The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos and S4 mini were popular choices for those seeking a smaller, more manageable Android experience. Both offer a taste of flagship features in a compact form factor, but which one holds up better today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy S5 mini Duos edges out the S4 mini thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially better software support. However, both are aging devices, and modern smartphones offer significantly improved performance and features. Consider your budget and needs carefully.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, August. Released 2014, August | 2015, June. Released 2015, June |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 131.1 x 64.8 x 9.1 mm (5.16 x 2.55 x 0.36 in) | 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9 mm (4.91 x 2.41 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 118 g (4.16 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 mins) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | To be confirmed |
| Resolution | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.5 inches, 55.8 cm2 (~65.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), TouchWiz UI | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1.5GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2.1 MP | 1.9 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX |
| Infrared port | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 63 h | Up to 55 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 200 h |
| Talk time | Up to 16 h (3G) | Up to 14 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 2100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1900 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Shimmery White | White Frost, Black Mist |
| Models | SM-G800H | GT-I9195, GT-I9195L |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 1.07 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) | 0.98 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.69 W/kg (head) 0.54 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.50 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos
- Slightly faster processor
- Dual SIM support
- Potentially better software support (though limited)
- Compact size
- Aging hardware
- Limited app compatibility
- Low resolution display compared to modern phones
- Camera performance is dated
Samsung Galaxy S4 mini I9195I
- Even more compact than the S5 mini Duos
- Super AMOLED display
- Familiar Android experience
- Slower processor
- Limited app compatibility
- Low resolution display compared to modern phones
- Camera performance is dated
- Smaller battery
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and good contrast. The S5 mini Duos likely has a slightly higher resolution, but the difference is minimal on these smaller screens. Viewing angles are generally good on both.
Camera Comparison
The S5 mini Duos typically features a slightly better rear camera (8MP vs 7MP on the S4 mini), potentially offering improved image quality in good lighting conditions. Both cameras struggle in low light. Front-facing cameras are likely comparable, offering basic selfie capabilities.
Performance
The S5 mini Duos boasts a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor, while the S4 mini uses a 1.2 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53. This gives the S5 mini Duos a slight edge in processing power, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. However, both will struggle with demanding games or modern apps.
Battery Life
The S5 mini Duos generally has a slightly larger battery capacity (2100 mAh vs 1900 mAh on the S4 mini), potentially translating to slightly longer battery life. However, battery performance will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy S5 mini Duos is a decent option for users on a very tight budget who need dual SIM functionality and a familiar Android experience. The S4 mini I9195I might appeal to those seeking a slightly smaller device and a more retro feel, but be aware of its limitations. Both are best suited for basic tasks and light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
For very basic tasks and a low budget, they might suffice. However, modern smartphones offer significantly better performance, features, and security. Consider a refurbished or budget-friendly newer device instead.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The S5 mini Duos likely received slightly more updates, but both are long past receiving major Android updates. Security patches are unlikely to be available.
