SpecEagle
Launch report · Samsung

Galaxy S III mini: A compact spin on the S III name, sized for one-handed use.

SpecEagle Editorial·Oct 2012·$400·Score 38/100

The Galaxy S III mini borrowed the look and branding of the hit S III but with mid-range internals in a compact body. It started the "mini" trend of selling smaller, cheaper phones on a flagship's name — a marketing pattern that became widespread.

Key specs at launch

Display
4.0" SAMOLED
Chipset
NovaThor U8420
Memory
1 GB · 8 GB
Main cam
5 MP
Battery
1,500 mAh
Weight
111 g
What stands out
  • Compact 4" Super AMOLED, one-hand friendly.
  • Carried the S III look at a lower price.
  • Removable battery + microSD.
  • Light 111 g.
What to watch
  • Dual-core NovaThor was only mid-tier.
  • WVGA resolution.
  • "Mini" in name, not flagship-spec.
  • Mono speaker.
The phone it has to beat
Asus Nexus 7 (2013)
$229 · score 64/100