Nostalgia for older Android phones? The Samsung Galaxy S III Mini and Galaxy S II were popular choices back in their day. But which one holds up better now? We're diving deep into a comparison of these two devices to help you decide which might be a worthwhile retro purchase.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy S II edges out the S III Mini thanks to its slightly faster processor, superior sunlight display contrast, and generally more refined software experience. While both offer impressive battery life, the S II's performance gives it a slight advantage for those seeking a responsive older device.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 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 | 2011, February. Released 2011, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 121.6 x 63 x 9.9 mm (4.79 x 2.48 x 0.39 in) | 125.3 x 66.1 x 8.5 mm (4.93 x 2.60 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 111.5 g (3.92 oz) | 116 g (4.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~63.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 |
| Chipset | NovaThor U8420 | Exynos 4210 Dual |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Mali-400MP4 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), upgradable to 4.1 (Jelly Bean), TouchWiz UI 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF | 8 MP, f/2.6, 1/3.2", AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, EDR, LE, aptX | 3.0, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | Yes (Market dependent) | Optional |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (MHL TV-out), OTG |
| 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, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | HTML, Adobe Flash |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 450 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G) | Up to 710 h (2G) / Up to 610 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 10 min (3G) | Up to 18 h 20 min (2G) / Up to 8 h 40 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue, Titan Gray, Amber Brown, Garnet Red, Onyx Black | Black, White, Pink |
| Models | GT-I8190, GT-I8190N, GT-I8190L, SM-G730A, SM-G730W8 | GT-I9100, GT-I9100G, GT-I9100T |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) | 0.16 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) | 0.34 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -82.1dB / Crosstalk -80.7dB |
Noise -91.4dB / Crosstalk -89.7dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 42h
| Endurance rating 40h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.422:1 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.832:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 76dB
|
Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB |
Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent battery life
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Affordable (if found used)
- Lower resolution display
- Slower processor
- Less premium build quality
- Outdated software
Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II
- Faster processor
- Better sunlight display contrast
- More premium design
- Slightly better software experience (at launch)
- Larger size
- Battery life slightly less than S III Mini
- Outdated software
- Can be harder to find in good condition
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S II boasts a slightly better sunlight contrast ratio (2.832:1 vs 2.422:1), making it easier to view outdoors. While both have 'Infinite' nominal contrast, the sunlight measurement is a more practical indicator. The S II's screen also tends to be perceived as slightly sharper due to its higher resolution (1280 x 800 vs 800 x 480 on the Mini).
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature standard cameras for their time, offering photo and video capabilities. Image quality is comparable, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is where both struggle, exhibiting noise and limited detail. Neither phone is a photography powerhouse by today's standards.
Performance
The Galaxy S II has a clear advantage here. Its 1.2 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 processor is faster than the S III Mini's 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9. This translates to snappier app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a generally more responsive user experience. The Exynos 4210 chipset in the S II is also considered more efficient than the NovaThor U8420 in the Mini.
Battery Life
Battery life is surprisingly similar. Both phones offer an endurance rating of around 40-42 hours, indicating excellent longevity for their age. Real-world usage will vary depending on usage patterns, but both should easily last a full day on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy S III Mini is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a compact form factor. It's a good option for basic tasks and media consumption. The Galaxy S II is better suited for those who want a slightly more powerful device with a better display and a more premium feel, even if it's a bit larger.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
They can be a fun retro experience, especially if you're on a tight budget. However, be aware that they lack modern features like 4G connectivity, recent Android updates, and security patches. They're best suited for basic tasks and nostalgia.
❓ Which phone is easier to find in good condition?
The Galaxy S III Mini is generally easier to find in good condition due to its smaller size and greater production numbers. Finding a Galaxy S II in excellent condition might require more searching.
