The Samsung Galaxy S III mini and S4 mini were popular choices for those wanting a flagship experience in a smaller form factor. But which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy S4 mini is the clear winner, offering a significantly faster processor, improved display contrast in sunlight, and longer battery life. While the S III mini boasts impressive endurance for its age, the S4 mini's upgrades make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - I9190, I9195, I9197, I257M |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - I9195 |
| Speed | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2(LTE)/21.1(3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat3 100/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | LTE 700 / 2600 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - I257M |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, October. Released 2012, November | 2013, May. Released 2013, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 2), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 121.6 x 63 x 9.9 mm (4.79 x 2.48 x 0.39 in) | 124.6 x 61.3 x 8.9 mm (4.91 x 2.41 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 111.5 g (3.92 oz) | 107 g (3.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~256 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 51.0 cm2 (~66.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 | Dual-core 1.7 GHz Krait 300 |
| Chipset | NovaThor U8420 | Qualcomm MSM8930AB Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean), upgradable to 4.4.2 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 8GB 1.5GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF | 8 MP, f/2.6, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1.9 MP |
| 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 |
| NFC | Yes (Market dependent) | Yes (GT-I9195, SGH-I257M) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS/ I257M model with no FM radio |
| 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, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 49 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 450 h (2G) / Up to 430 h (3G) | Up to 300 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 14 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 7 h 10 min (3G) | Up to 12 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1900 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Blue, Titan Gray, Amber Brown, Garnet Red, Onyx Black | White Frost, Black Mist, Blue, Pink, Orange, Purple, Black Edition |
| Models | GT-I8190, GT-I8190N, GT-I8190L, SM-G730A, SM-G730W8 | GT-I9192, GT-I9190, GT-I9195, GT-I9195L, GT-I9197, SGH-I257M, GT-I9195I, SGH-I257, SCH-I435, SHV-E370K, GT-I9192I |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 230 EUR |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) | 0.89 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) | 0.33 W/kg (head) 0.32 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -82.1dB / Crosstalk -80.7dB |
Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -86.2dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 42h
|
Endurance rating 54h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 2.422:1 (sunlight) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.127 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 63dB / Ring 76dB
|
Voice 66dB / Noise 64dB / Ring 75dB
|
Samsung I8190 Galaxy S III mini
- Impressive battery life (42h)
- Compact size
- Relatively affordable (used)
- Outdated processor
- Lower sunlight display contrast
- Limited storage options
Samsung I9190 Galaxy S4 mini
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 400)
- Better sunlight display contrast
- Longer battery life (54h)
- Slightly more modern design
- Can be more expensive (used)
- Still an older device
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, but the S4 mini's contrast ratio in sunlight (3.127) is noticeably better than the S III mini's (2.422:1). This means the S4 mini's screen will be more visible outdoors. Both have a resolution of 1280 x 768, so pixel density is comparable.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer Photo/Video capabilities, the S4 mini generally produces slightly better image quality due to its more advanced chipset and processing capabilities. Specific megapixel counts are not readily available, but the S4 mini's image processing is superior. Both lack advanced camera features found in modern smartphones.
Performance
The S4 mini's Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (1.7 GHz Dual-Core Krait 300) provides a substantial performance boost over the S III mini's NovaThor U8420 (1.0 GHz Dual-Core Cortex-A9). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience on the S4 mini.
Battery Life
The S4 mini edges out the S III mini with an endurance rating of 54 hours compared to 42 hours. This difference, combined with the S4 mini's more efficient processor, contributes to its longer battery life.
Buying Guide
The Galaxy S III mini is a decent option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize long battery life and don't need cutting-edge performance. The Galaxy S4 mini is ideal for those seeking a more responsive experience, better sunlight visibility, and a slightly more modern feel, even within the constraints of an older device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones still worth buying in 2024?
Both are quite old. While functional, they lack modern features and security updates. Consider them only if you need a very basic, compact phone on a tight budget.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both typically came in 8GB or 16GB storage options. MicroSD card support was available for expansion.
❓ Which phone has a better design?
The S4 mini has a slightly more refined and modern design compared to the S III mini, but both are relatively similar in their compact form factor.
