Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE

The Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE is a compact smartphone that was released by Samsung in March 2014. It offers a combination of affordable pricing and functional features, making it a popular choice for users who desire essential smartphone capabilities without the latest high-end specifications. Even though it has been discontinued, many users still appreciate the device for its simplicity and durability.

Design and Display

The Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE boasts a modest design with dimensions of 121.6 x 63 x 9.9 mm and weighs just 112 grams, making it lightweight and easy to handle. The device uses a Mini-SIM and is available in various colors such as white, blue, gray, and black, giving users some flexibility in terms of personal style.

Its display is a 4.0-inch Super AMOLED screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, which provides bright and vibrant colors suitable for everyday tasks. The screen occupies approximately 59.4% of the front panel, which is typical for devices from its era. Its pixel density of approximately 233 ppi ensures reasonably clear visuals.

Hardware and Performance

The Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor, which offers adequate performance for basic smartphone functions such as calling, texting, and moderate app usage. Combined with 1GB of RAM, the device can handle multitasking efficiently as long as the operations are not too demanding.

In terms of internal storage, the phone comes in two variants: 8GB and 16GB, both of which are expandable via a microSDHC card slot. This feature is particularly useful for users who need additional storage for photos, music, and apps.

Camera Capabilities

The phone is fitted with a 5MP main camera with autofocus and LED flash. While the resolution might sound limited in comparison to modern standards, it was quite sufficient for capturing decent quality photos in good lighting conditions at the time. Features like panorama mode enhanced the camera's functionality. The rear camera supports video recording at 720p@30fps.

For selfies and video calls, the device features a VGA front camera, which is rather basic but meets essential needs.

Battery Life and Performance

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery. According to official specifications, the device offers up to 320 hours of standby time on a 3G network and up to 8 hours of talk-time. This was quite reliable for everyday usage back in its prime. Furthermore, users could enjoy up to 57 hours of music playback, making it a great companion for long commutes or travel.

Operating System and Software

The Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Although it is an outdated version of Android, Jelly Bean introduced several enhancements over previous iterations, including smoother performance, better interface customization, and more responsive touch controls.

Users of this device can access the Google Play Store for downloading apps, though compatibility is limited to apps supporting the older Android version.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports GSM and HSPA network technologies, with data transfer speeds of HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps. For connectivity, it offers Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot capabilities, and Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, LE, and aptX support.

Positioning systems include GPS and GLONASS, adding reliability to location-based services. Furthermore, certain models such as the I8200N support NFC, enhancing communication capabilities. Stereo FM radio with RDS is also available for entertainment purposes, and a microUSB 2.0 port facilitates charging and data transfer.

The phone includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, contributing to a user-friendly experience.

Conclusion

The Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE served as a practical option for users seeking basic smartphone functionality back in its release period. Despite lacking the advanced features of modern smartphones, its compact design, decent camera performance, and reliable battery life made it a popular choice for conservative users who prioritize simplicity and functionality. Its place in the history of smartphones marks a period where practical usability and affordability were a top priority for many consumers.