Samsung smartphones have long been popular. And this in the first place does not depend on any advertising campaigns or marketing moves. Just products of high quality and easy to use. Anyone who is not familiar with the devices of this brand will be pleasantly surprised by the image quality, speed of operation and reliability.
The range of such devices, without exaggeration, is able to satisfy any user 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 version came out, the Galaxy S4 mini. From the older version, this model differs in size and some hardware changes. Such a device was specifically designed for those users who would like to have good performance with a smaller device.
General impression of the device
The mini version of the smartphone has become very popular. Almost all users who purchased this model were satisfied. After the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini went on sale, reviews began filling out forums and communities. In most cases, it was admiration and satisfaction.
During operation, the device showed good results, although its characteristics are far from S4. If you compare it with the total mass of smartphones, then it occupies a middle ground. One of the main differences is the size of the case, in particular the screen, which has a diagonal of 4.3 inches. To regard the advantages of small sizes or disadvantages - this is a personal matter for everyone. But compactness has not been an obstacle to anyone.
To fully reveal the features of the Galaxy S4 mini, the review should occupy many pages, so you should focus on the most important features.
Screen specifications
The display is traditionally made using Super AMOLED technology, which has been improved by an innovation such as PenTile. As a result, the image has become even clearer and more colorful. This effect is used on many Samsung models, and this has already become the standard. But some critics position this as unnatural in comparison with colors in reality. This disagreement was resolved by a simple display adjustment function, which the user can turn on as desired. Due to this, the Galaxy S4 mini, the characteristics of which did not suit many, became closer to its potential customers.
Matrix and Sensor
The screen matrix has a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, it is convenient to watch videos in Full HD format on it. A capacitive sensor is installed above the matrix, which supports the multi-touch function. On top, everything is covered with armor in the form of tempered glass Gorilla Glass 2. It perfectly prevents the appearance of scratches on the surface. Although glass and red-hot, but if a smartphone hits the display when it falls onto concrete, then cracks are provided. However, it fully protects the Galaxy S4 mini case, which can be purchased separately.
In addition to the image, the display also houses a light sensor, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the image, and a proximity sensor. The latter is designed to turn off the sensor when the tube is brought to the ear. Also, a convenient function for automatically rotating the picture to a horizontal position and vice versa is 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 of this class, it is impossible not to mention this. Only with a very careful examination can you notice a pixel grid. To some extent, such characteristics also depend on the software, but you can not do without a good display. The color tones of the menu and all the windows that open when you call the functions are very pleasantly perceived by the eyes. Some experts noted the excellent display of black. Indeed, in the black picture, the backlighting of the pixels is almost invisible.
Computing Power and Memory
On board this device has a dual-core crystal with a clock frequency of 1700 MHz. The processor type is Qualcomm Snapdragon 400. In tandem, it works with RAM in the amount of one and a half gigabytes.
For Galaxy S4 mini, the specifications are quite solid, in this regard they can compete with large smartphones. To position 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 various formats with support for sizes up to 64 GB. With this set, games and resource-intensive applications will work. For good image performance, there is an integrated Adreno 305 processor . It copes with the processing of complex graphic elements.
Energy performance
Like most smartphones, this device can be attributed to one-day. It is for one day that the battery capacity of 1900 mA / h is enough with the active use of functions and surfing the Internet. Compared with other similar devices, the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, whose battery 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 with long periods of inactivity and retain charge.
There is also a more cardinal tool to extend battery life. This is a 2600 mAh high capacity battery. Due to its larger dimensions, it comes with a special bumper cover in the kit. With such a battery, performance is extended by approximately 40%.
Device camera
One of the advantages that Galaxy mobile phones are famous for is the digital camera. In this model, it is 8 megapixels. Although you won’t surprise a modern smartphone user with such data, the quality of images and videos is up to par. 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 with a strong zoom. Confidently shoot in the dark will help the LED flash. Its power is enough to capture the environment for a couple of meters in front of the camera. Final files can be saved in jpg, png, gif, exif formats .
Additional functions for improving images:
- Autofocus is designed to automatically focus on the subject in the center of the lens.
- AE allows you to choose the optimal settings for the shutter 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.
On-board camcorder
In video mode, the Galaxy S4 mini smartphone shoots great videos with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. When viewing recorded material, you can hear great sound for your phone. Detailing the picture is very good. All this is possible by maintaining the formats of HD-video (720 p) and Full HD-video (1080 p). 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 can be slightly adjusted in a small editor. Recording can be done in MPEG4 and 3GP formats.
For video calls and other purposes, an additional 1.9 megapixel camera is installed on the side of the screen. Its quality is enough to take a picture on contact. One of the interesting uses of 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
For operation, the Galaxy S4 mini uses the operating system Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), in which the developed TouchWiz shell is installed. This axis is set by many manufacturers of smartphones, and it is the base system for which programmers develop applications. The main difference between all devices on the Android OS 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. Over a long time of improvements and improvements, it has become one of the most convenient and stable.
Internet software
The new Galaxy S4 mini has a pre-installed application package that expands its capabilities. Most of them are designed to work on the Internet. These programs help you send an email to an e-mail address, buy utilities in the Samsung online store, watch videos online and much more.
One useful program is GPS navigation. With it, you can find out your current location or pave the route to any place. When downloading updates, it will be possible to look through the cities for lists of hotels or restaurants with their location. 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, the smartphone has a convenient browser that allows you to save bookmarks, passwords and add interesting pages to your favorites.
Multimedia features
For entertainment, there is a built-in MP3-player and video player. They support a large number of popular file formats. There are functions for creating your own playlists, as well as individual settings for video and sound. If desired, they can be configured so that they look for music that matches the analysis of the tracks you listen to.
If you evaluate the support for applications Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, reviews on the network are very positive. According to users, even resource-intensive games will work on it. All programs that are developed for the Android OS will work on this device.
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 card, you will have to make some settings and designate the main operator for conversations, the Internet and other purposes. Also for convenience, they can be separately named and personalized icons selected.
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 not be on the network, and it will be impossible to call it. This inconvenience can be solved by setting up 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 management
After unlocking the screen, five desktops will become available. They are selected by scrolling left or right. You can add several widgets to each of them. This can be a display of date, time, weather, exchange rates or other relevant information for the user. Below are icons for accessing menus, 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.
In the upper part, you can drag down the Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth activation panel. There are also settings for the screen, sound profile, power consumption mode and other options. This arrangement is convenient for quick activation of the desired function without unnecessary digging in the system.
Ergonomics device
Since the screen in this model is small, it is convenient for them to operate with one hand. The thumb reaches the corners effortlessly. The sensor works with a light touch. In terms of the sensor Galaxy S4 mini reviews are positive. Also convenient was the shape of the apparatus. It is already traditional for Samsung smartphones, and dubbed it a “bar of soap” because of the smoothness of its shapes and rounded edges. And it is not surprising that the capabilities of gadgets are increasing, and their form is copied from model to model. The device screen normally displays a picture with slight tilts. But in direct sunlight you have to cover it with your hand.
Location of controls
All buttons for adjustment and activation remained in the same places. Anyone who has been using the Galaxy for a long time, without the slightest discomfort, finds all the control levers. The power and lock button to the right of the screen, on the edge. The volume can be controlled on the left side. These buttons are made in the form of protrusions relative to the housing. This option simplifies their search in the dark.
At the top 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 lower edge contains a microUSB port and a main microphone. At the bottom of the screen is already familiar to everyone the main button "home". Its shape is also rounded, like the case itself.
On the back side is a camera and LED flash. They stand in the upper part, exactly in the middle. Below is a loudspeaker and a small grille to it.
Appearance and 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. According to statistics, men most often choose Galaxy S4 mini Black Edition. Women prefer white options. As for the other colors, the main trend is not observed.
On all models on the front side there is a silver trim. It is also a feature of Samsung smartphones. Even the home button has a smaller version of such a cut.
At the top of the screen there is a speaker in the form of a silver strip with perforation. Below it there is a company logo. On the right side, two sensors are installed - for lighting and proximity. A front camera is mounted near 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, which shows the protective glass for the camera. The company logo is drawn in the middle part.
Accessories
For this model of smartphone, as well as for others, many additional devices have been developed both from the parent brand and from outside developers. For example, there are rubber cases that protect the entire device except 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 fans of an interesting design, back covers with beautiful multi-colored patterns are available. 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 carry out many operations without having to remove the smartphone from your pocket.
General conclusions
If you characterize the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, reviews of which in most cases are positive, then it will be a convenient and functional gadget. Its power is definitely enough to satisfy almost all the needs of its owner - whether it is a game lover or just an advanced consumer of Internet content. He immediately disposes to himself the ease of use and well-thought-out arrangement of functions.
This model should not be compared with the leading product of this line, it is designed to satisfy those users who, with their small sizes, want to get good performance. In addition, the Galaxy S4 mini, whose price is slightly lower (about 15,000 rubles), will be more affordable. Thus, a workhorse was obtained, which is convenient in everyday use.
Pros and cons
Almost all the experts who reviewed the Galaxy S4 mini agreed that supporting two SIM cards is an undeniable plus. Also to this side should be attributed compact dimensions.
A relative disadvantage is that experts and users include a design that is constantly being copied. As well as glossy plastic, which quickly leaves fingerprints. But these disadvantages are rather inherent in all models of smartphones, rather than one specific.