Wireless communication is secured by several radio modules. Bluetooth 4.0 and WLAN according to the 802.11a/b/g/n standards for 2.4 and 5 GHz networks are also on board, as is GPS. Quad-band support for the most important GSM Frequencies 850/900/1800/1900MHz guarantee almost worldwide connectivity. The fast mobile Internet connection via HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access) enables a maximum data transmission of 14.4 Mbit per second in the UMTS network before the Galaxy S3. According to Samsung, there is also an NFC (Near Field Communication) option for the Galaxy S3 mini, but this was not yet available at the time of testing.
The connection performance of the communication modules is acceptable, even if the WLAN module occasionally struggles, especially at a greater distance from the router. Reception in the GSM and UMTS networks could also be better, but the GPS module can also be found indoors and further improves its outdoor performance.
software
Samsung delivers 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's own models such as the Nexus 4. In addition, the Samsung technical team has used the well-known and tidy TouchWiz user interface. In addition, there are many useful widgets such as the assist light (flashlight) that can be created on the home screen. The pre-installed software includes products such as ChatON, Google Maps or Samsung's own organizers -Apps S planner or S suggest. The voice control app S Voice is similar to Apple's counterpart Siri and offers a decent addition with reasonable voice recognition.
camera and media
The front camera with VGA resolution (640x480 pixels), motion sensor and surround lighting of the Samsung Galaxy S3 mini is located in the display frame. The white noise that occurs even in optimal lighting conditions only qualifies the front camera for video chats. The main camera on the back has a resolution of 5 megapixels (2560x1920) and, in addition to autofocus, is supported by a flash.Videos can be recorded in a resolution of 720p (1280x720 pixels).A 4x zoom brings in distant subjects, but the picture and video quality suffers significantly. Samsung-specific features like face recognition and 'share a photo with buddy' are back on board as with the S3.
In the practical test, the camera proves to be solid, but cannot keep up with the 8 MP Google Nexus 4 model. Nevertheless, it is possible to take reasonable pictures, especially outdoors and in well-lit rooms.
