The Samsung Galaxy S III Mini and its variant, the VE, were popular budget-friendly smartphones. While both offer a compact design and familiar Samsung experience, subtle differences exist. This review dives deep into comparing these two devices to help you decide which one was the better choice back in their day.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy S III Mini VE (I8200) edges out the I8190 due to its slightly faster 1.2 GHz processor. While both offer decent battery life and a similar experience, the VE's performance boost makes it the preferable option for smoother multitasking and app usage, especially considering their age.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2014, March. Released 2014, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 121.6 x 63 x 9.9 mm (4.79 x 2.48 x 0.39 in) | 121.6 x 63 x 9.9 mm (4.79 x 2.48 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 111.5 g (3.92 oz) | 112 g (3.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 | 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | NovaThor U8420 | - |
| GPU | Mali-400 | - |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | VGA |
| 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 |
| NFC | Yes (Market dependent) | Yes (I8200N only) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 57 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 450 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G) | Up to 320 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 10 min (3G) | Up to 8 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue, Titan Gray, Amber Brown, Garnet Red, Onyx Black | White, Blue, Gray, Black |
| Models | GT-I8190, GT-I8190N, GT-I8190L, SM-G730A, SM-G730W8 | GT-I8200, GT-I8200N, GT-I8200L |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) | 1.14 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -82.1dB / Crosstalk -80.7dB | - |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 42h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.422:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 76dB
| - |
Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good battery life (42h reported)
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Slower processor compared to VE
- Limited storage (likely 4GB/8GB)
- Outdated software
Samsung I8200 Galaxy S III mini VE
- Slightly faster processor (1.2 GHz)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Limited storage (likely 4GB/8GB)
- Outdated software
- Camera performance typical of budget phones
Display Comparison
Both the I8190 and I8200 feature Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The contrast ratio listed for the I8190 (Infinite nominal, 2.422:1 sunlight) suggests excellent outdoor visibility, a characteristic shared by the VE. While resolution is likely similar (800 x 480), the VE's slightly improved processing power *might* contribute to marginally smoother scrolling, though the difference would be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature similar camera hardware, likely a 5MP main camera and a front-facing camera. Image quality will be comparable, with typical results for budget smartphones of that era – decent in good lighting, but struggles in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are also likely similar, offering 720p resolution.
Performance
The key differentiator lies in the processor. The I8190 boasts a 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9, while the I8200 steps up to a 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9. This 200 MHz increase translates to a noticeable improvement in app loading times and overall responsiveness, particularly when handling multiple apps or demanding tasks. The VE will feel snappier.
Battery Life
The I8190 is reported to have an endurance rating of 42h, which is impressive for its time. The I8200 likely has a similar battery capacity (around 1500mAh), so battery life should be comparable, though the slightly more efficient processor in the VE *could* provide a marginal advantage in some scenarios.
Buying Guide
The Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III Mini is suitable for users seeking a basic, compact smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing. The I8200 Galaxy S III Mini VE is a better choice for those who want a slightly more responsive experience and occasional multitasking, even on a budget. Given their age, both are best suited for users needing a secondary device or a simple phone for basic tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What's the main difference between the Galaxy S III Mini and the VE?
The primary difference is the processor speed. The VE has a 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9, while the standard Mini has a 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9.
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
Given their age, they are best suited for users needing a basic, secondary device or a simple phone for calls and texts. Don't expect modern smartphone features or performance.
