After a long wait, the Galaxy S5 mini is now official. Anticipation for this device started as soon as the Galaxy S5 went on sale globally since it has long been a Samsung thing to release what it purports to be “mini” versions of its flagship devices even before it became the new cool for others like Sony, LG and HTC who have since followed in Samsung’s footsteps with their own implementations of the mini phone strategy in exciting ways (like Sony) and the usual ways (HTC).
The Galaxy S5 does not offer anything that we have not seen before. It scales down things a bit (or even more). Not only is the display smaller so that the mini phone concept can be actualized but so are the internals of the device. The processor, the memory, the camera all suffer the same fate. What does not suffer however is the pricing since such devices are aimed more at those who want a cheaper version (help me understand how $600+ is cheap please) of a flagship device than those who want the exact flagship but in a smaller package for say better handling (one-handed use…).
In addition, the Galaxy S5’s standout features like that perforated back cover design, the fingerprint scanner, the Ultra Power Saving Mode, the heart rate sensor and the water and dust-proof capabilities (IP 67) are onboard. An IR blaster is also included.
Here are the full specs:
- Size and weight: 131.1 x 64.8 x 9.1mm/ 120g
- Display: 4.5 inch HD Super AMOLED
- Processor: Quad-core chip clocked at 1.4 GHz
- Memory: 16 GB internal storage/ 1.5 GB RAM
- Camera: 8 MP/ 2.1 MP
- OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat with TouchWiz
- Battery: 2100 mAh
- Others: Bluetooth 4.0 LE, LTE Cat4, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, NFC (only on LTE variant)
Dual-SIM variants of the device will be available in select markets.
The device will be available in Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold colours.
The Galaxy S5 mini will be available in Russia by the end of the month and global availability is expected to start by mid this month at around $650 (sigh). LTE availability on the device means the device will be available in major markets that have carrier contracting models mainstream meaning it will be available at an affordable initial price when compared to its flagship sibling just like the S III mini and the S4 mini before it.
