The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini Value Edition recently hit stores in the Netherlands, quietly joining the lineup of Galaxy phones the company has launched since the 2014 Mobile World Congress in February. The Value Edition improves upon Samsung’s 2012 S3 model smartphone with some hardware and software updates.
What the Value Edition Brings
The Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini Value Edition features the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system, a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex A9 processor, and received an upgraded operating system and processor, International Business Times reports. It is currently only available in the Netherlands for €180 (approximately $250).
The phone also includes 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD slot. Further specifications listed on The Droid Guy include a 4-inch screen with 480×800 pixel resolution, a 5 MP rear camera, and a VGA front camera with 720p HD video recording functionality, which are all carry-overs from the original S3 Mini.
Does the Value Edition Bring Enough Value?
While a faster processor and upgraded OS are welcome additions to any phone, some analysts are skeptical that it will be enough to attract a large number of customers. The first S3 Mini faced criticisms that its features didn’t match its high price point, as critics expected a better-quality camera, faster processor, and better screen resolution, according to Droid Guy.
Smartphones Headed for Emerging Markets
Despite the fact that the Value Edition has so far only been launched in the Netherlands, Samsung may eventually release the phone to a wider audience as a way to appeal to the growing mid-range smartphone market. According to a Bloomberg report, mid-range phones targeted at emerging markets will account for the bulk of smartphone sales in the coming years. “There’s a huge opportunity in the middle of the market,” says HTC CEO Peter Chou. “Many people want to have an affordable smartphone that does not compromise.”
This attitude is being adopted by many smartphone companies that are launching products that dampen down on the top-of-the-line features. Fingerprint scanners or HD displays may be missing, but they are not essential features for a quality, utility-driven device. The Galaxy S3 Mini Value Edition certainly fits into this category, with enough under the hood to make it attractive to a mid-range audience. However, it remains to be seen whether Samsung will launch it to a broader market.
Does a Value Edition phone sound enticing to you?
Image courtesy of Flickr
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