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AT&T updates the $1 Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini (pictures)

For just $1 on contract, this new-to-AT&T smartphone gets an upgrade that keeps the year-old phone a competitive bargain.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

AT&T's rebooted Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini

The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini broke onto the scene a year ago, a smaller, more midrange response to the then-flagship Galaxy S3. Even though it may seem like AT&T's missed a beat -- after all, the S4 Mini is the midrange phone selling now -- the carrier's strategic pricing makes this $1 on-contract Android a fantastic entry-level deal.
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2 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Look familiar?

The S3 Mini has the same basic shape, contouring, and color scheme as the original, which also came in white and this brushed blue.
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3 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Shape and size

Compact, with a petite 4-inch screen, the S3 Mini has a glossy exterior that makes it comfortable to hold and easy to pocket, even if it isn't the slimmest thing around.
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4 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Specs to satisfy

Think of it as an entry-level device and you'll be happy with specs like the 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 4G LTE.
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5 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

5 of the right megapixels

The 5-megapixel camera packed into the S Mini takes some good pictures, just don't expect the same level of detail you'd get from a flagship Samsung phone.
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6 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Stocked with software

Android 4.2.2 helps keep the OS modern, and Samsung enhances the experience with a handful of extra apps and capabilities, including an easy mode for first-timers to get their Android feet.

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