Samsung launches Galaxy S3 Mini

Samsung has launched a smaller version of its best-selling Galaxy S3 handset, as the firm aims to offer users more than one alternative to the iPhone 5.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini will ship with a 4in display instead of the behemoth 4.8in found on the original. The South Korean firm has also made changes to a number of internal components, so the S3 Mini isn't quite as high-end as the full-blown device.

The S3 Mini will be powered by a dual-core 1GHz processor instead of Samsung's flagship Exynos 1.4GHz quad-core chip. The rear-facing camera has been downgraded to 5-megapixels and the front-facing will have a VGA resolution.

However, the Galaxy S3 Mini will ship with the latest version of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which will allow users to start using features such as Google Now out-of-the-box.

It remains to be seen whether this strategy from Samsung to repackage the S3 will be successful. IT Pro will test the Mini to see if it is able to out-perform the iPhone 5. In the meantime, have a look at the specifications below:

Display - 4in WVGA Super AMOLED

Processor - Dual Core 1GHz

Memory - 8/16GB ROM, microSD up to 32GB

OS - Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Camera - 5MP AF + LED Flash / VGA Front

Recording/ Playback - 720p

Connectivity - Wi-Fi a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi HT40 GPS/GLONASS, NFC

Bluetooth 4.0(LE)

Sensor - Accelerometer, Digital compass, Proximity, Gyro

Dimension - 121.55 x 63 x 9.9mm

Weight - 111.5 g

Battery - 1,500 mAh