Samsung S3 Mini GT-I8190 Smartphone Review
Wireless communication is secured by several radio modules. Bluetooth 4.0 and WLAN according to 802.11a/b/g/n standards for 2.4 as well as 5 GHz networks is on board as well as GPS. Quad-band support for GSM frequencies the most important 850/900/1800/1900MHz guarantees almost worldwide connectivity. The fast mobile Internet connection via HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access) allows a maximum data transmission of 14.4 Mbit per second in the UMTS network. The fastest transmission speed currently still belongs to the Galaxy S3. According to Samsung, there is also an NFC (Near Field Communication) option for the Galaxy S3 mini, but this model was not available at the time of testing.
The connection performance of the communication modules is acceptable, although the WLAN module sometimes has difficulty, especially when it is further from the router. The reception in the GSM and UMTS network could also be better, but the GPS module can point in an enclosed area and further improves its performance outdoors.
Software
Samsung ships the S3 mini with the current Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean operating system - the latest version 4.2.1.is still reserved for Google-owned models such as the Nexus 4. Samsung has applied the well-known and tidy TouchWiz user interface. Along with this, many useful widgets like assistive lamp (torch), which can be created on the home screen. Pre-installed software includes products such as ChatON, Google Maps or S planner or S suggest organization apps owned by Samsung. S Voice voice command app is similar to Apples Siri Pendant and provides a decent addition with reasonable voice recognition.
Camera and multimedia
The front camera with VGA resolution (640x480 pixels), the motion sensor and the surround lighting of the Samsung Galaxy S3 mini are located in the frame of the screen. Optimal lighting qualifies the front camera only for video chatting. The main camera on the back has a resolution of 5 megapixels (2560x1920) and is supported in addition to autofocus by a flash. Videos can be taken in 720p resolution (1280x720 pixels). A 4x zoom brings motives but the image, as well as the video quality, suffers considerably. Samsung-specific functions such as facial recognition and "share a photo with a friend" are again on board, like the S3.
In hands-on testing, the camera proves solid but can't keep up with the Google Nexus 4 8 MP model. Still, it manages to take reasonable photos, especially outdoors and in well-lit rooms.