Samsung is rumoured to be prepping a smaller version of its Galaxy S3 smartphone, a Galaxy S3 Mini with smaller screen and much, much cheaper.
Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini takes fight to Apple
Even market-leader Apple is now being drawn into a smartphone fight that Samsung is calling the shots on: device variety and choice of size and price point.
The South Korean tech giant, currently at war with Apple in the courts over patent and copying claims, is planning to fight the launch of Apple’s iPhone 5 with at least two new smartphones, say rumours: a Galaxy SIII Mini and a Galaxy SII Plus (of which there are no specifications available right now), as well as a new version of its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet hybrid.
Samsung Galaxy S3 vs Apple iPhone 5 comparison review
The Galaxy S3 Mini is rumoured to have a smaller Super AMOLED screen than the current S3: 4 inches, compared to the S3’s 4.8-inch screen.
It is also said to boast a 5-megapixel camera and dual-core processor.
See also: iPhone 5 release date
See also: iPad mini release date
The main weapon for its fight with Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 5 – strongly hinted to be announced on September 12 and launched on September 21 – will be the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini’s price tag of just £250, compared to the S3’s £500 SIM-free price.
The Samsung Galaxy S2 Plus could cost around £300.
This would give Samsung a wide variety of Android smartphones boasting AMOLED screens, at most price points: Galaxy Note II (£599); Galaxy S III (£499); Galaxy S II Plus (£299); Galaxy S III Mini (£249).
Apple is expected to release a smaller version of its iPad tablet, an iPad mini, in response to the popularity of 7-inch tablets such as the Google Nexus, reviewed.
Previously Apple had been aloof about the need for a 7-inch tablet, but companies such as Samsung and Asus are bringing the variety fight to Apple’s door.
See also: iPhone 5 release date, specs and rumour round-up
Analyst Jack Gold, from J. Gold Associates, told TechRadar that the Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini is a possibility.
"Could they do it? Of course."
"Samsung obviously needs to worry about the hype cycle - no matter what they would come out with, does it get blown away by the Apple hype cycle?
"Apple's got the same issue," Gold continued. "The reason they're going to come out with the [iPad Mini] is because there are people who want something smaller."
"The problem is the market is so fickle that the phone companies now have to release a phone every three to six months."
Comments
Ccaldona1987 said: I agree with you It is appalling that Apple is suing Samsung only when all other android devices are the same And also the trial should not have been done in American soil This further gives me more reason not to like Iphone I still prefer Samsung because of the options they give to people like me who really cant buy expensive but still want features
Holhan said: Its been reported by sky news that apples headquarters are only 10 miles from the courthouse and the jurors were hand picked from silicon valley where Steve Jobs is a revered technological pioneer so how was the shambolic verdict going to go any other way The case should have been heard in a neutral country and much more time should have been invested in considering all the facts What gets me is why are apple making such a big deal about Samsung when all smart phones basically operate and look the same Apps touchscreens wifi connectivity multi media devices all existed before the iphone came along so apple stole copied and adapted all these ideas to produce the revolutionary device Hopefully Samsung will launch an appeal and a more common sense conclusion will be reached
Blacksmith said: I always thought Samsung was never going to win against an American company in an American court especially with a jury Experts thought they would take a long time to reach a verdict as there was such a large amount of info to digest and questions to answer 3 days They must have all been patent experts It will be interesting what the rest of the World thinks Totally different verdict from a South Korean court who said that both companies were as bad as each other and had infringed each others patents Im surprised we are still allowed to buy TVs that have not been made by Apple Lets face it they are plastic rectangles with rounded corners
Cdtplug said: If that were the case then they wouldnt be selling like hot cakes i have the HTC one x and dont have a problem with the size of the device its all down to consumer choice and luckily with Android you get a lot of choice unlike the fruity phone
Jasan said: SGS3 Mini is to rectify Samsungs mistake in manufacturing a device which is considered just a little too large many people consider the design to be too cumbersome for the pocket consequently no purchaseThe problem with some companies are that they are orientated to betterbest another certain fruity company and neglet the needs of the consumer Better and bigger sometimes may not necessarily coincideSGS3 Mini with dual SIM will be most apt If one need anything bigger go buy a tablet
Cdtplug said: The s3 mini will be aimed at iphone users as they dont have the ability to hold anything bigger than 4 in their hands