Samsung galaxy s4 mini phones. The same, only without wings

Samsung Galaxy S4 mini- this is a logical continuation of the “Galaxy” line, which is distinguished by a large number of relatively cheap, but very functional smartphone models. In terms of functionality, the smartphone is fundamentally different from its Samsung “brothers”; the difference is noticeable only in the size of the body and display. Closest competitors Samsung Galaxy S4 mini are the LG G2 Mini, Asus PadFone mini and some others that are on the same price level.

Smartphone characteristics

Galaxy S4 mini equipped with a full screen with a diagonal of 4.27 inches. By modern standards, the display size is average, but this has a positive effect on the size of the smartphone - it fits easily in a pocket, unlike many modern “shovels” with 5-6-inch displays. The display has a protective glass that protects it from scratches. The dual-core Krait processor clocked at 1.7 GHz provides excellent performance. On a smartphone Samsung Galaxy S 4 Almost all modern 3D games for Android run smoothly.

The smartphone supports communication using GSM and 3G standards. There is support for the latest Wi-Fi standards, as well as Bluetooth and USB. Nowadays it sounds strange, but in Galaxy S4 mini There is an infrared port - a relic of the past. The gadget can work as a satellite navigator - it supports both the American GPS navigation system and the Russian GLONASS network.

A high-quality camera is one of the most significant advantages of this device. Photography resolution is 8 Mpx, video is HD quality 1080p, 30 frames/sec. The camera has automatic focusing. The camera resolution for video calls is 1.9 MP. There are graphic camera effects as well as a built-in image editor.

The device will please fans of multimedia functions. Firstly, a large screen that allows you to comfortably view HD video. Secondly - a multifunctional music player. Subtle sound correction will appeal to music lovers. There are built-in sound effects and a graphic equalizer. There is an FM receiver. The volume of the built-in speaker is quite high, but the sound quality is at a basic level. There can be no complaints about the sound quality in the headphones.

So, in this article we will figure out how much worse or better the younger brother of the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone is.

The first thing to consider is the appearance of the device called Galaxy S4 Mini. As we already mentioned, it is practically no different from its larger version. The same materials were used in its production, the design contains lines characteristic of the Galaxy line. Except that its display has shrunk to 4.3 inches, the weight has become 107 grams, and the overall dimensions are: 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9 mm. Thanks to this, it is much more comfortable to hold in your hand than the Galaxy S4, and it is more popular with users who prefer small smartphones to huge phones that sometimes don’t even fit into a pocket.




The Galaxy S4 Mini is made entirely of plastic, and there is still a physical Home button and touch-sensitive Back and Menu keys at the bottom of the device. Both the front panel and the back are painted black, plus diamonds are applied to the metal, which slightly dilute the boring design.

Also at the bottom you can find a microUSB port and a microphone. And at the top there is an infrared port, a second microphone and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Traditionally, on the left side we see the volume keys, and on the opposite side there is a power off/on key.





On the back panel, as usual, there is a camera, and immediately below it is a flash and an additional speaker for speakerphone.

As we already said, the Galaxy S4 Mini has a 4.3-inch display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels. Its quality is slightly better than that of the Galaxy S3, which has a screen resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. The display of the mini-smartphone itself received a Super AMOLED matrix. Some say that such displays are worse, while others, on the contrary, only like these screens. The fact is that these screens display black colors very realistically, but white is the opposite, with an admixture of green or even purple. But all other colors are very bright and saturated.

However, the brighter the screen, the more battery it drains. The Galaxy S4 Mini has a 1900 mAh lithium-ion battery. It would seem why this battery has such a small volume, because it reduces the battery life of the device. In fact, it turned out that 1900 mAh provides sufficient operating time for the phone without additional charging.

Samsung assures that the Galaxy S4 Mini smartphone will last about 10 hours if you talk on the phone for 15 or 20 minutes a day, 3G Internet will last about 4-5 hours and Wi-Fi will last about the same. As for listening to music and watching videos, you should spend an hour on both.













In constant conversation mode, the Galaxy S4 Mini will last about 8 hours; if you listen to music with headphones at full volume and with maximum display brightness, the smartphone will last for 5 hours. If the brightness is minimal, then you can listen to music for 45 hours without recharging the device. Well, when you play, the smartphone will only last 3 hours of battery life.

In addition, the Galaxy S4 Mini supports 2G, 3G, HSDPA, LTE is present only in i9195 models, and, of course, there is also Bluetooth 4.0 HS, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and a microUSB 2.0 port.

Let's move on to something more serious - this is a consideration of the RAM and internal memory of the smartphone, camera, processor, operating system, etc.

The mini-phone received 1.5GB of RAM from Samsung. In principle, this is quite enough for a not very powerful device - it will not slow down, and all programs and applications suitable for it will be able to work perfectly. 900MB of RAM remains for running applications, programs and games; the rest goes to running the processor and operating system.

The internal memory of the phone is 8GB, but only 4GB is allocated for storing applications and similar data. If desired, the user can expand the flash memory using removable media, namely a microSD memory card with a capacity of up to 64GB.

Galaxy S4 Mini received two cameras: a front camera with a resolution of 1.9 megapixels, and a rear view camera with a resolution of 8 megapixels and autofocus. The phone also has a single-section LED flash for shooting at night or in low light conditions. Photos can be produced with a maximum resolution of 3264 x 1836 pixels, and videos – 1920 x 1080 pixels. Video recording is possible at 30 frames per second.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini smartphone has a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with a clock frequency of 1.7 GHz and an Adreno 305 graphics processor. Although the processor is not the most powerful, it supports almost all modern games and programs.

So far, the smartphone runs on the Android 4.2.2 operating system. It implements all the usual functions characteristic of this firmware. Perhaps an update with the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean operating system will appear soon.

The music is played by a standard player from Samsung, which is installed on many devices from this company. The sound quality is excellent, suitable for listening with or without headphones.

The speaker itself is not the loudest, and the sound from it comes out slightly bassy, ​​but clear.

It is noteworthy that the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini supports FM radio, but the Galaxy S4 Active does not.

To watch videos, of course, there is a video player that reads the following codecs: H264, Xvid, DivX and video formats such as AVI, MP4, MKV, WMV. Well, if you prefer to watch movies in other formats, then it is better to download any video player suitable for you from the Google Play market.

The cost of this device is 16,000 rubles. A little expensive for such an average device. However, if you prefer small 4-inch displays and are happy with its power and design, then the Galaxy S4 Mini is worth a look.

Contents of delivery:

  • Samsung i9190
  • Battery
  • Wired stereo headset
  • AC adapter and USB cable
  • User guide
  • Warranty card

Introduction

After the announcement of the Galaxy S4, it became clear that Samsung, by tradition, will begin to produce a huge number of seemingly identical (as they have recently begun to be called) “pieces of soap”: the only difference is that some are smaller, others are larger. The filling, as is correct, is much weaker than the flagship model, but significant investment is not required. However, the cost still remains around the 20 thousand rubles mark.

Obviously, if there is a version of S3 mini, then there must be an S4 mini. Unfortunately, both gadgets received, perhaps, only part of the name and appearance from their older brothers, although people have long been demanding powerful devices with small dimensions. Alas, the manufacturers don’t hear us and continue to reason logically in their own way: since the phone is small, it means the hardware can be cut down.

The review will focus only on the main points, since this is a typical example of the South Korean giant's products.

Design, dimensions, control elements

As was already said at the beginning of the text, as soon as Samsung’s new creation sees the light, expect offspring in the form of dozens of identical-looking smartphones and phones. Therefore, naturally, the S4 mini almost completely copies the original Galaxy S4. Nevertheless, from my point of view, the appearance of the current flagship is quite successful: thin, light, despite the plastic, durable, although glossy. The S4 mini evokes absolutely the same emotions. It is worth adding that the device, due to its even smaller size (124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9 mm) and weight (107 grams), fits nicely in the hand! Really convenient, you don't want to let it go out of your hands. In fact, the experience of “communicating” with the S4 mini is very interesting: similar appearance, functions and menus, but operating with one hand is more comfortable. I think this will be appreciated by those who clearly dislike spade-shaped phones.


The front side, as always, is protected by glass. It’s unlikely to be Gorilla Glass (although perhaps the first generation), but not a single scratch appeared during a month of active use. Under the glass there is dark gray plastic (there is also a white color), on which small black diamonds are applied. The back panel is also made of plastic, but here the pattern is slightly different, i.e. light gray diamonds on a black background. In my opinion, it looks cool, at least the previous version of S3 mini did not evoke any emotions in me.

The assembly is excellent, as if the case is not dismountable: nothing plays, does not creak.

A thin edging along the perimeter of the front part forms a small side, the sides of the device are semi-gloss plastic, painted to resemble metal.

On the top of the front side there is a camera for video calls, two sensors (lighting and proximity), a speech speaker covered with a metal mesh. The speaker volume is very high, in a quiet environment it is worth turning it down. The interlocutor can be heard clearly and intelligibly, the timbre is pleasant, and the mid frequencies are mainly heard. During a call, you can adjust the level not only using standard means, but also activate the special “Additional Volume” function. Almost all new Samsung devices have a similar function.


Below the screen there are two touch buttons “Back” and “Menu”, and between them is the unforgettable mechanical “Home” button. The tactile sensations regarding the Galaxy S4 are approximately the same: the travel is minimal, the pressure is firm. The touch buttons have a backlight; it is white, dim, but quite noticeable during the day.


At the bottom there is a microUSB and the main microphone, at the top there is an IR port (inherited from the flagship), a second microphone (used for recording sound in stereo and noise reduction), and a 3.5 mm audio output.



On the left is the volume control, and on the right is the power key.



At the back there is a camera that rises slightly above the body, and a flash, as well as a speakerphone.



To open the cover, you need to pry it at the notch at the top left. Under the battery are slots for a microSIM card and microSDHC.





Samsung S4 mini and Samsung S4


Samsung S4 mini and HTC One


Display

Unlike the previous model, this one has a 4.3-inch diagonal screen (physical size - 53x94 mm). If earlier 4 inches was considered a “shovel”, now even a slightly larger size evokes affection: they say, what a small and cute phone it is. In S3 mini the resolution was 480x800 pixels, in S4 mini it was slightly increased - 540x960 pixels (qHD). In both cases the matrix is ​​SuperAMOLED. Let's not argue how good or bad it is, since all this relates to taste. Personally, I love bright colors and maximum “depth” of black, and even though the SA matrix fades more than IPS in the sun, but, for example, my work does not involve constantly being under the direct rays of the sun. By the way, in the previous article (S4 Active test), I experimentally found out that the SA matrix on the S4 in sunny weather displays even a slightly better picture than the PLS matrix on the S4 Active. Below is a comparison of the screens of S4 mini (left), S4 Active and S4 (right):

Matrices under a microscope:



In the “Display” settings, the “Screen mode” item is preserved:

  • optimize display
  • dynamic
  • standard
  • professional photography
  • movie

Battery

A removable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery with a capacity of 1900 mAh, 3.8 V, 7.22 Wh is installed. Despite the seemingly not the largest battery capacity, the operating time was generally pleasing!


The developers claim that the device will operate for 300 hours in standby mode, and up to 12 hours in talk mode.

With 15-20 minutes of calls a day, 4-5 hours of 3G, a couple of hours of Wi-Fi, an hour of watching videos and the same amount of listening to music, the Galaxy S4 mini managed to squeeze out a little more than 10 hours of work from a single charge.

More numbers:

  • Only in talk mode the device works up to 8 hours
  • Only when playing video (720p) at maximum volume in headphones and maximum screen brightness - just over 5 hours
  • Only playing music in headphones at maximum volume – about 45 hours
  • Games only – just over 3 hours

Communication capabilities

The smartphone operates in 2G (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) and 3G (850/900/1900/2100 MHz) cellular networks; LTE is present only in the i9195 model. Speed ​​HSDPA – up to 42 Mbit/s, HSUPA – up to 5.76 Mbit/s. Available Bluetooth version 4.0 HS (A2DP, LE, EDR).

There is a wireless connection Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (Dual band). The device can be used as an access point (Wi-Fi Hotspot) and file transfer (Wi-Fi Direct).

High-speed USB 2.0 is also used for file transfer and data synchronization. When connected to a PC, the mini is defined as a USB Flash device (MTP) or camera (PTP).

SAR value

Your phone is manufactured to comply with EU Council guidelines for exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy. These standards prohibit the sale of mobile phones whose radiation levels (called specific absorption rate, SAR) exceed 2.0 watts per kilogram of body weight. During testing (information provided by Samsung), the maximum SAR for this model was: 0.298 W/kg near the head, 0.361 W/kg near the body.

When in use, the actual SAR values ​​of the device are significantly lower than the values ​​stated above. This is because, in order to operate the system efficiently and reduce network impact, the operating power of the mobile device is automatically reduced if the call does not require full power. The lower the device's power output, the lower the SAR value.

Memory and memory card

The developers decided not to skimp on RAM, so they installed the most optimal amount for such a device - 1.5 GB. Therefore, the device does not slow down at all and has no difficulties launching applications. On average, about 900 MB are free - a huge amount for such a smartphone.

Flash memory – 8 GB. A little more than 4 GB is allocated for application installations and data storage. Of course, there is a slot for a microSDHC memory card, the maximum capacity of which can be 64 GB.

Camera

Two cameras are used here: the main 8 MP (F2.6, 33 mm) with autofocus and the front 1.9 MP without autofocus. There is a single-section LED flash. The maximum photo resolution is 3264x1836 pixels, video - 1920x1080 pixels at 30 frames per second.

The quality of photographs is similar to those taken on the S4 Active, i.e. slightly better than the Galaxy S2, but slightly worse than the Galaxy S3. I don’t understand what prevented me from using the same module as in the Galaxy S3.

Video and sound are recorded clearly, there is no pixelation.

Video file characteristics:

  • File Format: MP4
  • Video codec: AVC, 17 Mbit/s
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080, 30 fps
  • Audio codec: AAC, 128 Kbps
  • Channels: 2 channels, 48 ​​KHz

Sample photos:

Effects:

Panorama:


Performance

The Samsung Galaxy S4 mini smartphone is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chipset and a dual-core Krait 1.7 GHz processor (28 nm, ARMv7). Adreno 305 is used as a graphics accelerator.

The device operates smoothly, there are no interface slowdowns or glitches, and there are no lags. Almost all toys are suitable.

Below is brief information and performance tests (CPU-Z, Quadrant Standard, Antutu Benchmark, 3D Mark):

The dimensions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini allow it to be used with one hand without any problems. The device is thin and light. The main material used is glossy plastic. It shows fingerprints easily and leaves scratches quickly. The appearance of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini smartphone follows the design of the flagship.

Screen - 3.6

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini screen diagonal is 4.3 inches, resolution 960×540 pixels, matrix type is Super AMOLED HD, PPI value is 256, protective coating is Gorilla Glass. The strengths of the screen are bright rich colors, good viewing angles and deep blacks; in addition, Super AMOLED is an energy-intensive screen. Disadvantages - poor display of fonts; they look “loose” and unclear.

Camera

The smartphone has an 8 MP camera with LED flash. The maximum resolution for video recording is 1920x1080 pixels, recording speed is 30 frames per second, sound is recorded in stereo mode.

Working with text - 5.0

The standard keyboard on the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is convenient, it has a function for entering text using strokes (Swype), as well as the ability to enter numbers without switching to additional symbols mode. Disadvantages - an inconvenient language switching system: you need to hold your finger on the space bar and swipe left or right. To enter most additional characters, including the comma, you need to call up an additional menu.

Internet - 3.0

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini browser is great for browsing the Internet: it has the ability to repeatedly zoom the page with text fitting to the width of the screen and a mode for reading pages without pictures. This mode is convenient to use when reading a large amount of text on the Internet without being distracted by pictures, which is confirmed by user reviews.

Interfaces

The smartphone supports most common wireless interfaces: dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and NFC. The device has the S Beam function, with which you can quickly transfer files, such as photos, music or videos, from one Galaxy to another using Wi-FI or NFC, by placing them back to back. There is no support for Russian LTE frequencies.

Multimedia - 4.6

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini plays almost any video without preliminary conversion - the device has support for rare audio formats and video containers. You can select audio tracks in the player; as well as subtitles embedded in the video file. The audio player plays most common as well as rare formats, including uncompressed audio in FLAC format.

Battery - 2.6

The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is at a good level: the device is capable of playing HD video at maximum brightness for 6 hours, and the music listening mode discharges it in 35.5 hours.

Performance - 1.6

The device uses the Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 platform with a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor, Adreno 305 graphics subsystem and 1.5 GB of RAM. The device has enough power for smooth playback of FullHD video and the ability to play most productive games. In everyday use, the smartphone performed without any complaints.

Memory - 3.0

The internal memory capacity of the device is 8 GB. Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini supports microSD memory cards up to 64 GB; there is no hot swapping.

Peculiarities

The device runs under Samsung's proprietary shell - TouchWiz. In this shell, the manufacturer added its own browser, dialer, SMS client, music and video players, its own weather application and many other programs. The built-in video player supports most third-party video codecs and video formats, making it convenient to watch even unconverted video from your phone. The audio player allows you to listen to music not only by artist, but also by folder. S Memo app is a great note taking app with handwriting support.

A battery awaits us in the corresponding recess, blocking the slot for one microSIM card and covering the compartments for another microSIM and microSD cards.

Screen

The 4.3-inch smartphone screen is quite good, but not ideal. The resolution is significantly lower than that of the older model - 540x960 versus 1920x1080, although even this is enough for a clear picture. Colors are slightly oversaturated, and viewing angles are close to maximum. There is enough brightness even with a small margin, and the automatic brightness level adjustment works very correctly.

Behavior in the sun is not impressive: you will have to set the brightness to maximum for the information to be at least somehow perceived. The touch display supports up to 5 simultaneous touches and receives a “good” rating for input responsiveness; unfortunately, it does not always process touches immediately.

Software

Inside the smartphone, in addition to the Android 4.2.2 OS, we will find the proprietary TouchWiz Nature UX shell. Despite the fact that “naked” Android is quite suitable for use without customization, the manufacturer continues to use its software. We see no point in going into detail about the hardware; it is almost the same as in other Samsung smartphones, and TouchWiz affects the graphic rather than the functional component. So, a lock screen with the ability to set a password and your own welcome message, a cascade of desktops with circular scrolling, branded widgets and wallpapers, as well as a notification area with various indicators, the latter, by the way, can be displayed in an expanded table - the main features of the shell, which we reviewed in detail in our review of the original Galaxy S4. The set of basic functions located at the bottom of the screen is changeable (except for the menu icon) and allows you to display up to 5 icons with the ability to add folders. The principle of constructing the main menu is familiar, matrix, 4x5, with page turning, and widgets are hidden in the tab at the top. The settings menu, on the contrary, has changed and has a tab structure versus the standard sheet of options.



 

It might be useful to read: