Samsung Galaxy S4 mini review: Little droid that could

16 July 2013
In Samsung's playbook, a mini version of the top smartphone is typically the first new addition to a flagship's fleet. Sticking close to a proven formula, the Galaxy S4 mini is a downsized and down-priced edition...

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  • D
  • AnonD-5533
  • jeG
  • 17 Jul 2013

Get real!, 17 Jul 2013Still, it shouldn't be listed at all under "Cons"... moreWhy can't you do much with the design. And what's wrong with Lumia designs. They are jazzy and eye catching. Leave alone the size. Look at the build quality. Matt finish feels really premium. Forget Lumia and look at HTC phones. Awesome design and build quality. There's lot of room for improvement. I don't know what keeps Samsung away from a great design. It can really boost their sales. I bet if S4 had been released with a better design, sales would have been lot better than what it is now.

    • G
    • Get real!
    • j5B
    • 17 Jul 2013

    AnonD-161447, 17 Jul 2013Design is subjective.But one cannot deny the fact that the ... moreStill, it shouldn't be listed at all under "Cons". Seems like lots of people are happy with the design. Samsung wouldn't sell that much otherwise. And honestly, there isn't much you can do on the design front. Sure, you could paint it blue, make the corners a bit "cornier" and get rid of the physical home button but then you end up with a Lumia look-alike. :)

      • ?
      • Anonymous
      • XMF
      • 17 Jul 2013

      battery test for web browsing and video are too good

        • D
        • AnonD-128485
        • ajN
        • 17 Jul 2013

        Where's the audio quality test? Does it use the Wolfson audio chip?

          • D
          • AnonD-161447
          • uvK
          • 17 Jul 2013

          Get real!, 16 Jul 2013I just find it ridiculous if I see under "Cons" &... moreDesign is subjective.But one cannot deny the fact that the same design has been used over and over again even after receiving so much criticism.Maybe that's what's meant by outplayed design.

            • a
            • advice
            • fwM
            • 17 Jul 2013

            AnonD-143815, 17 Jul 2013Its not worth to buy s4 mini because you can buy note 2 on ... morebut the size of note II is not convenient for every body.

              • N
              • Najib1312
              • IVQ
              • 17 Jul 2013

              WTH, this phone is priced at more than USD500!!! U can get Xperia SP for USD300. Samsung must be out of their minds!!
              For USD500, I can buy Note 2 or Xperia Z, which are WAYYYYYYYYY better than this mini crap.

                • D
                • AnonD-143815
                • 7wD
                • 17 Jul 2013

                Its not worth to buy s4 mini because you can buy note 2 on that price

                  • D
                  • AnonD-23226
                  • sGZ
                  • 17 Jul 2013

                  I wonder when we can expect to see smaller denser full RGB AMOLEDs like this?

                  Both this and Note 2 have the same arrangement, and the max ppi so far is 267... getting there :)

                    • M
                    • Mr Grumpy
                    • 6q7
                    • 16 Jul 2013

                    No LED notification light, another lame duck mobile from Samsung that's been unnecessarily crippled.

                      • u
                      • ugh ugly!
                      • Hkq
                      • 16 Jul 2013

                      Name S4 mini ?why ?Idk it looks like s4 that's why.
                      Samsung atleast do some justice with the name.Not even 720p screen comeon! What year is this 2010?

                        • D
                        • AnonD-55045
                        • N9x
                        • 16 Jul 2013

                        muzsielod, 16 Jul 2013battery life: S4 mini 13:10/09:47/13:12 --> 54h S4 11:0... moreStand... by...

                          • D
                          • AnonD-105795
                          • xA1
                          • 16 Jul 2013

                          benchmarks are impresive, it even beat Note II and Galaxy S3 in most test. The battery is awesome also, it easily beat every current flagship out there and only get 54h rating ? I didn't see audio test section, it's been left out. I might get this phone when price drop to around $450 and use T-mobile $30/mos plan.

                            • G
                            • Get real!
                            • j5B
                            • 16 Jul 2013

                            I just find it ridiculous if I see under "Cons" "Outplayed design". I sure can understand if the reviewer doesn't care for the design, however, this is highly subjective and, since it is an opinion, not a fact that should be listed at all. Personally, I prefer that "outplayed" design. The physical home button gives me tactile feedback as well as the advantage of finding it even in the dark since it is a real button.

                              • D
                              • AnonD-21271
                              • nTd
                              • 16 Jul 2013

                              More like:Little droid that could not!

                                • m
                                • muzsielod
                                • Lax
                                • 16 Jul 2013

                                John Shepard, 16 Jul 2013Maybe you should read the text too. You know - those things... morewell... you're right, thx :)

                                  • D
                                  • AnonD-202
                                  • ajP
                                  • 16 Jul 2013

                                  You mention:
                                  Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic

                                  Is this accurate?

                                    muzsielod, 16 Jul 2013battery life: S4 mini 13:10/09:47/13:12 --> 54h S4 11:0... moreMaybe you should read the text too. You know - those things between the pictures.

                                      • m
                                      • muzsielod
                                      • Lax
                                      • 16 Jul 2013

                                      battery life: S4 mini 13:10/09:47/13:12 --> 54h
                                      S4 11:01/06:58/11:29 --> 65h

                                      WTF???

                                        • A
                                        • A
                                        • Krq
                                        • 16 Jul 2013

                                        Great phone, I'll wait to compair it with the Motorola X. by the way, 1st!