same colors as the S5, including white, navy blue, electric blue and gold.
Dust and water resistant
Like its counterpart, the Samsung S5 Mini G800F has IP67 protection rating, which means the phone is dustproof and can be submerged for 30 minutes in water to a depth of no more than 1 m. In practice, this will allow the device not to stall at the first or accidental entry into the toilet. Unlike the S5, however, its mini-implementation doesn't need a flap covering the micro-USB port at the bottom.
It's hard to tell how the Samsung S5 Mini's waterproof performance is achieved with this open port, especially since it's powered up, but it's certainly practical that you don't have to worry about putting in an awkward plug. This is noted by users who lost this part in the Galaxy S5, which automatically deprives the device of water resistance.
Display
4 The Samsung S5 Mini's 5-inch 1280 x 720-dot screen is a step backwards from the S5's full HD. True, a smaller screen doesn't need more dots to stay sharp. Indeed, the pixel density of 326dpi matches that of the iPhone's Retina display, so one has to be picky about calling the display not clear enough.
According to customer feedback, high-res images show a lot of detail, though of course, higher-res panels appear sharper. But for everyday tasks like tweeting or browsing Instagram photos, a 720p display is more than enough. It is bright and easy to read in the dim midday sun of the northern latitudes, but it is difficult to say how it will behave in southern countries.
The colors are very vibrant, making watching cartoons an unforgettable experience, but you can fiddle with the settings to balance the color balance if you prefer less saturated colors and natural tones.
Android Software
The phone runs on the Android KitKat operating system, which is far from the latest version of Google's software. The interface is almost identical to the regular S5, which isn't necessarily a good thing, as the S5 and Mini have so many customizable options that even Android veterans can easily get confused.
The smartphone has a private mode that allows you to protect certain files and folders with a password or the need to scan a fingerprint built into the home screen button. Owners do not recommend using the latter option, as the fingerprint sensor does not always work. For example, users complain that in most cases the sensor is unable to recognize the fingerprint, resulting in them having to enter their backup password after a large number ofunsuccessful attempts. The same problem is observed in S5.
The phone is preloaded with a ton of the manufacturer's proprietary software, including its own app store, email client and web browser, a software remote control for your TV, and the S He alth app that lets you track your fitness progress by entering your step count and heart rate using the heart rate sensor on the back of the phone.
Processor
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini SM G800H, which features 1.4GHz quad-core processor, provides a fairly fast operation of the device, mostly without delay. They become visible while navigating the interface. According to the owners, the same problems are observed in the S5. In addition, the phones of the manufacturing company suffer from a gradual deterioration in the speed of work throughout the entire period of their use. It's not uncommon for smartphones to slow down a bit when stuffed with apps, music, and photos, but according to some reviews, the Samsung S5 Mini slowed down to the point where it took up to 5 seconds just to open the photo gallery. The Galaxy S4 had similar problems. Mini in this regard, immediately after purchase, it seems normal and can remain so, but it is worth bearing in mind that from time to time you will need to do a hard reset of the phone so that it continues to work further.
Instagram, Twitter, Netflix andImage editing in Snapseed is no problem for the S5 Mini, as are more demanding games like Asph alt 8 and Riptide GP 2.
G800H phone model differs from G800F by dual SIM support, lack of LTE support, newer Exynos 3470 processor instead of outdated Snapdragon 400 with the same frequency and video accelerator.
Battery life
The smartphone is powered by a 2100 mAh battery, and Samsung claims that the device can support about 10 hours of 3G talk time on a single charge, as confirmed by the owners of the device. Two hours of watching video over Wi-Fi dropped the battery to 80%, and this is not such a bad result. If you use your phone sparingly enough, avoiding games and video streaming, and not taking a lot of photos, you can even squeeze a whole day out of it.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini camera specifications
User feedback suggests that, like all other key specs, the Mini's camera is also a watered-down version of the one found on the S5: the sensor is only 8MP, not 16MP. The number of megapixels was not so critical, as the owners note the good performance of the lens.
According to customer reviews, the photos come out with contrast and well convey the deep blue sky. The exposure is even, with great detail. Auto white balance doesn't do its job very well, resulting in slight greenish casts. But toFortunately, the camera allows you to manually control the white balance, as well as other parameters such as exposure and ISO speeds, along with the standard set of image filters.
There are other shooting modes, panorama and burst, and more can be downloaded from the Samsung store. There is an HDR mode called Rich Tone, but it doesn't provide a vibrant HDR image similar to that of the S5, nor does it support HDR video.
In the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini SM G800F, the camera performance is generally satisfactory. While it doesn't have the high-res and always-on HDR of the S5, the exposure, contrast, and colors make it quite capable of creating impactful Twitter shots.
Don't expect much
As with the S4 Mini and S3 Mini before, the manufacturer has taken its flagship phone, downgraded all its parameters, but retained the name of the top model Samsung Galaxy S5. The Mini, whose specifications, price ($240) and other parameters simply do not match the data of its “colleague”, will simply disappoint those users who are looking for elite specifications in a smaller format. Instead, connoisseurs advise getting the Xperia Z3 Compact, a smartphone that matches the parameters of its older brother, only in a smaller case.
It is impossible to say that the Samsung S5 Mini has a very poor performance. Its screen is bright and bold, it has enough power for most of the tasks a user is likely to want to do, the cameradecent, and moisture resistance will protect it from spilled drinks. If you're looking for a phone with the Samsung branding on it that you can easily operate with one hand, then the S5 Mini is the perfect fit. Just don't expect the performance of a full size model.
Pros
The Samsung Galaxy Mini S5 features the same rubberized design as its full-size counterpart. The smartphone is waterproof, with a bright screen and a decent camera.
Cons
Like all previous mini-flagships of the South Korean manufacturer, the S5 Mini has seriously diluted the specifications of the base phone. This means that the user receives a device of inferior quality, named by a false name, and at an inflated price. The plastic construction doesn't deliver the luxurious design feel of the metal HTC One Mini 2, and the fingerprint sensor rarely works properly.
Result
If someone was deceived by the name of the phone and hoped to get the characteristics of its namesake in a more compact size, they will be disappointed. The Galaxy Mini S5 is similar to the S5 only in name and appearance, but not in its specifications. Those buyers who are looking for ease of use in a smartphone, the Samsung brand name and are unassuming about the power of their device, will find what they were looking for. As a worthy compact alternative that echoes the characteristics of its older model, experts recommend considering the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact.
