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Check out the Samsung Galaxy S4 not-so-Mini (pictures)

Its 4.3-inch screen makes it larger than any iPhone. Here's what else Samsung's midrange S4 Mini has going for it.

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 8 James Martin/CNET

Samsung Galaxy S4 not-so-Mini

At some point, Samsung, Motorola, and HTC got together and made a pact that all midrange variants of their flagship phones would carry the cutesy diminutive of "mini" as part of their name. And so the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini was born.

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2 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Side by side with big brother

However, the Mini isn't actually that small. It is smaller than the 5-inch Galaxy S4 flagship, sure, (pictured) but with a 4.3-inch display, the "Mini" still possesses more screen space than any iPhone.

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3 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Specs

The specs are perhaps the most shrunken thing about the phone, with everything scaled down from the marquee S4, from the qHD screen resolution to the 8-megapixel camera, to the dual-core processor and 8GB of internal storage. And of course, there's also Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

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Versus the HTC One Mini

Shorter and lighter than the HTC One Mini, but with the same size screen, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini vies for my pick as the best Android phone of this class. I gravitate for the One Mini for its stellar looks and smoother OS implementation, though the S4 Mini is a more than solid performer.

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5 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Slim and light

At just 3.8 ounces, this phone is extremely pocketable and portable.

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6 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Four carriers

You'll be able to buy the S4 Mini for use on AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular.

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7 of 8 James Martin/CNET

Two colors

It comes in Black Mist and Marble White, which both include metallic patterns on the backing.

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8 of 8 James Martin/CNET

One last look

The plastic S4 Mini looks just like the original S4, just more petite. It's a solid device, but has plenty of competition in the $100-and-below range.

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