Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Review, Price: Specs Of 4.3-Inch Android Mini Handset Delivers But Not Affordable At $400 Price Range; New Xperia Z1 Compact Groundbreaker

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini review, price: Specs of the compact version of the Android flagship of Samsung is meeting stiff competition from budget-friendly devices. The groundbreaking price of the Moto G and even the Nokia Lumia 521 Windows Phone 8 unit is definitely a threat to its appeal. The arrival of the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact won’t help either, as it’s the first Android “mini” that didn’t compromised on specs for a smaller size.

The downside to getting an S4 Mini continues. According to Engadget writer Brad Molen, one of their biggest gripes with the device is the lackluster 4.3-inch Super AMOLED display with qHD (960 x 540) resolution. The display specs translates to a pixel density of 256 ppi, which is a drop in quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Storage-wise, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini starts at a limited 8GB storage, but does have MicroSD support to expand it if necessary. In terms of camera, it has an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing camera. Video capture is at 1080p and it’s 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor is coupled with 1.5GB of RAM.

One advantage for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini is that the camera has a full suite of adjustable settings, such as white balance, ISO, exposure, HDR and a large number of filter and modes. As Engadget notes, the camera’s highest resolution are 4:3, though a 16:9 option is available using 6MP. Most of the shots taken with the S4 Mini with the tech site’s test were detailed.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini has the look and feel of an S4, except with a smaller size. But the main issue with it, aside from the display is the price. Roughly around $400 or more (a quick look at Staples shows one priced at $449.99), this smartphone could easily be beaten by the recently launched Nexus 5 with its $350.00 tag.