Vodafone Smart Mini Full Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Network and Connectivity

The Vodafone Smart Mini supports GSM and HSPA technologies, making it suitable for 2G and 3G networks. The device operates at various frequencies, including GSM 850/900/1800/1900 for 2G and HSDPA 900/2100 for 3G. The connectivity speed is enhanced with HSPA, allowing for relatively brisk mobile internet performance, which was a key feature at the time of its release.

Launch and Availability

The Vodafone Smart Mini was announced and subsequently released in June 2013. Despite its popularity in the budget segment during its time, the device has since been discontinued. Its affordability and reliable performance contributed to a substantial user base, but advancements in technology led to its eventual phase-out.

Design and Build

The phone measures 115 x 62.3 x 12.2 mm and weighs 118 grams, creating a compact and lightweight design that is easy to handle. The Smart Mini features a Mini-SIM slot and its structural dimensions make it comfortable to hold and operate, appealing to users who prefer smaller, more portable devices.

Display

Equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT display, the Vodafone Smart Mini offers a resolution of 320 x 480 pixels, achieving approximately 165 ppi in density. This compact screen size ensures that the device remains pocket-friendly while providing a reasonable display quality for regular phone usage and light media consumption.

Platform and Performance

The Smart Mini operates on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and is powered by a Mediatek MT6575 chipset built on the 40 nm process. The CPU is a single-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9, paired with a PowerVR SGX531 GPU. This configuration, while modest by today's standards, offered sufficient performance for basic smartphone tasks and casual usage during its flagship period.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the device comes with 4GB of storage and 512MB of RAM. Users can expand storage via the microSDHC dedicated slot, accommodating additional data requirements. This feature was particularly beneficial for users needing extra space for apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Features

The Vodafone Smart Mini is equipped with a single 2 MP rear camera capable of recording video at 480p@30fps. While it doesn't feature a front-facing camera, the rear camera's basic performance was acceptable for simple photography needs at the time of release.

Audio and Sound

The device includes a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing essential audio functionalities. This design allows users to enjoy music and make calls with either wired headphones or through the speaker.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the Smart Mini is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS for positioning, FM radio, and a microUSB 2.0 for charging and data transfer. These features ensure the device is compatible with a variety of wireless and location-based services.

Sensors and Features

The device includes an accelerometer, allowing for motion-based controls and enhanced user interaction for supported applications. This sensor is standard in smartphones, aiding in many user-interactive functions.

Battery Life

The Smart Mini houses a removable Li-Ion battery, providing up to 500 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 300 hours on 3G. The talk time extends up to 13 hours on 2G and up to 7 hours on 3G, offering satisfactory battery life for everyday usage without constant recharging.

Final Thoughts on the Vodafone Smart Mini

At its price point, approximately 50 EUR, the Vodafone Smart Mini was a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a straightforward smartphone experience. Its compact design, basic smartphone capabilities, and cost-effectiveness made it a popular option. Despite its current discontinuation, the Smart Mini showcased Vodafone's commitment to providing accessible mobile technology to a broad audience.