Skip to main content

Galaxy S5 Mini arrives with fingerprint scanner, heart rate monitor, and 4.5-inch display

Surprising absolutely no-one, Samsung has launched the Galaxy S5 Mini, a shrunken down version of the Galaxy S5. Rumors have been gathering about the device since the S5’s introduction during Mobile World Congress, but now we have the official word on its shape and specs from Samsung itself.

Like previous Galaxy S Mini phones, it takes much of its design inspiration from its big brother. Here, that means a perforated rear panel, which Samsung says adds style and has an easy to grip surface, plus the same bevelled edging. The S5 introduced a fingerprint scanner and a heart rate monitor, and these two standout new features are also fitted to the S5 Mini. The heart rate monitor is also joined by the S Health app, which comes pre-installed on the Android 4.4 KitKat operating system.

Samsung has opted for a 4.5-inch, Super AMOLED touchscreen on the S5 Mini, which is just over half-an-inch smaller than the Galaxy S5’s display. The resolution is 1280 x 720, which matches its direct competition, including the LG G2 Mini, and the HTC One Mini 2. The camera has 8-megapixels on the rear, along with an LED flash, while the front camera has 2.1-megapixels.

Powering the S5 Mini is an unnamed quad-core, 1.4GHz processor with 1.5GB of RAM, plus there’s 16GB of internal storage, and a MicroSD card slot too. Both a 3G and a 4G LTE model will be released, the latter also coming with NFC. The S5 Mini meets IP67 standards for water and dust resistance, comes with a 2100mAh battery, Samsung’s Ultra Power Saving Mode to extend the battery life, and will be sold in a selection of colors.

Russia will be first to get the Galaxy S5 Mini, and it should be on sale very soon, but Samsung also promises the phone will eventually make its way to most other countries around the world.

CONTINUE TO PAGE TWO FOR RUMORS LEADING UP TO THE GALAXY S5 MINI’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Last month, SamMobile reported that the Galaxy S5 Mini would launch shortly after the Galaxy S5. This continues a pattern that started with the Galaxy S4, which was announced with a similar mini, small version.

Updated on 06-10-2014 by Malarie Gokey: A new report from SamMobile confirms the Galaxy S5 Mini’s full specifications.

So far, there has been no official word regarding a release date. However, a leak from Samsung’s own website hints that the device may be coming soon. A screenshot photo posted by @evleaks shows a device called the Galaxy S5 DX on Samsung’s official UK page. It’s not confirmed that it’s the S5 Mini, but it looks very similar. It even has the same plastic back cover as the Galaxy S5.

The leaked photo shows that the Galaxy S5 DX, or Mini, however you want to call it, comes in more color variants than its premium predecessor. The color options are black, blue, yellow, white, and gold. The photo also hints that it will be compatible with the Gear 2.

According to a new report from SamMobile in June, the Galaxy S5 Mini will be powered by a new Samsung Exynos 3 Quad processor with a clock speed of 1.4GHz. It will also feature a quad-core Mali-400 MP4 GPU, 1.5GB of RAM, and 16GB of storage. Luckily, you can expand the storage with a MicroSD card. Samsung also included an 8-megapixel camera on the back of the device and a 2.1-megapixel camera on the front. Both cameras are capable of recording 1080p video.

The S5 Mini is also expected to feature a a 4.5-inch 720p Super AMOLED display made out of Corning Gorilla Glass 3. According to this tipster’s info, it should have a  fingerprint scanner and heart rate sensor, just like the full-size S5. However, it’s unknown if the Mini will be waterproof, too, although that doesn’t appear to be the case. In terms of connectivity, the S5 Mini will have LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, GPS, and GLONASS. The smartphone comes with a MicroUSB port, too. The Galaxy S5 Mini is expected to run Android 4.4.2 KitKat with Samsung’s TouchWiz UX on top.

There is still no word on a release date, but seeing as we already think we know all the specs, it seems likely that the Galaxy S5 Mini will be announced sooner rather than later.

Article originally published on 05-07-2014

Editors' Recommendations

Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. OnePlus 12: Which one should you buy?
Renders of the Samsung Galaxy S24 next to the OnePlus 12.

The size increase may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a crushing success anyway. Samsung's new smaller flagship has a powerful new processor, an upgraded display, and Samsung's cutting-edge Galaxy AI. If you're looking for a powerful phone at a price less than four figures, then the Samsung Galaxy S24's $800 price tag is sure to appeal.

But OnePlus is ready with a strong competitor of its own. The OnePlus 12 is a larger phone with the same power, a capable camera suite, and some blindingly fast charging speeds. At the same price, you've got a tough job deciding between the two of them, and looking at long lists of specs can quickly make you feel dizzy. That's why we're here; we've crunched the numbers, placed them side-by-side, and broken down what it means so you don't have to. Here's how the Samsung Galaxy S24 compares to the OnePlus 12 — and which one you should buy.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. OnePlus 12: specs

Read more
You won’t find this Galaxy S24 Ultra deal on Samsung’s website
A person holding the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra using the Circle to Search feature.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a tempting smartphone with some unique new features, but it's also Samsung's most expensive non-foldable phone. That's probably why you're on the hunt for deals. Samsung's site has a lot of great deals for pre-ordering the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but we're here to give you an exclusive discount that you can't find on Samsung's site. By clicking the button below, you'll get $50 in Samsung credit when you buy the Ultra. You can still take advantage of the other discounts on Samsung's site, like $750 trade-in, $100 more Samsung credit, and a 15% student discount. This deal is only available for a couple more days, as preorders end on January 30.

Why you should buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a pretty special upgrade for Android lovers and is sure to top our look at the best phones shortly. Now sporting a titanium frame, it feels far classier than previous Samsung Galaxy phones. Its 6.8-inch AMOLED screen is more than just larger with its Quad HD+ resolution teamed up with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensuring it looks great at all times. 2,600 nits peak brightness outdoors means it’s easy to use in bright sunlight too.

Read more
Don’t miss this hidden Samsung Galaxy S24 pre-order deal
The Samsung Galaxy S24 laying on a shelf with its screen turned on.

Time is running out to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy S24. If you're interested in the Galaxy S24 or S24 Plus but don't want to pay the full price, here are some great ways to save a few bucks. When you buy from Samsung's site, you can take advantage of deals like $550 trade-in for the S24 or $650 trade-in for the S24 Plus. There's also $25 in free Samsung credit for the S24 and $75 for the S24 Plus. There are also student discounts and free storage upgrades. All you have to do is pre-order before January 30. Plus, if you pre-order from the link below you can can get an additional $50 Samsung credit for free.

Why you should buy the Samsung Galaxy S24
We’re expecting to see the Samsung Galaxy S24 take over from the S23 as the best Android phone for those looking for something a little smaller. It’s had a small increase in size meaning it now has a 6.2-inch screen but that’s all good. Said screen now has 2,600 nits of peak brightness along with variable 120Hz refresh rates that scale all the way down to 1Hz instead of 48Hz as before. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Pus now has a 6.7-inch screen with the same brightness and refresh rate but a Quad HD+ panel compared to the S24’s full HD+ resolution.

Read more