4.5-Inch Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Arrives With Four Other Smartphones

Samsung has announced details of the Galaxy S5 mini, alongside four new mid-range handsets as the Korean manufacturer expands its Android range of smartphones.

The Galaxy S5 Mini had been expected, given Samsung’s recent tradition of launching smaller versions of its flagship devices a few months after the original release. The handset will be available in the UK later this month in black, white, blue and gold.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini

The Korean manufacturer promises that the S5 Mini will have many of the features of its bigger brother, including a heart rate monitor, fingerprint scanner, ultra power saving mode and dust and water resistance, and says it will be compatible with the company’s ever expanding stable of smartwatches and activity trackers.

However it claims the more compact 4.5-inch display makes it easier to hold in one hand than the S5, while a 1.4GHz quad core processor, 1.5GB of RAM, support for Cat4 LTE and Android 4.4 KitKat will ensure it can offer seamless multitasking and faster web browsing.

“As with our previous ‘mini’ devices, this latest incarnation combines the iconic design and essential features of the Galaxy S5 with a sleek and compact body,” says Ines Van Gennip, marketing director at Samsung UK. “A larger screen might not work for everyone, so the Galaxy S5 mini is great for anyone after a smartphone that they can more easily slip into their pocket or bag.”

Mid-range Android handsets

The firm has also taken the wraps off the Samsung Galaxy Core 2, Galaxy Young 2, the Galaxy Trend 2 (which is known as the Galaxy Ace 4 outside of the Europe) and the Galaxy Star 2, with the katter three making their way to the UK.

All four run Android 4.4 KitKat with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface and will look to expand Samsung’s share of the mid-range smartphone market. The Samsung Galaxy Core 2 and Trend 2 are the most high-spec of the four, with the  Young and Star catering for the lower end of the market.

Samsung hopes the new devices will help maintain its position as the biggest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. Since the launch of the Galaxy S5 earlier this year, Samsung has shown off its first Tizen-powered smartphone, the Samsung Z, and its new flagship tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

How much do you know about Samsung? Take our quiz!