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Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Comprehensive Review and Pricing

Release Date
2013, July
Camera
8MP
Battery
1900mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 400
Screen
4.3"
Storage
8GB , microSDXC
Ram
1.5GB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.2.2, up to 4.4.2

Introduction to Samsung I9190 Galaxy S4 Mini

The Samsung I9190 Galaxy S4 Mini, launched in mid-2013, was introduced as a compact and more affordable sibling to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S4. Designed to cater to users seeking a smaller and more pocketable device without compromising on essential smartphone features, the S4 Mini made its mark as a capable mid-range phone during its time.

Design and Build

The Galaxy S4 Mini features a sleek design with dimensions of 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9 mm and a weight of just 107 grams, making it extremely lightweight and comfortable to handle. The front of the device is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 2, while the back is made of plastic. The overall build is both sturdy and stylish, offering Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) options, catering to a wide range of users.

Display

The device sports a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 256 ppi. This ensures bright and vibrant colors, making media consumption a pleasurable experience. The screen occupies around 66.7% of the device's front, providing ample space for navigation and multimedia viewing.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy S4 Mini is powered by a Qualcomm MSM8930AB Snapdragon 400 chipset. It features a dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 CPU and an Adreno 305 GPU, which together ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The device comes with 1.5GB of RAM, providing adequate multitasking capabilities. It also offers 8GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSDXC card slot, giving users flexibility in storing their apps and media.

Camera Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is equipped with an 8 MP rear camera with an aperture of f/2.6, autofocus, LED flash, HDR, and panorama features. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. Meanwhile, the front-facing camera has a 1.9 MP sensor, suitable for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a 1900 mAh removable Li-Ion battery. According to official figures, the battery offers up to 12 hours of talk time on 3G and can last up to 300 hours on standby. For music lovers, the S4 Mini provides up to 49 hours of music playback, catering to users who demand long-lasting performance.

Connectivity Options

The S4 Mini supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. It features Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, EDR, LE, and aptX, providing excellent wireless audio performance. The device is equipped with GPS, GLONASS for navigation, NFC (in certain models), and an infrared port for controlling appliances. Stereo FM radio is available, except on the I257M model where it is absent. Charging and data transfer are handled via a microUSB 2.0 port.

Sensors and Other Features

In terms of sensors, the Galaxy S4 Mini includes an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the device's responsiveness and accuracy for various applications. The presence of these sensors ensures a smooth user experience for gyro-based games and applications requiring orientation detection.

Software Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini originally shipped with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, which was later upgradable to Android 4.4.2 KitKat. This provided users with access to a vast ecosystem of apps on the Google Play Store and an intuitive user interface with the TouchWiz overlay that Samsung was known for during this period. The operating system brought features like Google Now, improved notifications, and performance enhancements.

Variants and Availability

Throughout its lifecycle, the Galaxy S4 Mini was available in various models, catering to different regions and network configurations. Some of the notable models include the GT-I9190, GT-I9195, GT-I9195L, and SGH-I257M. The device was made available in a variety of colors such as White Frost, Black Mist, Blue, and other vibrant options like Pink, Orange, and Purple.

Conclusion

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini was a well-rounded device that struck a balance between performance, compact design, and affordability. Even though it has been discontinued, it remains a significant model in Samsung's lineup for showcasing how well a smartphone can be designed for those who prefer smaller screens without sacrificing functionality.

Key Features of Samsung I9190 Galaxy S4 mini

  • GSM, HSPA, LTE Network technology support.
  • Super AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 2 protection.
  • Lightweight design weighing 107 g (3.77 oz).
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 with Dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 CPU.
  • Expandable storage via microSDXC card slot.
  • 8 MP main camera with LED flash, HDR, and panorama features.
  • 1080p@30fps video recording capability.
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, DLNA and hotspot features.
  • Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Infrared port, and microUSB 2.0 connectivity.
  • Removable Li-Ion 1900 mAh battery providing up to 12 hours talk time on 3G.
  • Multiple color options: White Frost, Black Mist, Blue, Pink, Orange, Purple, Black Edition.

Disadvantages of Samsung I9190 Galaxy S4 Mini

  • Limited internal storage of 8GB, which may not be sufficient for many users without using external storage.
  • Low RAM of 1.5GB which might affect multitasking and performance with newer applications.
  • Screen resolution of 540 x 960 pixels, resulting in lower pixel density and display clarity compared to newer models.
  • Outdated Android operating system, with official updates only up to Android 4.4.2 (KitKat).
  • Relatively small battery capacity of 1900 mAh which may not provide sufficient power for heavy users.
  • Older chipset (Qualcomm Snapdragon 400) which might not support all modern apps and games efficiently.
  • Low-resolution front camera of 1.9 MP, which may not deliver high-quality selfies or video calls.
  • Discontinued model, so it lacks official support or software updates.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - I9190, I9195, I9197, I257M
4G bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - I9195
Speed HSPA 42.2(LTE)/21.1(3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2013, May. Released 2013, July
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9 mm (4.91 x 2.41 x 0.35 in)
Weight 107 g (3.77 oz)
Build Glass front (Gorilla Glass 2), plastic back, plastic frame
SIM Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type Super AMOLED
Size 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 2
Platform
OS Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8930AB Snapdragon 400 (28 nm)
CPU Dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300
GPU Adreno 305
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 8GB 1.5GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.6, AF
Features LED flash, HDR, panorama
Video 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single 1.9 MP
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX
Positioning GPS, GLONASS
NFC Yes (GT-I9195, SGH-I257M)
Infrared port Yes
Radio Stereo FM radio, RDS/ I257M model with no FM radio
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 1900 mAh, removable
Stand-by Up to 300 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 12 h (3G)
Music play Up to 49 h
Misc
Colors White Frost, Black Mist, Blue, Pink, Orange, Purple, Black Edition
Models GT-I9192, GT-I9190, GT-I9195, GT-I9195L, GT-I9197, SGH-I257M, GT-I9195I, SGH-I257, SCH-I435, SHV-E370K, GT-I9192I
SAR 0.89 W/kg (head)     1.38 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 0.33 W/kg (head)     0.32 W/kg (body)
Price About 230 EUR
Tests
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.127 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 75dB
Audio quality Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -86.2dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 54h

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