Sections
- Page 1 Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Review
- Page 2 Software, Performance and Camera Review
- Page 3 Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Review
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini – Call Quality
This is an area that, thankfully, we can say matches the S4 in terms of its results. With the earpiece sat in the identical position as the bigger S4, calls are loud and clear without any noticeable muffling. Even in built-up busy areas, the S4 Mini performs well. It’s worth noting that an in-call equalizer lets you refine the quality if needed, too, though we doubt many people will really need it.
Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini – Battery Life
The S4 Mini has a 1,900 mAh capacity battery, which is up from the S3 Mini’s 1,500 mAh battery power. In intense usage running several apps, downloading an 850MB film over Wi-Fi and playing Real Racing 3 at the same time, the battery quickly dropped to about 20% from full charge within an hour.
In more general use making calls, browsing, playing games, watching videos on YouTube and streaming music from Spotify, the S4 Mini makes it through the day with a bit to spare. We’d say it managed seven hours before nearing perilously low on the battery status icon. The quick access notification panels make power management easier to control as ever to switch off Wi-Fi or adjust brightness.
Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini?
If you really want a
small S4, then yes, you should buy the S4 Mini. It’s a very good phone that performs well and has a decent screen. If you want Android phone that’s more pocket-friendly than most out there, it’s a small step up from the Sony Xperia SP.
If size doesn’t matter to you, however, think twice. While it’s a very good phone, it’s
not the best mid-range Android smartphone available. The 4.7-inch Nexus 4 still holds that crown as its cheaper £239 price tag gives you a quad-core processor, a similarly impressive
screen and a nicer design.The 4.8-inch Samsung Galaxy S3 is now available for under £300, too, which also has a quad-core and a high capacity battery compared to the S4 Mini. If size is no object, we’d pick both before the S4 Mini.
If you are
weighing up whether to get the S4 Mini or the HTC One Mini the latter
feels like a more impressive ‘mini’ smartphone, but is still more
expensive at £380 – we’ll be posting our review of the HTC soon.
For more alternatives, head to our best mobile phones 2013 round-up.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is
the S4 without some of the frills. The specs are good, but not
ground-breaking. In terms of the whole package though, it’s the among the best
4.3-inch Android smartphones to buy right now.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini smartphone used in this review was provided by Phones4U
How we test phones
We test every mobile phone we review thoroughly. We use industry standard tests to compare features properly and we use the phone as our main device over the review period. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.
Trusted Score
Score in detail
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Performance 8
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Camera 7
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Design 8
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Usability 8
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Value 6
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Features 8
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Screen Quality 8
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.